Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft, pale ivory cow’s milk cheese with a thin orange rind. It tastes mild and buttery with a gentle, slightly nutty finish, and melts to a supple, gooey pull; commonly sold in blocks or pre-sliced for sandwiches and melts. Some versions use animal rennet, so it may not be vegetarian.

American muenster evolved as a domestic take on Alsatian Munster brought by European immigrants, especially in the Upper Midwest. Modern production uses pasteurized cow’s milk, cultures, and annatto to tint the rind, and it features prominently in American deli fare and hot sandwiches.