Check out our Best Cheese.
Okay, okay. We couldn't just pick our "Top Ten Cheeses of 2023" because, well, we have SO many best cheeses. Plus, as y'all know, we love to highlight both domestic and imported cheeses. Thus, we are presenting our Top 15 Cheeses in each category. We selected by total quantity sold (versus total revenue it brought in), and we kept it focused on our retail shop (so these numbers don't include cheese movement in our wholesale, trays, or events programs). Other factors that impact this list? We often don't have access to some of these cheeses year round or they're not in our case for some reason. (What that means, is you just need to keep coming in and asking what our fave bite of the moment is!) Without further ado, here were your top picks that you regularly purchased and walked out with in 2023. Thank you for helping us love and support artisanal cheesemakers. Blessed are the cheesemakers...as well as the consumers who enjoy their cheeses!
Beyond the List: Celebrating Cheese in Every Form
At Antonelli’s, cheese is more than just a product—it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a bridge to connect cultures, stories, and traditions. Our Top Cheeses of 2023 list represents just a fraction of the diverse and ever-changing world of artisanal cheese. But what makes these selections truly special is the community that brings them to life: the cheesemakers who pour their heart into every batch and the customers who embrace the journey of exploring bold, familiar, and unexpected flavors.
Domestic Stars: The Heart of American Cheesemaking
From Texas to Vermont, our domestic selections showcase the innovation and craftsmanship of American cheesemakers. Flory’s Truckle from Missouri impresses with its crumbly texture and tangy profile, while Rogue River Blue from Oregon wows with its complex, earthy flavors, wrapped in grape leaves and aged to perfection. These cheeses remind us that the U.S. has firmly established itself as a global player in the world of cheese.
Texas favorites like June’s Joy and Peach Chipotle Chevre bring local flair to the table, infusing the unique flavors of the region into every bite. They’re proof that great cheese doesn’t have to travel far to make an impact. Meanwhile, standouts like Mt. Tam from California and Cabot Clothbound Cheddar from Vermont illustrate the depth of flavor and texture American cheesemakers can achieve by marrying tradition with modern techniques.
International Legends: A Taste of Tradition
Our international picks transport you across the globe, offering a sensory journey through Europe’s historic cheesemaking regions. Whether it’s the nutty depth of Marcel Petite Comté from France or the rich, caramel notes of Brabander Gouda from Holland, each cheese tells a story of its terroir.
Parmigiano Reggiano and 1655 Gruyere remain timeless classics, delivering robust, umami-packed flavors that elevate any dish or cheese board. For those seeking something a little different, Quadrello di Bufala offers a creamy, tangy twist, while Sottocenere with its truffle-infused aroma provides an indulgent, earthy experience.
Honorable Mentions: Hidden Gems Worth Savoring
Sometimes, the best discoveries come from stepping outside the spotlight. Our honorable mentions list celebrates cheeses that might not have cracked the top 15 but still hold a special place in our hearts—and our cheese case. Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Indigo Ridge, for instance, are perennial favorites for their balanced flavor and versatility.
On the international side, Robiola Bosina from Italy and Roquefort from France are perfect examples of cheeses that are cherished by those who appreciate bold, distinctive flavors. And for the blue cheese lovers, Stilton from England offers a creamy, tangy delight that pairs beautifully with everything from port to honey.
Why These Cheeses Matter
Every cheese on this list represents more than just a delicious bite—it’s a celebration of the artisans who craft them, the traditions they uphold, and the communities they support. By choosing these cheeses, you’re not only treating yourself to incredible flavors but also helping sustain small dairies and independent producers around the world.
So, the next time you visit our shop, try something new from this list or ask our cheesemongers for their current favorite. You never know—you might just discover your next go-to cheese! And remember, our selection is always evolving, so there’s always a fresh adventure waiting for you at Antonelli’s Cheese.
Here is the list:
Domestic:
- June's Joy (Pure Luck, TX)
- Flory's Truckle (Milton Creamery, MO)
- Moses Sleeper (Jasper Hill Farm, VT)
- 10 Year Cheddar (Widmers, WI)
- Teahive (Beehive, UT)
- Menage (Carr Valley, WI)
- Plain Chevre (Pure Luck, TX)
- Kunik (Nettle Meadow, NY)
- Rogue River Blue (Rogue Creamery, OR)
- Cave Aged Marisa (Carr Valley, WI)
- Peach Chipotle Chevre (CKC Farms, TX)
- Mt. Tam (Cowgirl Creamery, CA)
- Jalapeno Cheddar (Veldhuizen, TX)
- Sarvecchio (Sartori, WI)
- Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (Cellars at Jasper Hill, VT)
Honorable Mentions:
Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Uplands, WI)
Indigo Ridge (River Whey, TX)
Seascape (Central Coast, CA)
International:
- Brabander Gouda & Brabander Reserve (Holland)
- L'Amuse Gouda (Holland)
- Challerhocker (Switzerland)
- Rougette (Germany)
- 1605 Manchego (Spain)
- Ossau Iraty (France)
- Sottocenere (Italy)
- Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy)
- 1655 Gruyere (Switzerland)
- Marcel Petite Comte (France)
- Caña de Oveja (Spain)
- Fourme d'Ambert (France)
- Quadrello di Bufala (Italy)
- Brie de Nangis (France)
- Ewephoria (Holland)
Honorable Mentions:
Robiola Bosina (Italy)
Roquefort (France)
Stilton (England)
Share Your Favorites!
Have a cheese from our list that you can’t get enough of? Or maybe you’ve discovered a hidden gem during your cheese explorations? We’d love to hear about it! Share your favorites with us in-store or on social media, and let’s keep the cheese conversation going. After all, the best part of enjoying cheese is sharing the experience with others.
Here’s to another year of great cheese adventures—cheers!
