Cheese is our love language. We absolutely love cheese in all of its ooey-gooey forms, from hard cheeses like Parmesan to a creamy soft Brie to a stinky blue we are in. And if you are a cheese lover too, you may have a local cheese shop where you can buy all of your favorites. (We want to go through all options, including where to buy cheese online!)
Key Takeaways:
- I love cheese in all its various forms and here are some insights into buying cheese online, especially for those without access to local specialty shops or delis.
- Top choices include reputable online cheese shops like Murray’s Cheese, iGourmet, Hickory Farms, Formaggio Kitchen, Goldbelly (featuring Tony’s Farm Table, M&P Biancomano, and Rogue Creamery), and Amazon.
- I also list the best types of cheese to buy online, storage tips, and suggestions for creating appealing charcuterie boards, catering to both cheese connoisseurs and those looking to enhance their homemade pizza experiences.
Table of Contents
Or maybe you just go to your local deli and ask the cheesemonger for a recommendation. Unfortunately, if you live in a small town, you may not have a specialty cheese shop or deli, so what do you do? Well, you turn to the internet and buy cheese online, of course.
Why Buy Cheese Online?
Major cities usually have specialty shops with imported cheeses, but when you are somewhere they aren’t available, then shopping online is a great way to find what you need and often things you didn’t even know you wanted. We are looking at you, blueberry goat cheese.
So shopping specialty stores online allows you access to all kinds of products that can fulfill your cheesy needs.
We have put together a collection of places where you can buy domestic and imported cheeses for all of your favorite recipes, including homemade pizza.
Whether you are making elegant homemade pizzas with the finest buffalo mozzarella or a charcuterie board with fancy French formage, you can find and buy cheese online.
Where to Buy Cheese Online?
The difficulty in buying cheese online is, of course, transportation and delivery logistics. Since cheese is a perishable product, most shops require you to pay for expedited shipping and do not guarantee the product if there is a delivery issue. So that is something to be aware of before you buy.
Cheese shops package the cheese, keep it on ice, and do everything they can to ensure your cheese arrives quickly and without problems. They are experts, and you can be sure they will deliver you an excellent product.
But you need to do your part too. Always make sure you will be home to receive your online purchase. You don’t want your delicate dairy to sit in the hot sun on your porch.
We have divided our cheese shops into three categories, specialty shops, Goldbelly, and Amazon. They all have great options for the best cheeses to put on your homemade pizza.
Speciality Cheese Shops
Murray’s Cheese
New Yorkers have been flocking to Murray’s Cheese for the last 80 years. They are a high-end cheesemonger with excellent products, including domestic and imported cheeses. And they even carry smaller locally produced cheeses.
In addition to cheese, they have an excellent assortment of crackers, salamis, nuts, olives, and anything else you might need on your charcuterie board.
Murray’s also offers gift baskets and cheese of the month club. With all of their expertise in cheese, as you can probably imagine, it is a high-end specialty shop and can be spendy.
But for a special gift or occasional elaborate gift boxes, it’s well worth ordering from the famous Murray’s cheese.
iGourmet
This is another high-end cheesemonger with a vast selection of domestic and international cheeses. They have over 800 cheese varieties from 36 countries, that’s a lot of countries and probably the best selection of cheese we have found.
Their expert cheesemongers can tell you everything you need or want to know about cheeses from the country of origin, milk, texture, and type. They offer curated assortments so you can create your order to fit your needs.
They not only have cheese but all types of cured meats, crackers, tinned fish, jams, and jellies; they even offer meal kits. This site is definitely worth your time. Just try not to get too overwhelmed by all of the options.
Hickory Farms
Hickory Farms is a classic American cheese shop that has everything. From cheeses to cured meats to wine, they have everything you could possibly want for your pizzas and beyond. Hickory Farms is well known for its gift baskets that have keto and gluten-free options.
Unfortunately, they mostly stick to cheddar and Gouda varieties with some cheeseballs and spreads as well. So while they are the most affordable place to buy cheese online, they don’t have imported or specialty cheeses. Hickory Farms has a long tradition of catering to the American palate.
Formaggio Kitchen
If your taste leans toward more international cheeses, this is the place to shop. They have an excellent variety of European cheeses to choose from and offer classes to learn more about cheese. They offer gift bundles, homewares, and other specialty foods.
Buy Cheese Online with Goldbelly
If you are not familiar with Goldbelly, you need to be aware of this amazing site. You can order food from all over. We previously wrote about ordering frozen pizzas through Goldbelly from some of the most famous pizzerias in the U.S.
Goldbelly literally has everything, including cheese. We included three of our favorites that you can use on your next homemade pizza.
Tony’s Farm Table
Tony’s Farm Table is the passion project of Mike Hauke, who’s become a New Jersey legend with his pizzerias. On Goldbelly, he offers pizzas, focaccias, marinaras, and olive oils but what we are interested in is the fresh mozzarella sampler.
It boasts nine different mozzarellas infused with flavors, including truffle, pesto, and Sicilian chili! You’ll also receive burrata, Oaxacan-style string cheese, and goat mozzarella. It is worth every penny.
Try these on homemade pizzas or just eat them by themselves. They are so good that you may just be inspired to try your hand at making your own homemade mozzarella.
M&P Biancomano
This fresh mozzarella called “Mutz” comes from Hoboken, and it’s so good. We would dare to say the best thing to come out of Hoboken. Locals line up for the fresh “mutz” daily but you can get it with the click of a mouse.
Rogue Creamery
This small creamery from sleepy Rogue River Valley in Oregon was named one of the top creameries in the U.S. by ABC News. Rogue has also won more than 80 gold, silver, and bronze U.S. and international awards.
They have several offerings on Goldbelly, including our favorite, the Brilliant Blue Sampler. If you love the intense goodness that is blue cheese, you will love this sampler. From creamy to tangy, the Blue Sampler is a delight. Add it to your homemade pizza or charcuterie board for a special treat.
Best Kinds of Cheese to Buy Online at Amazon
Even Amazon, everyone’s favorite online retailer, offers all kinds of cheeses and other foods. Here are our nine favorite kinds of cheese to buy online from Amazon for your family’s homemade pizza. Try to buy your cheese online today!
Parmesano Reggiano
This is the quintessential Italian cheese. It is miles above the green shaker bottle Parmesan that was so popular in the 1980s. It is a nutty crumbly cheese that makes everything better. We absolutely love this cheese, and it is worth every penny.
Parmesan Reggiano comes from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is a hard cheese made with cow’s milk. And used throughout Italy. It is usually aged at least two years and up to several years beyond. The same region that has gifted us with prosciutto crudo and balsamic vinegar is responsible for this classic cheese.
We sprinkle it on pizza, in risotto, and just eat it on its own it’s that good. And when it’s gone, don’t throw away the rind because it’s edible too. You can saute it in olive oil or throw it in a soup or stew for a creamy finish.
Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a cheese originating in the Po River Valley in northern Italy that is a cousin to Parmesano Reggiano. Gran Padano is often seen as a more affordable version of Parmesano, but it actually has some key differences.
Grana has preservatives and is not subject to the strict rules of production that true Parmesano must adhere to. The flavor is more subtle and creamier. Italians use Grana more in cooking, and Parmesano is saved for finished dishes.
Try it on your homemade pizza, and you will see why it’s so popular. If you want to buy cheese online, this is the one.
Manchego
Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk. It is a fatty semi-hard cheese that melts well.
In our travels, we have seen this cheese on pizzas in places where it is difficult to find mozzarellas, like parts of Mexico and South America. Depending on if it’s aged or not, it has a nutty flavor with a creamy finish.
Asiago
Asiago cheese is similar in texture to Parmesano but flavor-wise, it is more comparable to an aged cheddar. It has a creamy finish and is excellent sprinkled on a finished pizza.
We also really like it with just simple sesame crackers.
Fontina
Fontina cheese is a cow’s milk cheese that is rich and creamy. The flavors of this cheese are sweet and pungent, with tones of butter and roasted nuts.
It is very popular in the Aosta Valley of Italy and is usually aged between 90 to 150 days. It grates well with cheese graters and is perfect on homemade pizza.
Buffalo mozzarella
Buffalo mozzarella is a cheese made from the milk of domestic water buffalo. Buffalo milk is higher in calcium and protein and lower in cholesterol than cow’s milk.
It is manufactured with strict regulations about its production and must have a certified seal. It’s creamy and perfect on a Neopolitan pizza.
Pecorino Romano
This hard, salty cheese is made with Italian sheep’s milk cheese. The sharp, tangy flavor is ideal for grating and flavoring dishes. We love it on a homemade pizza.
While it is similar to Parmesano Reggiano, the rind is not edible, we mean, it won’t hurt you, but it doesn’t taste good either.
Provel
Provel is the Frankenstein of cheeses. It is a white processed cheese that is a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. It is famous for topping the St. Louis-style pizza but is rarely seen out of the midwest.
If you love St. Louis-style pizza and want to recreate it at home, then this is for you. The link we provide is through Goldbelly.
It used to be available on Amazon, and we imagine it will return to Amazon at some point, but for now, you can get it through Imo’s pizzeria on Goldbelly.
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cow’s milk cheese. It is smooth and creamy with a buttery finish. Provolone is similar to mozzarella because it is made in the same way by stretching the curds.
This style is called the pasta filata, meaning it is a spun cheese. Besides being, a great addition to homemade pizza, it’s common on sandwiches and baked pasta like lasagna and ziti.
How to Store Your Cheese
You should store your cheese in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer. Always store your cheese in butcher paper, and if by the off chance it arrived in plastic wrap, remove it to extend the life of your cheese.
How Long Does it Last after you Buy Cheese Online?
Hard cheese lasts longer than soft cheeses. Expect a hard cheese to last around two weeks, while soft cheese has a shorter life span of about one week. You should use fresh cheeses as soon as you can they are good for four to five days. The only unlisted question is whether your pizza toppings go above or below the cheese.
How to Serve Cheese?
Take the cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan on serving it. Cheese has optimal flavor and texture when served at room temperature, especially the higher temp varieties.
How to Make a Charcuterie Board?
The fun of good charcuterie boards is creativity. You can mix and match all kinds of flavors. But experts agree on a few basic rules to follow to have a well-balanced board. You can even buy a personalized charcuterie board.
The cheeses should be a mix of soft and hard cheeses with opposite flavors. For example, include soft Brie, hard Parmesano, and smoked gouda.
The same rule applies to meats. Opt for a variety of thinly sliced meats like prosciutto, thicker slices of salami, and a spicy soppressata.
Balance your board with a mix of crackers or thin bread, for example, sourdough, rye, or whole wheat.
Then add some texture with almonds, apricots, grapes, olives, or figs. The key is to add a mix of flavor and textures to create the perfect charcuterie board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider buying cheese online?
Buying cheese online becomes particularly beneficial when access to local specialty shops or delis is limited. Online cheese shops provide a diverse selection, including rare and imported varieties, allowing you to explore different flavors conveniently.
What are some recommended online cheese shops?
I suggest reputable online cheese shops, including Murray’s Cheese, iGourmet, Hickory Farms, Formaggio Kitchen, Goldbelly (featuring Tony’s Farm Table, M&P Biancomano, and Rogue Creamery), and Amazon, each offering unique selections to cater to different preferences.
Are there specific types of cheese recommended for online purchase?
Yes, the most popular types available online are Parmesano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Manchego, Asiago, Fontina, Buffalo mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Provel, and Provolone, and I encourage you to try each and every one.
How do I ensure the quality of online cheese purchases?
Online cheese shops take measures to ensure quality during transportation. However, it’s crucial to be home for the delivery, especially considering the perishable nature of cheese. Choosing expedited shipping is recommended, and reputable shops, such as Murray’s Cheese and iGourmet, have expert packaging to maintain freshness.
What are the storage recommendations for purchased cheese?
Store cheese in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, using butcher paper for wrapping. For cheeses that arrive in plastic wrap, it’s advisable to remove it to extend the cheese’s life.
Can I use the purchased cheese for making homemade pizza?
Absolutely! A wide variety of cheeses are suitable for homemade pizza, including fresh mozzarella, truffle-infused varieties, and other flavorful options. It encourages culinary creativity with diverse cheese selections.
Any tips for serving cheese and creating charcuterie boards?
Cheese is best served at room temperature, so take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving. And for charcuterie boards, combine soft and hard cheeses, a variety of meats, and complementary textures and flavors with crackers, fruits, and nuts.
Whether you buy cheese online or from your local specialty supermarket, your dinner guests will be sure to thank you. Even your kiddos will love it! What kid doesn’t like cheese?
Have you tried any of these cheeses? What’s your favorite cheese to add to homemade pizza? Oh, and how much cheese do you put on your pizzas? In your opinion, what are the best places to buy cheese online?
