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What Is Muenster Cheese?

Liz Thomas
Liz Thomas

There are two different styles of Muenster cheese, a European style and American style. Food historians do not agree where the cheese originates, though its roots are in Europe. Muenster is a soft cheese and is used in many recipes, such as cheeseburgers and grilled cheese. It has a range of flavors that are based on the type of milk used to make the cheese, and the how aged the cheese is when served.

Muenster cheese, made from cow's milk, has a white interior rimmed by a bright orange rind. The rind is edible but has a very salty taste. Young versions of this cheese, typically served in the U.S., are described as have smooth, soft textures with a very mild flavor. As the cheese ages, it develops pungent aromas and strong flavors often described as comparable to sharp jack cheese. Sometimes caraway or anise seeds are added for extra flavor and depth.

Muenster is made from cow's milk.
Muenster is made from cow's milk.

This is a soft cheese that tends to melt easily, a characteristic that makes it a popular choice for cooks. In particular, grilled cheese sandwiches can be made using muenster. It is also used often on cheeseburgers, in tuna melts and in quesadillas. When served on its own, the cheese is typically part of the appetizer course.

It also pairs with a range of wines due to mild flavors. Food and wine critics enjoy light red wines and fruity white wines with this cheese. Cooks should look for white burgundies, gewurztraminer and zinfandel wines if the cheese is served as part of a cheese platter or appetizer.

Muenster pairs well with lighter red wines.
Muenster pairs well with lighter red wines.

Muenster cheese is made in Europe and North America. One variety, French muenster, is made from unpasteurized milk. This is also known as the farmhouse version, and is often praised as the finest version of the cheese. Farmhouse Muenster has achieved French AOC status, a measure of quality.

Cheese made from pasteurized milk has a different taste, and is found in larger cheese manufacturing plants. Industrial versions of muenster cheese have very different flavors than the farmhouse version. These flavors are not as strong, producing a much milder cheese. The North American version of muenster cheese imitates European styles, though cheese connoisseurs often describe it as much blander than its French and German counterparts. In the U.S., the largest amount of muenster is typically produced in the state of Wisconsin.

White burgundy pairs well with muenster cheese.
White burgundy pairs well with muenster cheese.

Food historians believe that muenster originated in Germany or in France. It may have first been made in Alsace in an area that is currently called Munster. The region of Alsace has been part of both countries at different times, adding confusion to the argument over the origin of this cheese variety. Still other historians believe that this cheese originated in Ireland from a monastery.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@fBoyle-- I'm assuming that Munster is the French spelling and Muenster, the German spelling. We Americans use the German spelling.

I'm of the view that the cheese was made in Munster or Muenster when it was in the control of France because the cheese was first made by French monks. The word Munster or Muenster means monastery.

I like Muenster cheese but if you look at the nutrition facts, it's almost half fat. So I try not to have it too often.

fBoyle

Why is there a spelling difference in the French version of Muenster? Is the original name Muenster or Munster cheese?

ddljohn

I used to avoid this cheese in the grocery store because of its orange rind. For some reason, I had the assumption that it tasted like Cheddar. And since I don't like Cheddar and sharp cheeses in general, I never gave Muenster a try. Then, one day at a friend's gathering, I ate some Muenster from an appetizer platter not knowing what it was. I instantly fell in love with this cheese. It's very soft, creamy and mild. I asked my friend what it is and I was surprised to hear that it's Muenster.

I used to eat a lot of Mozzarella and Provolone cheese before. Now, I mostly buy Muenster cheese. I do make sure that I'm buying it young though and that's usually the case with most of the Muenster varieties at the grocery store. It's my favorite cheese for grilled and toasted sandwiches now.

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    • Muenster is made from cow's milk.
      By: marco iacobucci
      Muenster is made from cow's milk.
    • Muenster pairs well with lighter red wines.
      By: Felix Mizioznikov
      Muenster pairs well with lighter red wines.
    • White burgundy pairs well with muenster cheese.
      By: Dasha Petrenko
      White burgundy pairs well with muenster cheese.