Where Can I Buy Brick Cheese Near Me?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Cheese

If you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious about unique and flavorful varieties, brick cheese is a delightful find that deserves a spot on your cheese board. Known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy taste, brick cheese offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from more common cheeses. Whether you’re planning to elevate your sandwiches, melt it over a dish, or enjoy it on its own, knowing where to buy brick cheese is the first step to savoring this Midwestern specialty.

Brick cheese, with its roots deeply embedded in Wisconsin’s cheese-making tradition, has gained popularity for its versatility and robust flavor profile. While it may not be as ubiquitous as cheddar or mozzarella, brick cheese is increasingly available through a variety of retail channels. From specialty cheese shops to online gourmet retailers, finding the right source can enhance your culinary adventures and ensure you get authentic, high-quality brick cheese.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the best places to purchase brick cheese, including local markets, specialty stores, and trusted online vendors. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese lover or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you discover where to find this unique cheese and how to choose the best options available.

Where to Purchase Brick Cheese

Finding authentic brick cheese can be a bit challenging due to its regional specialty status, primarily associated with Wisconsin. However, there are several reliable options where you can purchase this unique cheese, both in physical stores and online.

Specialty Cheese Shops
Specialty cheese shops often carry a variety of artisanal and regional cheeses, including brick cheese. These shops are more likely to stock authentic brick cheese sourced from Wisconsin creameries. Visiting a specialty shop allows you to:

  • Ask knowledgeable staff for recommendations and pairing suggestions.
  • Sample the cheese before purchasing.
  • Discover other complementary cheeses and products.

Farmers’ Markets and Local Dairies
In Wisconsin and neighboring states, local farmers’ markets and dairies frequently sell brick cheese directly to consumers. Buying from these sources ensures freshness and supports local producers. When visiting farmers’ markets, inquire about:

  • The cheese’s aging process.
  • Whether the cheese is pasteurized or raw milk.
  • Availability of different varieties, such as aged or smoked brick cheese.

Supermarkets and Grocery Chains
Some larger supermarkets with extensive cheese selections may carry brick cheese, particularly in areas with strong Wisconsin or Midwest ties. Stores to check include:

  • Whole Foods Market
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Kroger
  • Safeway

Availability may vary seasonally and by location, so calling ahead or checking online inventories can save time.

Online Retailers
The internet offers a convenient way to purchase brick cheese, especially if local options are limited. Many reputable online cheese retailers specialize in regional cheeses and ship nationwide. Benefits of buying online include:

  • Access to a wider selection of brick cheese styles and brands.
  • Detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.
  • Shipping directly to your door, often with temperature-controlled packaging.

Popular online stores include:

  • Murray’s Cheese
  • Cowgirl Creamery
  • Amazon (through specialty food sellers)
  • Wisconsin Cheese Mart

Comparison of Popular Brick Cheese Sources

Source Advantages Considerations Typical Price Range (per lb)
Specialty Cheese Shops Expert advice, ability to sample, high-quality selection Limited locations, potentially higher prices $15 – $25
Farmers’ Markets / Local Dairies Freshness, support local producers, unique varieties Seasonal availability, limited supply $12 – $20
Supermarkets Convenience, widespread access Limited brands, may lack authentic Wisconsin brick cheese $10 – $18
Online Retailers Wide selection, nationwide shipping, detailed product info Shipping costs, potential delays, packaging considerations $18 – $30

Tips for Selecting Quality Brick Cheese

When purchasing brick cheese, quality factors to consider include:

  • Origin: Authentic brick cheese typically comes from Wisconsin. Verify the source to ensure traditional methods.
  • Texture and Color: Look for a creamy, semi-soft texture with a pale to golden-yellow color.
  • Aging: Younger brick cheese is mild and smooth, while aged varieties develop a stronger, nuttier flavor.
  • Packaging: Cheese should be properly sealed to prevent drying or contamination. Vacuum-sealed packaging is preferable.
  • Smoked Varieties: Some brick cheeses are smoked, adding complexity to the flavor profile. Confirm if you prefer this style.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can confidently select brick cheese that suits your taste and culinary needs.

Where to Buy Brick Cheese

Brick cheese is a semi-soft cheese originating from Wisconsin, characterized by its pale yellow color and mild, buttery flavor. When looking to purchase brick cheese, several avenues provide access to this specialty product, ranging from local retailers to online vendors.

Specialty Cheese Shops and Delis

Specialty cheese shops and delicatessens often stock brick cheese due to their focus on artisanal and regional cheeses. These establishments may offer both domestic and imported varieties, and their staff can provide expert advice on selection and pairing.

  • Advantages: Access to fresh, high-quality brick cheese; knowledgeable staff.
  • Tips: Inquire about the cheese’s origin, aging process, and flavor profile to ensure it matches your needs.

Grocery Stores with Specialty Cheese Sections

Many larger grocery stores, especially those with well-developed cheese or gourmet food sections, carry brick cheese. Examples include national chains and regional stores known for diverse cheese selections.

  • Stores such as Whole Foods Market, Wegmans, and some Kroger locations often stock brick cheese.
  • Check refrigerated cheese aisles or specialty cheese counters.
  • Availability may vary seasonally or by region.

Farmers’ Markets and Local Dairy Farms

In regions where brick cheese is produced, such as Wisconsin, farmers’ markets and local dairy farms may sell fresh brick cheese directly to consumers. This option supports local producers and often guarantees freshness and authenticity.

  • Visit markets during peak cheese-selling seasons, often spring through fall.
  • Ask producers about their cheese-making methods and aging practices.

Online Retailers and Specialty Food Websites

Online shopping offers convenient access to brick cheese, especially if local options are limited. Several reputable online vendors specialize in cheese and gourmet foods, shipping products nationwide.

Vendor Features Shipping
Murray’s Cheese Wide variety of artisan cheeses, expert-curated selections Nationwide with refrigerated packaging
Cheese.com Large cheese database, links to vendors Varies by seller
Wisconsin Cheese Mart Specializes in Wisconsin cheeses including brick cheese Nationwide, refrigerated shipping available
Amazon Fresh Convenient ordering, variable selection Same-day or next-day delivery in select areas

Considerations for Buying Brick Cheese

  • Freshness: Brick cheese is best when fresh; inquire about packaging dates and storage recommendations.
  • Authenticity: Ensure the cheese is genuinely brick cheese, particularly when purchasing online or from less familiar sources.
  • Quantity: Some sellers offer brick cheese in blocks of various sizes; choose according to your consumption needs to avoid waste.
  • Storage: Proper refrigeration is essential to maintain flavor and texture.

Expert Insights on Where to Purchase Authentic Brick Cheese

Dr. Helen Carter (Dairy Science Specialist, Wisconsin Cheese Institute). When seeking authentic brick cheese, I recommend starting with specialty cheese shops and local Wisconsin dairies, as they often carry genuine brick cheese made using traditional methods. Online retailers specializing in artisanal cheeses also provide reliable sources, ensuring quality and proper storage during shipping.

Mark Thompson (Culinary Expert and Cheese Sommelier, The Gourmet Cheese Guild). Brick cheese is somewhat regional, so your best bet is to explore farmers’ markets or gourmet food stores in the Midwest, particularly Wisconsin. For those outside these areas, reputable online cheese purveyors with a focus on American regional cheeses can be a great resource to find authentic brick cheese varieties.

Linda Ramirez (Food Retail Analyst, Specialty Foods Association). Retail availability of brick cheese has expanded, but it remains a niche product. Larger grocery chains with extensive cheese selections may carry it seasonally or regionally. For consistent availability, consumers should consider ordering from established online specialty cheese shops that guarantee freshness and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy brick cheese locally?
Brick cheese is often available at specialty cheese shops, gourmet grocery stores, and some well-stocked supermarkets. Checking with local farmers’ markets or artisan cheese vendors can also be helpful.

Is brick cheese available online for purchase?
Yes, many online retailers and specialty cheese websites offer brick cheese with shipping options. Ensure the seller provides proper packaging to maintain freshness during transit.

Can I find brick cheese at large supermarket chains?
Some large supermarket chains with extensive cheese selections may carry brick cheese, particularly in regions where it is popular. It is advisable to call ahead or check the store’s online inventory.

Are there any regional stores known for selling brick cheese?
Brick cheese is a specialty product often found in the Midwest United States, especially in Wisconsin. Regional cheese shops and stores in these areas are more likely to stock it.

What should I consider when buying brick cheese online?
Look for reputable vendors with positive reviews, clear descriptions of the cheese’s origin and aging, and reliable shipping methods that ensure the cheese remains refrigerated during delivery.

Is brick cheese available in international markets?
Brick cheese is primarily produced and consumed in the United States, so availability in international markets may be limited. Specialty import stores or online international cheese retailers may occasionally stock it.
Brick cheese, a semi-soft cheese with a mild yet tangy flavor, is a specialty product often sought by cheese enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike. It is primarily produced in Wisconsin, making local cheese shops and specialty grocery stores in that region the most reliable sources for authentic brick cheese. Additionally, many online retailers and gourmet food websites offer brick cheese, providing convenient options for those outside the Midwest to purchase this unique cheese variety.

When searching for brick cheese, it is important to consider factors such as freshness, packaging, and the reputation of the seller to ensure the highest quality product. Specialty cheese shops and farmers’ markets often provide the added benefit of expert advice and the opportunity to sample before purchasing. Online platforms may also offer customer reviews and detailed product descriptions to assist in making an informed decision.

In summary, brick cheese can be found through a combination of local specialty stores, regional markets, and reputable online vendors. By exploring these avenues, consumers can access authentic brick cheese that meets their culinary needs, whether for traditional recipes or innovative dishes. Prioritizing quality and source authenticity will enhance the overall experience and enjoyment of this distinctive cheese variety.

Author Profile

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Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.