Our happy place? The Trader Joe’s cheese aisle. It’s packed with interesting, high-quality cheeses that are—somehow, magically—pretty inexpensive. From goat Brie to wine-soaked toscano, here are our top ten picks.
The 10 Best Cheeses at Trader Joe’s, Hands Down, No Contest
•
Published Apr 12, 2017
Trader Joe’s
Crumbly Gorgonzola
This tangy wedge has some serious bite, so it’s best sprinkled (sparingly) on pasta, chicken or steak. A little goes a long way, trust us.
Trader Joe’s ($6/pound)
Trader Joe’s
1,000 Day Gouda Cheese
This Dutch cheese is literally aged for 1,000 days, so it’s perfectly sharp and nutty. Plus, it has those delightfully crunchy little cheese crystals, so win-win.
Trader Joe’s ($12/pound)
Trader Joe’s
Pesto Gouda Cheese
OK, hear us out, cheese purists. This stuff is last-meal good. If the traditional Gouda flavor is a little too strong for you, the bright zip of the pesto balances everything out in the most surprising (but genius) way.
Trader Joe’s ($10/pound)
Trader Joe’s
Manchego Anejo
Fun fact: Manchego must be aged for at least 60 days, by law. So TJ’s played it safe and aged it for a year. Pair it with olives, shut your eyes and pretend you’re in Spain.
Trader Joe’s ($13/pound)
Trader Joe’s
Goat Milk Brie
We’re suckers for the classic double-crème, but this lighter, tangier version is great on salads and sandwiches. Best of all, it doesn’t leave you with that heavy, weighed-down, “I just ate cheese” feeling.
Trader Joe’s ($3)
Trader Joe’s
Espresso Melange Cheddar Cheese
This cheddar/Gruyère hybrid made with (yep) coffee grounds is a total conversation piece. It has a strong coffee flavor, so less is more when it comes to pairings. Try it with plain water crackers or just eat it on its own.
Trader Joe’s ($10/pound)
Trader Joe’s
Cave Aged Blue
Yep, this stuff is aged for 75 days in an actual sandstone cave in Minnesota, but it’s about the same price as the run-of-the-mill stuff you’d get in a traditional grocery store. Crumble some on your salad immediately.
Trader Joe's ($7/pound)
Jalapeno And Honey Chevre
Speaking of wacky combos, this one sounds like it would be weird, but it’s actually magical. A little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, a little bit cheesy. Perfection.
Trader Joe’s ($3)
Trader Joe's
English Coastal Cheddar
It’s the sharp, creamy standby that’ll always be the first one gone on the cheese plate. Pair it with honey and walnuts to really make your guests swoon.
Trader Joe’s ($8/pound)
Trader Joe’s
Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked In Syrah
Let’s face it: We never met a glass of Syrah we didn’t like. So this cheese is basically our dream come true. Toscano tastes kind of like a mix between Parmesan and cheddar on its own, which pairs perfectly with the blackberry undertones of the wine. Total candidate for night cheese.
Trader Joe’s ($10/pound)
