Butterkäse ("butter cheese" in German) is a semi-soft, cow's milk cheese known for its buttery flavor and creamy texture. It is moderately popular in Germanic Europe, and occasionally seen in the rest of the cheese-eating world. Although primarily produced in Germany, some Butterkäse is produced in Wisconsin.[1][2][3]

Butterkäse
Country of originGermany
Source of milkCows
PasteurizedYes
Texturesemi-soft
Aging time3-4 weeks
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Description

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Texture and Flavor

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Butterkäse has a buttery flavor and appearance. It is often described as mild, partly due to its brief aging time.[4] It is light in color, ranging from white to light yellow-orange. The softness and mildly salty or acidic flavor is reminiscent of Muenster or Gouda cheeses. Butterkäse first appeared in 1928 as a variant of Italian Bel Paese, which means "beautiful country". The taste of the cheese can be related to Mozzarella and St. Paulin.[5] The texture of Butterkäse is smooth and creamy, sometimes nearly spreadable depending on the firmness desired by the cheese maker.

Uses and Servings

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Butterkäse is often sliced and added to rolls and sandwiches or melted for cooking. It is commonly found in a loaf shape convenient for slicing. It can also be found in a smoked variety. Recipes such as Grilled Butterkäse, Mac and Cheese, Cheese Dip, Caramelized Onion Pizza, and Stuffed Chicken Breast have the cheese as their main or side ingredient. German dishes that can include Butterkäse as another component is Salad and Spätzle. It can also be paired with nuts and fruits for an equal cheese platter. [6][7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Hintz, Martin and Pam Percy. Wisconsin Cheese: A Cookbook and Guide to the Cheeses of Wisconsin. Guilford, CT: ThreeForks, 2008, p. 237.
  2. ^ Fletcher, Janet. "Mild Bodensee Butterkäse a buttery delight", SFGate.com. Published 18 April 2014. Accessed 3 August 2017.
  3. ^ undefined (2024-03-07). "Butterkase Cheese - Origins, Taste, and Uses - WhatCheese". WhatCheese - Every Cheese Tells a Story. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
  4. ^ "Butterkase". Proudly Cheese Wisconsin.
  5. ^ "Bel Paese". www.cheese.com. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
  6. ^ Montoya, Andy (February 10, 2025). "Butterkase Cheese: A Rich, Creamy German Delicacy". CY CHEESE.
  7. ^ undefined (2024-03-07). "Butterkase Cheese - Origins, Taste, and Uses - WhatCheese". WhatCheese - Every Cheese Tells a Story. Retrieved 2025-02-24.