Deli Specialty Cheeses – For Cheese Lovers

Have you ever imagined yourself walking through Paris with a fresh baguette in your bag, scouring the local street markets for the finest artisan cheeses to pair with a beautiful bottle of red wine? That makes two of us. As luck would have it, that fantasy can become a reality at your local Publix Deli, whether you’re a cheese aficionado or not. Perhaps you are looking to try something you saw in a recipe—we’re here to help. Did you know we offer thirty-six varieties from across Europe and even some domestic varieties from Wisconsin? Go ahead, grab that glass of wine, have a piece of that baguette, and take a journey with us as we help you choose a cheese that will make you feel like you’re on that European vacation.

Imported Dutch Aged Gouda

If you are looking for a rich, full-flavored cheese, look no further. Our Imported Dutch Aged Gouda is a smooth and savory cheese with a slight caramel flavor. Nestled amongst charming historic villages, windmills, and cycling routes in Holland, this cheese has been aging to perfection. Made with one hundred percent Dutch cow’s milk, this top-quality Gouda is aged on wooden shelves and turned by hand for at least ten months.

Flavor: Caramel overtones, salty, sweet and sharp

Texture: Firm, smooth, springy

Red wine pairing: Merlot

White wine pairing: Riesling

Snack pairing: Pears, nuts, and whole grain bread

How to store: Keep refrigerated

How to serve: Remove it from the refrigerator and let it stand one hour before serving, as it is best at room temperature. Slice thinly and enjoy.

Imported French Brie

When it comes to Brie, the quality of milk is important. Our Imported French Brie comes from a dairy in northwest France where the cows graze on grasses that produce incredibly flavorful milk. Once the Brie is made, the aging process begins. The edible, straw-colored rind forms naturally over the next four weeks as the cheese is occasionally, and delicately, turned. The finished Brie wheel is shipped across the Atlantic to be sold in wedges. The shelf life of the wedges is short—only fifty-five days—to ensure the cheese maintains its fresh flavor.

Flavor: Sweet and slightly salty, with fruity and nutty flavors

Texture: Hard and smooth

Red wine pairing: Pinot noir

White wine pairing: Chardonnay

Snack pairing: Pears, nuts, fresh fruit and whole grain bread

How to store: Keep refrigerated

How to serve: Remove from refrigeration 30 minutes before serving. This cheese is best at room temperature.

Imported Spanish Manchego

Our Imported Spanish Manchego won a gold prize at the 2014 World Cheese Awards. The United Kingdoms Guild of Fine Food organized this event, which included more than 250 cheese experts from more than twenty-six countries. Manchego cheese is produced in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, south of Madrid. This firm, buttery cheese is made from sheep, goat and cow milk, and is aged in seasoning rooms for three months. It is traditionally made by processing the curd in braided esparto grass baskets, which leaves a distinctive “zig-zag” pattern on the rind. It has a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor that becomes creamy as it melts in your mouth.

Flavor: Earthy, nutty, full-flavored, briny-dry and slightly piquant  

Texture: Firm, supple, dry

Red wine pairing: Rioja, cabernet sauvignon

White wine pairing: Zinfandel, pinot grigio

Snack pairing: Figs, grapes, pears, grilled peaches, walnuts, olives, sundried tomatoes or nuts

How to store: Keep refrigerated

How to serve:  arrange on a cheese platter with crusty bread, fruits and nuts, or serve as part of a dessert course. Slice or dice the cheese, and drizzle it with honey or top with your favorite fruit jam, preserve, or marmalade. Spanish Manchego also makes an incredible grilled cheese sandwich.

Imported Danish Blue Cheese

Our Danish Blue comes from one of the oldest dairies in Denmark at Høgelund, founded in 1889. Unlike the French Roquefort, made from sheep’s milk, Danish Blue is made from cow’s milk. Featuring thin blue threads that give it a slight bite, this cheese has a fine, nutty flavor with hints of marzipan. The taste is soft and elegant.

Flavor: Sharp, buttery blue taste

Texture: Soft, creamy, crumbly

Red wine pairing: Cabernet sauvignon

White wine pairing: Riesling

Snack pairing: Whole grain crackers and dried cranberries

How to store: Keep refrigerated

How to serve: Crumble the cheese over a crisp, fresh salad or a home-cooked pizza. It is also ideal for thickening hot sauces and dressings.

Domestic Fresh Mozzarella

The makers of our fresh mozzarella are carrying on a family tradition that goes back generations to Italy. To reproduce that same quality Italian cheese here in the U.S., they use the best milk from America’s Dairyland: Wisconsin. Using fresh milk, they create a mild cheese that is soft and creamy.

Flavor: Milky and fresh

Texture: Soft and delicate

White wine pairing: Pinot grigio

Snack pairing: Pair with fresh tomatoes, roasted peppers, herbs, cured meats, melon or grapes

How to store: Keep refrigerated. Consume promptly; freezing is not recommended

How to serve: This cheese slices easily and pairs well with tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil for a caprese salad. You can also cube it into fresh green salads or slice and layer it into pasta dishes.

Domestic Goat Cheese

Our goat cheese comes from a dairy founded almost 30 years ago in Belmont, Wisconsin—a charming village known for its picturesque farms and rolling hills. These farmers take great care of their herds using traditional methods, resulting in exceptional milk for cheese-making. Once the milk is pasteurized and cut into small curds, the curds are pressed into small logs to make the delicious cheese many have grown to love. Goat cheese has a distinct bright white color along with a soft and slightly crumbly texture.

Flavor: Mild and tangy

Texture: Soft and crumbly

Red wine pairing: Beaujolais, pinot noir

White wine pairing: Sauvignon blanc, chardonnay

Snack pairing: Apples, figs, raspberries, pears and walnuts

How to store: Keep refrigerated

How to serve: Keep refrigerated until 30 minutes prior to serving. The best time to cut a log of goat cheese is right from the refrigerator. Slice the 4-oz log into four to six pieces. Place pieces on crackers or bread, or break into several smaller pieces to serve on salads. The cheese is best to eat near room temperature.

With thirty-six varieties of specialty cheese available in our Deli and the delicious options we just shared, which will you choose? Tell us about your favorite cheese pairings and selections below.