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    Home » Cheese » What is Pinconning Cheese?

    What is Pinconning Cheese?

    Published: May 28, 2020 by Eric Samuelson

    A Michigan original, Pinconning cheese is a wonderful, Colby style cheese that can be aged for months and years giving it a different flavor.

    A wedge of Pinconning cheese with the title over it "What is Pinconning cheese"

    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.

    The store front of the Pinconning Cheese Company

    ❓ 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.

    An upclose picture of a wedge of Pinconning cheese showing the little holes throughout

    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.

    A store case with large cuts of Pinconning cheese in medium mild, medium sharp and sharp

    ? 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!

    a bag of Squeaky Pinconning Cheese Curds

    ? Where to Buy

    The best sources for the cheese are:

    Pinconning Cheese Company

    Wilson's Cheese Shoppe

    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

    This post includes affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. These are products and services I recommend because I use or trust them. Cookies will be used to track the affiliate links you click.

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    Nice to Meet You,

    Hi! I'm Eric : Father of 4, living just south of Ann Arbor, MI. I'm a reformed picky eater finding a new way to not conform. Eating what's in season is my jam (I also make it!)

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