In recent years, the Philadelphia area has emerged as a hidden gem for cheese enthusiasts.
From small-batch creameries nestled in the countryside to urban shops that boast rare wheels of traditional European styles, the region offers an abundance of artisanal cheese options that far surpass supermarket selections.
Family-run farms are crafting delicate blue cheeses, while innovative urban creameries are pushing the boundaries of flavor.
Philly-area cheesemakers such as Bandit, Birchrun Hills, and Valley Milkhouse Creamery exemplify the region’s dedication to quality and creativity.
Bandit, located in East Passyunk, excels in producing plant-based cheeses that taste remarkably like their dairy counterparts.
Their offerings include hand-rolled logs of sharp pimento that pair perfectly with morning bagels and a decadent blue cheese with earthy vegetable ash, all made without dairy products.
For those who appreciate traditional cheesemaking, Birchrun Hills in Chester Springs delivers a variety of artisanal cheeses.
This small-batch dairy farm produces delicacies like the silky Powder Mill, reminiscent of Valençay and coated in vegetable ash, and the popular Birchrun Blue, a semisoft blue cheese that has gained a loyal following.
Valley Milkhouse Creamery, situated in Oley, takes inspiration from French and Dutch cheese styles, infusing their creations with seasonal botanicals.
Their Clover Blossom fromage blanc, adorned with dried flowers, offers a bright, tangy flavor, while the chamomile-ripened Honey Bell delivers floral notes that evoke the essence of summer.
Perrystead Dairy, an award-winning urban creamery in Kensington, emphasizes the importance of sourcing milk from local, sustainable farms.
Their unique cheese varieties, like the irresistibly creamy Intergalactic, are designed to intrigue the palate with complex flavor profiles, and their self-service cheese dispensary allows night owls to indulge even after grocery store hours.
Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, located in Woodbine, specializes in sheep’s milk cheeses, touted for their higher calcium and folic acid content compared to cow’s and goat’s milk.
Visitors can participate in family-friendly lamb camp and taste their signature Bloomy Sunflower, a soft cheese comparable to Brie, known for its nutty and buttery flavor.
In addition to outstanding cheesemakers, the Philly area is home to a variety of cheesemongers that are raising the bar for cheese selections.
Downtown Cheese, a woman-owned shop in Reading Terminal Market, is filled with hard-to-find global fromages and an array of gourmet accompaniments like cured meats and fancy jams.
Claudio Specialty Foods in Bella Vista showcases an extensive cheese counter, featuring international offerings, including the Mimolette cow’s-milk cheese from France and Beemster XO Gouda from the Netherlands, alongside their in-house smoked mozzarella and provolone.
In West Philadelphia, Third Wheel Cheese began as a distributor for restaurants and retailers but has since expanded to include a retail shop.
This shop features artisanal selections from nearly 40 boutique cheese makers, showcasing Pennsylvania-based treats like the luscious Noblette Brie from Calkins Creamery.
For those interested in a curated cheese experience, the Collective Creamery connects local cheese lovers with small-batch producers focused on regenerative dairy farming.
Subscribers receive a box of artisanal selections from the founders and guest cheesemakers across the Northeastern U.S., offering new discoveries each month.
Riverwards Produce, with locations in Fishtown and Old City, is a ten-year-old market dedicated to regional cheese, highlighting offerings from Conebella Farm and other local creameries.
Their inventory includes specialty products from farms like Linden Dale Farm, which returns with unique goat’s milk cheeses after their seasonal maternity leave.
As the Philadelphia area continues to embrace and celebrate its diverse cheese culture, cheese enthusiasts have plenty of options to explore.
With everything from innovative plant-based alternatives to traditional artisan creations, the local cheese scene is not to be missed.
So whether you’re upgrading your charcuterie board or simply indulging your taste buds, the Philadelphia area offers an un-brie-lievable selection that is sure to delight.
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