After spending a year in Madison as a freshman at UW, I've come to really appreciate cheese. There are so many different types, and often the cheese is what makes a dish come alive. The best cheese, however, in my opinion, comes from Trader Joe's. They have a huge selection of high-quality cheeses, from pesto gouda to blackberry goat cheese. With so much variety, it's hard to decide what cheeses to try. Luckily, I'm here to give you the 10 best Trader Joe's cheese options so you know exactly what to get on your next grocery run.
1. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese is one of TJ's most famous products. The cheese lives up to the name with the hints of Parmesan, which provides an unexpected yet sophisticated flavor. Try it on sandwiches, eggs, pasta, or just on its own.
2. Pesto Gouda Cheese
This cheese may be green, but it's not at all moldy. The green comes from rich basil pesto. The strong flavor of the pesto makes this cheese a great snack with light crackers or even a meal with toasted bread.
3. Sliced Halloumi
Halloumi, aka "grilling cheese," has a super high melting point, so you can grill it up and it will still be in one piece. Halloumi is a soft curd-like cheese free of rennet and safe for vegetarians. This "grilled cheese" pairs wonderfully with watermelon and balsamic vinegar.
4. Cookie Butter Cream Cheese
Yes, apparently Cookie Butter cream cheese is a real thing, and I'm salivating just thinking about it. But watch out because wherever this is sold, it sells out quickly. Just get a frozen Cookie Butter cheesecake if you can't find it.
5. Feta Cheese With Mediterranean Herbs
Feta is one of those cheeses that you either love or you hate. I definitely think it's a winner, especially in Greek salad. Trader Joe's has a variety of feta with added Mediterranean herbs that fans can't resist.
6. Ash Rind Brie
I feel like Brie is one of those cheeses that you kind of have to develop a taste for. Ash, typically associated with goat cheese, is paired with fresh milk to create this elegant, slightly earthy, smooth Brie.
7. Toscano Cheese With Black Pepper
This cheese sells out instantly, so it's pretty hard to find. It tastes like a mixture of cheddar and Parmesan. Each wheel of cheese is hand-rubbed with cracked black pepper, so you get a spicy, peppery bite every single time.
8. Goat Cheese
Trader Joe's has all different types of goat cheese, from classic creamy goat cheese to flavors like cranberry and blackberry. All types of goat cheese sold at TJs is rich, creamy, and perfect on crackers, salads, or just by itself.
9. White Stilton Cheese with Mango And Ginger
Stilton's history dates back to the early 18th century in the UK, where it is still produced, strictly in three counties: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. If you can handle strong cheeses, take this new experience to a whole new level with the sweetness of mango and a kick from ginger.
10. Dutch Smoked Cheese
This Dutch smoked gouda is actually imported from the Netherlands, and you can't beat the price. It can add a unique smoky flavor to sandwiches, and is also great on crackers.
No need to stick to those boring deli slices when you've got these fab Trader Joe's cheeses at hand. If you go to Trader Joe's, you can find cheeses that will take your sandwiches and salads to the next level so you'll never be bored with your meal again.