We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our recent success at the 2024 American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition! This prestigious event, held annually, is one of the largest and most respected cheese competitions in North America, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of American cheesemakers.

This year, our Red Rind Muenster took home the top honor, winning 1st Place in the Muenster category. This win is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in cheesemaking, ensuring that each wheel is aged to perfection, with just the right balance of flavor and texture that sets our Muenster apart.

But that’s not all! Our Dill Pickle Cheese Curds also earned a 3rd Place award in the Flavored Cheese Curds category. These curds are a fan favorite, combining the classic squeaky texture with the tangy, zesty flavor of dill pickles. It’s a unique creation that we’re proud to see recognized at such a high level.

The ACS Judging & Competition is renowned for its rigorous standards, with over 1,400 entries from across the country being evaluated this year. Winning here is not just about taste—entries are judged on a variety of factors, including texture, appearance, and overall balance. The competition is fierce, and we’re honored to have our products stand out among so many incredible cheeses.

As we celebrate these victories, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, who pour their passion into every batch, and to our loyal customers who support us year-round. We’re excited to continue bringing you the best in artisanal cheese, and we can’t wait for you to taste these award-winning products if you haven’t already.

 

 

Starting now and running for the next four weeks, we’re pitting our top cheese curd flavors against our best block cheese flavors in the ultimate battle for supremacy. It’s a clash of titans as 8 delectable cheese curds and 8 irresistible block cheese flavors compete for the prestigious championship title.

How to Participate

Are you ready to be a part of this cheese extravaganza? Here’s how you can join in the fun:

  1. Sample the Cheeses: Head to either of our retail stores in Ellsworth or Menomonie and indulge in a cheese-tasting experience like no other. We’ve got samples of all the competing cheeses available in-store, so you can savor each flavor and pick your favorites. (Can’t make it to a store to sample? No worries! You can still join in the fun by voting online!)
  2. Cast Your Vote: Once you’ve tried all the cheeses, it’s time to make your voice heard! You can vote for your preferred cheese varieties either in-store or online. Every vote counts, so don’t miss your chance to support your favorite cheeses.
  3. Follow the Action: Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for updates on the Cheese Challenge. We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlighting standout flavors, and keeping you informed about the latest developments in the competition.

The Cheese Champion Awaits

Who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown of cheese flavors? Will it be the squeaky goodness of our top cheese curds, or will the classic appeal of our block cheeses steal the spotlight? Only time will tell as the competition heats up and the votes roll in.

Get Involved Today!

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of our Cheese Challenge. Gather your fellow cheese enthusiasts, gather your taste buds, and join us as we celebrate the irresistible allure of cheese. Whether you’re a fan of sharp cheddar, spicy jack, or something a little more adventurous, there’s something for everyone in this cheese-tastic event.

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees; they are like family. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers with us often span decades. See our most recent Commitment to Craft acknowledgements.

January, 2024

Congratulations to our own Rick Wilbur on 15 years of service.

Rick Wilbur- 15 years of service
Laurie Schutz-Guilds- 10 years of service
James Dohrer- 10 years of service
Todd Braun- 5 years of service
Antonio Ramirez- 1 year of service
Jennifer McCutchin- 1 year of service
Henry Guayllas Guillas- 1 year of service
Roberto Garza Terrasas- 1 year of service

January, 2024

Thank you for your decade of contributions and hard work to our organization, Taylor!

Taylor Boettcher – 10 years of service
Roger Kannel – 1 year of service
Ronald Maldonado-Cubas – 1 year of service
Kennedy Miller-Denzer – 1 year of service
Efren Tzanahua Cruz – 1 year of service

 

 

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 3/4 cup Ellsworth Sharp Cheddar, shredded
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil to 350°F
  • Pick meat from chicken, discard the skin, and shred meat
  • Place chicken in large bowl and add hot sauce, pepper, cheese, and green onions and mix
  • Roll chicken into 2oz balls (about golf ball size)
  • Place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into 3 separate bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumbs. Set aside
  • When the oil is hot, deep fry the chicken balls in batches. Cook for about 2 min per batch. Remove chicken to paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil. 
  • Serve with desired dipping sauce

Notes

Adapted from Food Network. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Beer Cheese Dip

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup your favorite beer
  • 2 cups Ellsworth cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 16 ozs cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix

Instructions
 

  • Start by placing the 2 bricks of cream cheese in your mixing bowl
  • Next add your 2 cups of cheese, ranch mix, and beer
  • Mix very well until combined
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese, room temp
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup chives, finely chopped
  • 1 cup jalapeno, finely chopped
  • 2 cups finely crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup Ellsworth Sharp Cheddar, shredded
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • In large bowl combine cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, jalapeno, ½ cup bacon, red onion, black pepper, and cayenne
  • Mix well until fluffy. Set aside
  • Transfer 1 cup remaining bacon onto shallow plate, then using small cookie scoop, scoop out one ball of cheese filling and toss into bacon crumbles
  • Continue until all cheese balls have been rolled in the bacon coating
  • Refrigerate the bacon jalapeno popper cheese ball until ready to serve
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pulled pork 
  • 1/2- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup butter 
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups Ellsworth Chipotle Cheddar, shredded
  • 8 oz noodles cooked as directed on package

Instructions
 

  • In pan over medium heat melt butter, stir in flour until combined
  • Slowly add milk
  • Stir occasionally until thickened
  • Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted
  • Add noodles
  • Place in oven safe pan
  • Toss pulled pork with BBQ sauce, place on top of mac and cheese
  • Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top if desired
  • Bake for 20 minutes at 350 or until bubbly
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!