6 Underrated American Cheeses to Add to Your Board

Celebrate American Cheese Month with these flavorful finds from artisanal creameries.

When you think American cheese, your mind might jump straight to cheddar—or worse, those plastic-wrapped singles. But here’s the thing: America’s artisanal cheese scene is thriving, and there’s a whole lineup of small-batch cheeses flying deliciously under the radar.

American Cheese Month is the perfect excuse to skip the usual suspects and dive into something unexpected. Whether you’re crafting a swoon-worthy board for your next get-together or just treating yourself (because why not?), these lesser-known cheeses from small U.S. creameries will bring flavor, flair, and a few “wait, what is this?” moments to the table.

Here are five hidden gems to discover—and devour.

1. Little Hosmer (Jasper Hill Farm, Vermont)

Think of Little Hosmer as the cool cousin of brie. This tiny, bloomy-rind cheese is soft, spreadable, and rich, with earthy undertones and a creamy center that practically melts over a cracker. Made by the famed Jasper Hill Farm but often overshadowed by their better-known Harbison, Little Hosmer brings balanced funk and buttery goodness in a snack-sized wheel.

Pair it with: honeycomb, dried cherries, or a chilled pét-nat.

2. Green Hill (Sweet Grass Dairy, Georgia)

Georgia might not be the first state you think of for artisanal cheese, but Sweet Grass Dairy is changing that. Green Hill is a double-cream, camembert-style cheese with a velvety texture and a subtle tang. It’s approachable yet sophisticated—the kind of cheese that gets your “cheese-phobic” friends to fall in love.

Pair it with: candied pecans and fresh peaches (because Georgia).

3. Red Rock (Roelli Cheese Haus, Wisconsin)

Sure, Wisconsin’s known for cheese, but Red Rock flies under the radar. This striking cheddar-blue hybrid is cave-aged, creamy, and mild with just a kiss of blue veining. Its natural rind and bright orange paste make it a visual stunner on any board. Imagine the love child of a cheddar and a mild blue—without the overpowering funk.

Pair it with: prosciutto and an IPA or malty amber ale.

4. Humboldt Fog (Cypress Grove, California)

OK, cheese insiders know it, but it’s still underrated in the mainstream. Humboldt Fog is instantly recognizable with its dramatic line of edible ash running through the middle. This goat cheese starts out tangy and citrusy near the rind, then becomes creamy and dense toward the center as it ripens. It’s a cheese with layers—literally and flavor-wise.

Pair it with: fig jam, Marcona almonds, and a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc.

5. Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Uplands Cheese, Wisconsin)

If an Alpine-style cheese vacationed in Wisconsin, you’d get Pleasant Ridge Reserve. A raw cow’s milk cheese with nutty, grassy notes and a subtle caramel finish, it’s America’s most-awarded cheese… yet somehow still slept on outside foodie circles. Each bite tastes like a snapshot of the lush Wisconsin pasture.

Pair it with: crusty sourdough, pickled veggies, and a light red wine.

6.Grayson (Meadow Creek Dairy, Virginia)

Grayson is a washed-rind cheese from a small family-run dairy in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Don’t let its modest origin fool you—this cheese is bold, funky, and complex, with a creamy, custardy interior and a pungent aroma that cheese lovers adore. If you’re into Taleggio or Époisses vibes, this American gem delivers that savory, meaty punch with a buttery finish.

Pair it with: crusty baguette, pickled onions, and a glass of cider or farmhouse ale.

Your Board, Your Rules

Building a cheese board is more than just slapping down slices—it’s storytelling. This American Cheese Month, skip the basic and explore the bold. Support small-batch makers, surprise your guests (or yourself), and remind the world that American cheese is so much more than cheddar—or the yellow stuff in plastic.