Herb cheese is Dutch cheese where whole or ground herbs and spices are added to the curd during production. The result is a cheese with a creamy base and a warm, aromatic note you taste in every bite. From classic nettle and pepper to modern varieties with sambal or Italian herbs, the family is larger than most people think. In this post, we walk you through the best-known varieties, explain how herb cheese is made, and share serving tips for your board and your kitchen.
What is herb cheese, exactly?
Herb cheese is a collective term for Dutch cheeses to which herbs or spices are added during the production process. The herbs go into the curd in the cheese vat, before the cheese is pressed. This distributes them evenly throughout and lets the flavors develop beautifully as the cheese ages. The base is usually a young or semi-mature Goudse or Noord-Hollands cheese, but goat cheese also lends itself perfectly to herb variations. One important distinction: cumin cheese, made with whole cumin seeds, forms its own family and has its own category. To learn more about that separate branch, check out our post on what is cumin cheese.
On our herb cheese page you’ll find the full overview of what we carry, from mild and fresh to bold and sharp.
The best-known varieties of herb cheese
Herb cheese comes in a wide range of styles. Each herb or spice gives the cheese its own character and suits a different occasion. Here are the main styles we carry.
Nettle cheese
Probably the most well-known herb cheese. Dried nettle gives the cheese green flecks and a lightly earthy, hay-like flavor that pairs well with a semi-mature base. Our nettle cheese is mild enough for a sandwich but has plenty of character for a charcuterie and cheese board.
Pepper cheese
Pepper cheese comes in two styles. Finely ground pepper gives a steady warmth throughout the whole cheese, while whole corns deliver sharp bursts of heat wherever you bite into one. Our pepper cheese belongs to the latter category and pairs beautifully with a robust dark beer.
Garden herb cheese
The friendly all-rounder. A blend of chives, parsley and dill creates a fresh, lightly herby flavor. Great on a sandwich and ideal for families who prefer something less spicy. Our garden herbs 30+ is also lower in fat than a regular full-fat Goudse, which makes it popular with anyone watching their fat intake.
Sambal cheese
The spicy newcomer. Real sambal and sometimes a hint of trassi give this cheese a pronounced hot, umami-rich flavor. Our sambal cheese is delicious melted on a toasted sandwich or served in cubes alongside a crisp lager.
Clove cheese and goat cheese with herbs
A little more unusual, but well worth exploring. Mature clove cheese has a warm, almost festive flavor and works beautifully on a winter charcuterie and cheese board. If you’re a goat cheese fan, try the goat cheese with Italian herbs: a fresh Mediterranean variety with oregano, basil and thyme.
Serving tips and pairings
Herb cheese gives you a lot to play with. Take it out of the fridge at least half an hour before serving so the herbs can release their full aroma. Mild varieties like garden herb or nettle pair well with a light blonde ale or a crisp sauvignon blanc. Bolder styles like pepper or sambal cheese are better matched with a full-bodied red wine or a dark beer. On a cheese board, herb cheeses bridge the gap between young and aged: they bring character without overpowering the other cheeses. Pair them with walnuts, honey, fresh grapes and a good loaf of bread for a classic spread. For tips on keeping your cheese at its best, visit our cheese storage guide.
Cooking with herb cheese
Herb cheese melts well and adds flavor to a dish right away, so you won’t need many additional seasonings. Grate nettle or garden herb cheese over pasta for extra depth, use pepper cheese in a savory quiche or tart, or melt sambal cheese over a toasted sandwich or nachos for a spicy twist. For dishes with a long cooking time, go for a younger herb cheese, as aged varieties can turn a little oily with prolonged heat. Another great idea: stir a small piece of pepper or garden herb cheese into your classic fondue mix. It takes the whole thing up a notch.
Want to taste for yourself?
At Cheese In A Box we carry a wide selection of herb cheeses, freshly cut to order. From classic nettle and pepper cheese to surprising varieties with sambal or Italian herbs. Everything is cut to size and shipped in chilled packaging. Looking for an easy way to order cheese that suits your taste? Browse our full range.
Or let us surprise you every month with our cheese subscription: four special cheeses delivered to your door, including a seasonal herb cheese on a regular basis.