Texas is one of the top 10 dairy states in the nation and, like craft beer production, local cheese-making is on the rise. In national competitions, handcrafted farmstead selections are standing up to varieties produced in cheesy hubs like Vermont and Wisconsin. We already know Central Market as a cheese lover's paradise for dozens of imported and domestic choices, but consider these local cheese purveyors and producers when aiming to satisfy your cheese fix.
Magnolia Cheese Co.
Add to your must-taste list: "The Locals" - five cheeses from Texas cheese makers presented on a pretty plank and paired with pecans from San Saba, balsamic reduction, house-made marmalade, local honey, seasonal fruit and toasted baguette slices. It's a sweet and savory experience that allows us to sample from multiple Texas cheese mongers in one setting -- and purchase a block to go from the cheese case if we desire.
1251 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.945.2221
Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese
Find Dave Eagle's artisan Gouda at Magnolia Cheese Co. as the star of the café's seasonal gouda and pork sandwich or pick up a block at Central Market. The former lawyer became inspired to handcraft his own Texas cheese using raw milk from brown Swiss dairy cows after witnessing the philosophy of local food in French, Swiss and German farmers markets.
2665 W. Hwy 377
Granbury, Texas 76048
817.579.0090
Latte Da Dairy
Anne Jones" Flower Mound goat farm, home to the former veterinarian's fleet of Nubian and LaMancha dairy goats, produces fresh chevre as well as flavored varieties that are widely used in farm-to-market restaurant hot spots like Ellerbe Fine Foods, Bonnell's and Café Modern. Also find Jones" cheeses at Central Market stores, or you can meet her in person at the Cowtown Farmers Market most Saturdays.
817.490.5004
Veldhuizen Cheese
Specializing in strong, tangy cheeses like Gruyere, blue and cheddar (including jalapeño and caraway varieties as well as a Texas beer-infused "redneck" cheddar – which we've enjoyed at Magnolia Cheese Co.), this Dublin farm is operated by three generations of the Veldhuizen family. Open for tours, tastings and online ordering.
425 Private Road 1169
Dublin, Texas 76446
254.968.3098
