Perhaps we’llstart things off with a quick language lesson, shall we? Say it with us: “booter-keh-zuh”. Still not sure if you’re getting it right? Try this helpful pronunciation lessonif you really want to nail it.
In German, the word “butterkäse” roughly translates to “buttercheese”. As a cheese-loving group of folks living in the State of Cheese, wecan tell you firsthand that butter and cheese are pretty much the ultimatedairy duo. But that’s where the magic of butterkäse really shines — it doesn’thave any butter in it.
Intrigued? We thought you might be.
Cheese history: The story behind butterkäse
To get to the bottom of butterkäse, we’ve got to go back towhen it all began. Which honestly, wasn’t all that long ago. In 1906, anItalian cheese called Bel Paese hit the streets. Itssoft, buttery qualities were quickly becoming a favorite across Europe, andcreameries everywhere wanted to create something similar.
However, the Italianswere very clever about protecting their original products, and upon realizingthe popularity of Bel Paese, they swiftly trademarked the name. This meant that othercreameries would have to come up with their own versions.
The Staatliche Molkerei Weihenstephan dairycompany threw their hat into the butter cheese game in 1928. They produced the first Germanversion of the popular Italian formaggio, marketing it as Butterkäse. Itappealed to the general public, and especially to children who, like most youngkids, weren’t into the “stinky” cheeses German cheesemakers were known for.
Butterkäse was mild in flavor, inexpensive to make (thanksto modern factory production and this cheese's short aging process), and easy to use onsandwiches and other quick-to-prepare foods. Its delicate character also earnedit the nickname damenkäse, meaning "ladies cheese".
And there you have it — a käse star was born!Over the decades, butterkäse has actually surpassed BelPaese in terms of popularity, offering a richer, more buttery flavor than itspredecessor.
Today, the butter cheese tradition continues, but in Wisconsin, it’staken a distinctively artisan turn from its mass-produced ancestors. Wisconsin Butterkäse is reminiscent of a young gouda or muenster with plenty of Old World heritage blended withdecades of innovation.
All about butterkäse
How is butterkäse made?
Like most cheeses, butterkäse is made from milk,cultures, rennet, and salt. The main difference is thatfor this particular cheese, the milk is heated to a high temperature before the rennet is added. Itthen gently acidifies and coagulates with rennet, leaving it with a higher moisturecontent and a milder flavor. The curds are cooked and separated,then salt is added, the shape is formed, and it’s aged for just one month.
The airy holes (a.k.a. eyes) are a result of the lightpressing, giving butterkäse a look similar to other cheeses popular in Germany,Switzerland, and Austria like raclette, emmentaler, and gruyere. Butterkäse contains around 50% butterfat, anddue to the combination of the high fat content and its short agingprocess, it takes on a butter-like flavor, even though it doesn’t really contain butter.
What does butterkäse taste like?
If you love the taste of butter, but you don’twant to go around munching on sticks of butter (for numerous reasons), thenthis could be the cheese for you. Sticks of butter aren’t popular snack choicesbecause a) they’re slippery and b) there really are some limits to decadencethat we can’t justify crossing.
However, butterkäse is like the perfectmarriage between cheese and butter. It’s incredibly creamy and smooth, but therichness is delicately balanced. You can think of it as the love child of, for example, atriple cream brie, half a stick of butter, and the melty texture of Americancheese. Hey, no one said love was easy.
How long is butterkäse aged?
This cheese ripens after only one month. So,it’s always worth the wait—especially because it’s a short one.
Must-try Wisconsin Butterkäse
Edelweiss Butterkase: One of the best, mostbuttery specimens statewide is this one fromEdelweiss Creameryin Monticello, Wisconsin. Not only is this wedge oneof the most Wisconsin-esque cheeses you’ll find, but it’s also made using rBGH-free milk sourced from three farms.
Master Cheesemaker Bruce Workman and the rest of the Edelweiss crew know exactly how the animals are cared for, what they eat, and they can see for themselves how high the quality of their milk really is. Believe us when we say that you can taste the difference with this cheese!
Saxon Creamery Snowfields: Another spectacular Wisconsin Butterkäse isSnowfields Butterkäse Style Cheesefrom Saxon Creamery in Malone, Wisconsin. They useautumn and winter milk for this delicately flavored cheese. Since the cows feastfreely on field grasses, you can detect a wonderland of seasonal flavor notes, from sweetalmond to hay and even a touch of lemon, in every bite.
Saxon Creamyer also offersself-guided tours if you find yourself in the area and craving around of cheese. It’s well worth a visit, particularly because they’ve beenspearheading the sustainablecheese production practices that have been sweeping Wisconsin farmsteadsin recent years.
Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery Sark: Made from award-winning Guernseymilk that’s produced right on Hoard’s Dairymans’ historic farm, thistriple-cream butterkäse is delightfully buttery yet versatile. Despite beingdecadently melt-in-your-mouth, this butterkäse improves basically any dish it’sadded to. Soup? Grate some Sark on top. Warm pasta? Ditto.Steamed veggies? You guessed it, Sark!Sark won't do you wrong.
The name of this butterkäse comes the island of Sark found inthe English Channel, a neighbor of the larger island of Guernsey and right off the coast of Normandy. If you’re looking for acheese that you could taste every day and never get tired of, Hoard’sDairyman Creamery has you covered with Sark.
Pairing butterkäse
What beer goes well withButterkäse?
Since beer and cheese pairings are all about balance andcontrast, you want to reach for something dry enough to cut through therichness of butterkäse's flavor. Pair this decadent buttery cheese with a Germanpilsner, lager, Kolsch, or a weiss beer.
What wine pairs best with butterkäse?
The perfect pairing for this cheese is itsGerman buddy,riesling. You could also opt for a chardonnay or even adessert wine.
What accompaniments should Iserve with Butterkäse?
This isone cheese that’s unique in its ability to span from simple to sophisticated with ease.Kids love it in the most uncomplicated kid-friendly dishes, and it also has themagic ability to crossover into adult-ville, landing on cheese boards infancy restaurants and at upscale dinner parties.
Pro-tip: If your butterkäse is destined for a cheese board, cut it as soon as you takeit out of the fridge. Otherwise, the creamy consistency sets in and, well...things get messy. Unless, of course, you meant for it to be spreadable, in which case, you’re agenius. That’s the beauty of butterkäse: it works both ways!
ThroughoutGermany and Austria, spaetzle is one of the most populardishes you’ll encounter. These noodle-y dumplings are usually served with gravyor a cheesy sauce. Basically, noodles and cheese. Remind you of anything? Whenyou want to upgrade your next mac and cheese, think butterkäse.
And that’snot all. Melt it in a pot for a richly satisfying fondue. Use it in a béchamel for your next plate ofnachos or smother it over a burrito. Add a thick slice to top off a decadentburger. Butterkäse elevates any dish that relies on a melty, velvety smoothtextured cheese or cheese sauce.
Our friendBob Wills, a Butterkäse Master Cheesemaker over at Cedar GroveCheese, swears by the butterkäse grilled cheese.It’s easyto see why it works so well with the world’s favorite melty, gooey sandwich.Bread, butter, and buttery cheese — we’ll take two, please!
Ready to melt?
Now that you've met one of your new best cheese friends, you know exactly what Wisconsin Butterkäse to look for whether it’s for your next dinner party or your next comfort-fueled mac and cheese dinner. Why stick with the same ol’ cheddar when you can butterkäse?
If this deep dive into Wisconsin Butterkäse has youfeeling cheesy, check out our selection of over 400 handcrafted recipesfeaturing Wisconsin Cheese. Get inspiration from our Instagram feed or our Facebook page!
Searching high and low for that one WisconsinCheese with no luck? You can get all your favorite Wisconsin Cheeses deliveredright to your door with our continuously updated list of cheesemakers andretailers that allow you to order cheeseonline. Award-winning Wisconsin Cheese is just a click away!
FAQs
What cheese is similar to butterkäse?
The cheese most similar tobutterkäse would be muenster, but its texture is closer to brie with a morebuttery flavor profile.
How do you eat butterkäse?
Its best use is for any dishthat calls for a rich, melty cheese. Think mac and cheese, grilled cheese, orfondue.
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