Best artisan cheeses in the world

Explore a curated selection of the finest artisan cheeses from around the globe, ranging from traditional European varieties to innovative American creations. This guide delves into handcrafted cheeses made with time-honored techniques, highlighting unique flavors and diverse origins. Perfect for cheese enthusiasts and gourmets seeking authentic, high-quality culinary experiences. Discover the perfect artisan cheese for your next cheese board or pairing.

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  1. 1

    Crémeux des Aldudes aux Fleurs (France)

    272 Global Votes
    • Unique French cheese dressed with flowers

      (+4)

    This French soft cheese took second place at the World Cheese Awards 2025, standing out for its exceptional quality. Its recognition in such a demanding competition makes it an essential cheese for lovers of artisan products.

  2. 2

    Savel (Chantada, Lugo)

    234 Global Votes
    • Selected as the Best Cheese in Spain

      (+4)

    Considered by experts to be superior to Stilton, this Galician cheese stands out for its remarkable creaminess and a spicy note. It is an example of the high quality of Spanish artisan cheesemaking, especially in the production of blue cheeses.

  3. 3

    Artisan Cured Buffalo Cheese (Muntanyola, Spain)

    59 Global Votes
    • Creamy and crumbly texture

      (+4)

    This Spanish buffalo cheese has been an international champion and maintains its prestige, standing out for its intense aroma and creamy texture. It is an excellent option for those seeking cheeses with personality and suitable for the lactose intolerant.

  4. 4

    Parmigiano Reggiano (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

    35 Global Votes
    • Perfect crystalline texture

      (+2)

    Known as the 'king of cheeses', Parmigiano Reggiano is a monumental and versatile cheese, fundamental in world gastronomy. Its minimum maturation of 24 months and its umami flavor make it unequaled.

  5. 5

    Comté (Jura, France)

    31 Global Votes
    • Handmade by artisans

      (+4)

    Comté is an absolute benchmark among cooked pressed cheeses, valued for its complexity and depth of flavor. Its prolonged aging gives it notes of nuts and toasted butter, making it a pillar of French gastronomy.

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  7. 6

    Roquefort (Occitania, France)

    8 Global Votes
    • Sheep-milk blue cheese from southern France

      (+4)

    Roquefort is a legendary blue cheese, a global benchmark for sheep's milk cheeses, always present on the lists of the best. Its maturation in natural caves gives it an intense, salty, and complex flavor that makes it unmistakable.

  8. 7

    Beemster Royaal Grand Cru (Netherlands)

    3 Global Votes
    • Named 2026 World Champion Cheese

      (+4)

    This Dutch Gouda cheese was crowned the best cheese in the world at the World Championship Cheese Contest 2026, achieving the highest score. Its excellence in flavor, aroma, and texture makes it a global benchmark for artisan cheesemaking.

  9. 8

    Gorgonzola Piccante (Lombardy/Piedmont, Italy)

    2 Global Votes
    • Soft and buttery texture

      (+4)

    This Italian blue cheese is a classic with great personality, recognized for its potency and balance between creaminess and spicy character. It is an excellent choice for lovers of intense and complex flavors.

  10. 9

    Alter Fritz (Switzerland)

    1 Global Votes
    • Made with raw cow's milk from Toggenburg valley

      (+4)

    This Swiss cheese took third place at the World Championship Cheese Contest 2026, a recognition of its excellence. Its inclusion on the podium of a global competition consolidates it as one of the most outstanding artisan cheeses of the moment.

  11. 10

    Cabrales (Teyedu) (Asturias, Spain)

    1 Global Votes
    • Made in the artisan tradition

      (+4)

    This Asturian blue cheese is a global benchmark for its intensity and its unique maturation process in natural caves. The 'Teyedu' variety stands out for its special ripening, which gives it an exceptional flavor.

  12. 11

    Montgomery's Cheddar (Somerset, United Kingdom)

    1 Global Votes
    • Traditional, farmstead cheddar

      (+4)

    This artisan cheddar is an example of high British quality, highly valued for its complexity and flavor profile. Its notes of butter and nuts, along with a slightly acidic finish, make it an exceptional cheese.

  13. 12

    Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial (18 months) (Switzerland)

    0 Global Votes
    • Named World Champion Cheese

      (+4)

    This Swiss Gruyère was named 'Best Cheese in the World' at the World Cheese Awards 2025, the largest competition of its kind. Its prolonged maturation and alpine notes make it exceptional.

  14. 13

    Appenzeller Purple Label (Switzerland)

    0 Global Votes
    • Excellent in recipes like fondue

      (+4)

    This Swiss cheese took second place in the prestigious World Championship Cheese Contest 2026, demonstrating exceptional quality. Its high score firmly positions it among the best artisan cheeses in the world.

  15. 14

    Stockinghall (USA)

    0 Global Votes
    • Recognized by the American Cheese Society

      (+4)

    This American cheese won a Super Gold and was recognized as 'Best American Cheese' and 'Best Cheddar' at the World Cheese Awards 2025. Its multiple accolades position it as a benchmark for artisan cheesemaking in the USA.

  16. 15

    Hechizo (Quesería La Zarcillera, Lorca, Murcia, Spain)

    0 Global Votes
    • Best goat cheese in the world 2025-26

      (+4)

    This Spanish goat cheese won a 'Top Super Gold' medal at the World Cheese Awards 2025, highlighting the quality of Murcian artisan production. Its global recognition makes it a source of pride for Spanish cheesemaking.

  17. 16

    Manchego Cheese (Adiano, Spain)

    0 Global Votes
    • Famous Spanish cheese

      (+4)

    Adiano cheesemaker swept the World Cheese Awards 2025 with 11 medals, consolidating itself as the most awarded Manchego cheese in the world. Its commitment to animal welfare and its excellence make it a benchmark.

  18. 17

    Ossau-Iraty AOP (Agour, France)

    0 Global Votes
    • Full of flavor that melts in your mouth

      (+4)

    This sheep's milk cheese from the French Basque Country was recognized in the top 14 of the World Cheese Awards 2025. It is a classic that maintains its excellence and international recognition, being a pillar of French cheesemaking.

  19. 18

    Barely Buzzed (Beehive Cheese, USA)

    0 Global Votes
    • Award-winning cheese with multiple gold medals

      (+4)

    This American cheese is a popular product from an artisan cheesemaker recognized for its originality and creativity. Its rub with lavender and espresso gives it a unique and full-bodied flavor, ideal for cheese adventurers.

  20. 19

    Toscano (Quesería Ventimiglia, Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina)

    0 Global Votes
    • Unique texture and flavor

      (+4)

    This Patagonian artisan cheese was awarded a Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards 2025, recognized for its flavor that evokes the terroir of Patagonia. It highlights the value of local milk and Argentine cheesemaking mastery.