A Cheese Lover’s Journey Across Europe

20 August 2025

If there’s one thing Europe does better than anywhere else, it's cheese. From pungent blue veins to creamy bries, every country has its own masterpiece of dairy delight. But what if we took things a step further? Imagine going on a full-blown cheese pilgrimage across Europe, tasting the best each region has to offer. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, grab your passport and your appetite—let’s embark on the ultimate cheese lover’s journey!

France: The Kingdom of Cheese

You can't talk about European cheese without starting in France. I mean, this country literally has over 1,000 varieties of cheese. It’s borderline ridiculous—but in the best possible way.

1. Camembert in Normandy

First stop: Normandy, the birthplace of Camembert. This soft, bloomy-rind cheese is creamy, buttery, and just the right amount of funky. Pair it with a freshly baked baguette and a glass of cider, and you’ve got yourself the perfect French snack.

2. Roquefort in Southern France

Next, we head south to try Roquefort, a blue cheese so legendary it’s been around for centuries. Aged in the naturally cool caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, this cheese has a sharp, tangy bite that lingers just long enough to make you crave another piece.

3. Comté in the French Alps

Finally, we stop in the Jura mountains for a taste of Comté. This nutty, slightly sweet cheese is aged for months (sometimes years!), developing complex flavors that change depending on the season. Melt it into a fondue or just enjoy a thick slice—either way, it’s heavenly.

Italy: Where Cheese Meets Art

France may be the king of cheese, but Italy? Italy is the artist. Their cheeses aren’t just food—they’re part of the culture, woven into the fabric of daily life.

4. Parmigiano-Reggiano in Emilia-Romagna

The "King of Cheeses" is no joke. Aged for at least 12 months (but often much longer), Parmigiano-Reggiano has a crystalline crunch and a rich umami flavor that makes it irresistible. Break off a chunk, drizzle it with a little aged balsamic, and taste pure Italian magic.

5. Mozzarella di Bufala in Campania

Forget the rubbery supermarket stuff—real mozzarella di bufala is an entirely different experience. Made from the milk of water buffalo, this cheese is soft, juicy, and bursting with fresh, milky goodness. Try it in a simple Caprese salad or on a Neapolitan pizza for the full effect.

6. Gorgonzola in Lombardy

For the blue cheese lovers out there, Gorgonzola is an absolute must. Whether you go for the soft, creamy Dolce version or the sharper Piccante, this cheese melts beautifully into risottos and pastas—or straight onto a piece of crusty bread.

Switzerland: The Land of Melted Goodness

Switzerland takes cheese to the next level with its obsession with melty, gooey goodness. If you love fondue and raclette, this is your paradise.

7. Gruyère in Fribourg

Gruyère is the backbone of Swiss cheese culture. Aged for several months, it has a deeply savory, slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for melting. Whether it’s stirred into a pot of fondue or layered onto a croque monsieur, it’s absolute perfection.

8. Raclette in Valais

Now, let’s talk about raclette. This isn’t just a cheese; it’s a whole experience. A wheel of cheese is heated, then scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. The result? A plate of pure, melty happiness.

The Netherlands: Gouda Galore

Dutch cheese is often underrated, but let me tell you—this country knows how to make incredible cheese.

9. Aged Gouda in Gouda

Regular Gouda is great, but aged Gouda? That’s next-level stuff. Caramelized, crunchy, and packed with nutty flavor, it’s the kind of cheese that gets better with every bite. Pair it with a dark beer or a glass of port for the ultimate experience.

10. Edam in North Holland

Mild, slightly salty, and wrapped in bright red wax, Edam is one of the most recognizable cheeses in the world. It’s perfect for snacking, melting, or even grilling—versatile and delicious in every way.

Spain: Bold Flavors, Bold Cheeses

Spanish cheeses bring serious character to the table. Whether you love creamy, blue, or hard cheeses, Spain has something to blow your mind.

11. Manchego in La Mancha

You can’t visit Spain without trying Manchego. Made from sheep’s milk, this cheese is nutty, slightly tangy, and develops deeper flavor as it ages. Pair it with quince paste (membrillo) for a sweet-savory combination that’s downright addictive.

12. Cabrales in Asturias

Looking for something bold? Cabrales is one of the strongest blue cheeses in the world. Aged in cool mountain caves, it has an intense, spicy kick that isn’t for the faint of heart—but for true cheese lovers, it’s a must-try.

United Kingdom: The Underdog of European Cheese

The UK might not be the first place you think of when it comes to cheese, but trust me—it has some absolute gems.

13. Stilton in England

England’s most famous blue cheese, Stilton, is crumbly, creamy, and packed with deep, earthy flavors. It’s the perfect addition to a cheese board, especially with a drizzle of honey or a few walnuts on the side.

14. Cheddar in Somerset

Forget the generic stuff you find in supermarkets—real cheddar, made in Somerset, is an experience in itself. Aged to perfection, it has a sharp, slightly nutty bite that’s utterly addictive.

Final Thoughts: A Cheese-Filled Adventure

A journey through Europe’s cheese capitals isn’t just about tasting—it’s about experiencing centuries of tradition, culture, and craftsmanship. Every cheese tells a story, shaped by the land, the people, and the time-honored methods used to create it.

So, if you’re a die-hard cheese lover, why not start planning your own dairy-fueled adventure? With so many incredible cheeses to try, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never run out of delicious new favorites.