What is Butter Cheese?

Butter cheese, also known as Butterkäse, is a creamy, semi-soft cheese that originated in Germany and Austria.

As the name suggests, it has a rich, buttery flavor reminiscent of butter, despite not actually containing any butter.

With its smooth texture and mild taste, butter cheese is a versatile choice for cooking, snacking, or adding richness to a cheese plate.

History of Butter Cheese

The origins of butter cheese can be traced back to the early 20th century in Europe. In 1906, an Italian cheese called Bel Paese became popular across Europe for its soft, buttery qualities. Seeing the success of Bel Paese, dairy companies in Germany and Austria set out to make their own versions to compete.

In 1928, a German dairy company called Staatliche Molkerei Weihenstephan launched a cheese they called Butterkäse, meaning “butter cheese” in German. It was marketed as an affordable alternative to imported Bel Paese, while offering a similar creamy flavor and texture. The name stuck, and butterkäse remains a staple in German and Austrian cuisine today.

Production and Aging

True to its German heritage, butter cheese is still primarily produced in Germany and Austria. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and ripens for a very short aging period of just 1 month. This gives it a milder flavor that appeals to a wide audience.

The process for making butter cheese begins by heating the milk to a high temperature before adding rennet. This alters the moisture content and results in a softer final texture. The curds are then cooked, separated, salted, and shaped into rounds or blocks for aging.

Taste, Texture and Appearance

Living up to its name, butter cheese has an irresistibly buttery flavor and creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of softened butter. The texture can range from sliceable to spreadable depending on aging time and individual cheesemaker preferences. When young, the paste is smooth and supple, becoming softer and more spreadable with a few extra weeks of aging.

In terms of taste, butter cheese starts out mild, tangy and faintly sweet, developing more prominent buttery notes as it ages. It lacks the “bite” of aged cheeses, with a subdued flavor that even mild cheese lovers will enjoy. The overall effect is rich and satisfying without being too heavy or strong.

True butter cheese has a natural rind that ranges in color from pale to golden yellow. The interior paste matches the rind, ranging from stark white in young specimens to rich golden yellow in longer-aged versions. The cheese is typically sold in smaller wedges or blocks convenient for serving.

Key Takeaway: With its indulgently buttery taste and spreadable texture, butter cheese offers a uniquely decadent but approachable cheese experience.

Butter Cheese Uses

Butter cheese is prized as a table cheese for its crowd-pleasing flavor and versatility:

• On cheese plates and platters
• Melted in grilled cheese sandwiches
• In rich, creamy pasta sauces
• Baked into casseroles and macaroni and cheese
• Topping for burgers or pizza

Its mild profile also makes butter cheese adaptable to both sweet and savory dishes. Cubed butter cheese brings a lovely richness to salads or charcuterie boards without overpowering other ingredients. In the dessert realm, butter cheese can be gently heated and served as a sweet fondue with bread or fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Butter cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Light lagers and wheat beers also complement its delicate tanginess. Serve cubed or sliced butter cheese with:

• Crackers and breads
• Fresh or dried fruits like apples, grapes, figs
• Cured meats like salami, speck or prosciutto
• Sliced vegetables
• Herbs like fresh dill, chives or basil

Melted butter cheese also makes a cozy fondue served with cubes of crusty bread, steamed vegetables, dried fruits or cubed fruit.

Where to Buy Butter Cheese

Genuine European-style butter cheese can be found at upscale grocery stores with specialty cheese sections. Many cheese shops also carry imported or domestic versions. Online mail order is another option for finding butter cheese. Brands to look for include:

• Edelweiss (Monticello, WI) - An award-winning artisanal butter cheese made from the milk of grass-fed cows.
• Cedar Grove (Plain, WI) - Smooth and supple butterkäse from a Wisconsin farmstead creamery.
• Saxony Cheese (Malone, WI) - A seasonal winter-milk butter cheese with notes of herbs and lemon.
• Wisconsin Cheeseman - Carries farmhouse butterkäse from small creameries.

When shopping for butter cheese, look for a golden yellow color and creamy yet sliceable texture. Avoid any cheese with an overly dry or crumbly paste.

How Long Does Butter Cheese Last?

Thanks to its high butterfat content, butter cheese keeps well in the fridge when stored properly. An uncut block or wedge will last around 1 month when wrapped tightly in waxed or parchment paper. Cut pieces should be tightly wrapped to prevent drying out, and will keep for 7-10 days. For the best flavor and texture, let refrigerated butter cheese stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Butter Cheese versus Butterkäse

While the terms “butter cheese” and “butterkäse” are often used interchangeably, traditionally butterkäse refers to the original mild German/Austrian style. American-made varieties inspired by the European classic are commonly dubbed “butter cheese” to differentiate them from true imported butterkäse. However, you may see the terms blended, especially for artisanal domestic takes on the Old World recipe. When in doubt, check the origin on the label to determine if your butter cheese hails from Germany/Austria or elsewhere.

Similar Cheeses

Aficionados love butter cheese for its unique indulgent qualities, but if you can’t find it, some suitable substitutes include:

While no cheese perfectly replicates the distinctive butter cheese experience, the cheeses above make reasonable substitutions in cooked applications.

Key Takeaway: With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild buttery sweetness, smooth and creamy butter cheese has won over cheese lovers across Europe and beyond.

FAQs

Is butter cheese actually made with butter?

Despite the rich, butter-like flavor and creamy mouthfeel, there is no actual butter in cheese sold as “butter cheese” or butterkäse. The name comes from the taste experience, not the ingredients.

What’s the difference between butter cheese and butterkäse?

Traditionally, “butterkäse” refers to the original mild German/Austrian cheese recipe. The broader term “butter cheese” may signify American interpretations of the European classic. However, the names are often used interchangeably.

What wine pairs well with butter cheese?

The best wines for butter cheese include fruity white wines like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. For reds, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Zweigelt. The crisp acidity in these wines balances out butter cheese’s richness.

Can you bake with butter cheese?

The smooth texture and superior meltability of butter cheese makes it a smart choice for cooked dishes like gratins, pastas, baked entrees and stuffings. Stir cubed butter cheese into macaroni and cheese or lasagna for extra richness.

Is butter cheese good for fondue?

The mild flavor and creamy texture of melted butter cheese is indeed fantastic for cheese fondue. For an authentic Alpine-style fondue, combine grated butter cheese with Emmentaler or Gruyère and white wine. Dip bread cubes or vegetables into the smooth, cheesy goodness.

Conclusion

With its velvety texture, subtle sweetness and irresistible butteriness, aromatic butter cheese deserves a spot on any cheese board.

Produced for almost a century in Germany and Austria, this creamy crowd-pleaser has won over palates across Europe and beyond.

Despite the name, butter cheese contains no actual butter - just milk, cultures and salt transformed into cheesy perfection through diligent cheesemaking techniques.