A Michigan original, Pinconning cheese is a wonderful, Colby style cheese that can be aged for months and years giving it a different flavor.
I am a proud Michigander.
So much to take pride in our state. Food is a major source of pride from the cherries in Traverse City to being one of the top producing asparagus states in the country.
There is a lot to talk about. Today, the topic is cheese. A certain type of cheese developed in a small Michigan town to the northeast of the Thumb, no far from Lake Huron.
The town and it's cheese shops made for a wonderful pit stop on the way to and from further points north. We once made the stop after being on beautiful Mackinaw Island.
Let me introduce you to Pinconning cheese.
❓ What is Pinconning?
Pinconning Cheese is named after the place it originated from, Pinconning, Michigan. It was developed in 1915. At the time, they were looking to a way to use all the local milk from the area dairy farmers.
The goal was to create a cheese that was like Colby, but has the ability to develop more flavor as it ages. I have had Colby that was aged before and it tends to be pretty, dry and crumbly. I was not a fan.
One way to tell if you got good Pinconning cheese is that it is full of little holes giving it an open texture. The cheese becomes distinctly sharper as it ages, like cheddar.
It is labeled at mild in the first month to super sharp after 18 months.
While you can find Pinconning cheese from Wisconsin and other sources, I stick to the people in Michigan that know the original formula. Anything else I ever had paled in comparison.
? Does it Melt?
An older, sharper Pinconning would work very well for
- Macaroni & cheese
- Souffle
- Casseroles
- Cheese dips
- Fondue
Yes, that means it's a good melting cheese and one you should try.
For me, the most of the time when I have I just enjoy it with some good crackers and whatever fruit is currently in season.
Sometimes the simple things are the best!
? Where to Buy
The best sources for the cheese are:
Both of those shop sell online. Not too mention you can get squeaky cheese curds, perfect for snacking while on the road.
I have also found Pinconning cheese at a couple grocery stores. Some of the times it was from Michigan and others Wisconsin. It's not that widely available - but it should be!
- Joe's Produce
- Vince & Joe's Gourmet Market
- Holiday Market
? More Cheesey Posts
What's Difference Between Colby and Cheddar Cheese
Brick Cheese - The Best Pizza Cheese
Muenster Cheese - Great Grilled Cheese Waiting to Happen
What's the Difference Between Manchego and Mahon Cheese
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