Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery stands as a beloved landmark for cheese enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Known as the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin, this family-owned cooperative offers fresh cheese curds, incredible samples, and a shopping experience like no other.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this creamery promises delicious memories and unforgettable flavors.
1. The Freshest Squeaky Cheese Curds
Nothing beats biting into a warm cheese curd that squeaks against your teeth. At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, you can grab these famous All-Natural White Cheddar Cheese Curds right after they’re made, with production runs often finishing around 11:00 AM daily. The squeak happens because the curds are so fresh that the protein strands haven’t broken down yet. People drive for hours just to experience this unique texture.
2. Official Cheese Curd Capital
Ellsworth earned its official title as the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin, a badge the town wears with pride. A colorful mural outside the creamery celebrates this designation, making it a perfect photo opportunity. Snapping a selfie here is a must-do for any cheese lover visiting this iconic landmark.
3. Wide Variety of Flavored Curds
While classic white cheddar remains the superstar, adventurous eaters will find plenty of exciting options to explore. Popular flavors like Garlic, Cajun, Ranch, Hot Buffalo, and Taco add bold twists to the traditional curd experience. Seasonal and experimental flavors sometimes appear, giving repeat visitors something new to discover with each visit.
4. Deep-Fried Curds from the Curd Wagon
During special events and the summer season, visitors can enjoy fresh cheese curds dipped in batter and fried to golden, crispy perfection. These delectable fried curds are typically served from a concession window on-site or from the famous Curd Wagon during announced appearances. This classic Wisconsin fair food is even more incredible when made with the freshest curds available anywhere.
5. A Cheese Lover’s Paradise
Walking into the retail store is like entering cheese heaven, with over 200 varieties of Wisconsin’s finest products lining the shelves. Many specialty and artisan cheeses are crafted right at their facilities. From aged cheddars to creamy bries and sharp blues, every cheese preference finds satisfaction here, showcasing the best of Wisconsin’s proud dairy tradition.
6. Free Daily Cheese Samples
Customers can often find a variety of cheeses and curds available for sampling, which makes shopping even more enjoyable. This allows visitors to taste and discover new favorites before committing to a purchase. Staff members are often on hand to share recommendations and pairing suggestions as you sample.
7. Support Family-Owned Dairy Farms
As a true cooperative, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is owned by and directly supports approximately 180 family dairy farms across Wisconsin and Minnesota. Each purchase helps these hardworking farming families continue their traditions and supports rural communities and sustainable agriculture.
8. Local Gourmet Food Shopping
The store offers more than just cheese, with an impressive array of locally made and specialty food items. You can find cheese curd brats and burgers, deli sandwiches, take-and-bake pizzas, local honey, maple syrup, specialty meats, and Flo’s Fudge. This variety makes building a gourmet meal or a unique gift basket effortless.
9. Perfect Cheese Pairings and Beverages
Regional wines and craft beers, including Wisconsin favorites like New Glarus Brewing, line the shelves, carefully chosen to complement your cheese selections. Staff can offer pairing suggestions, making it simple to create an impressive cheese board for entertaining.
10. Premium Sweet Treats
Finish your visit with something sweet to complete the ultimate creamery experience. The shop offers premium soft-serve dairy ice cream made from local milk for a rich, creamy treat on warm days. Freshly made fudge in various flavors provides another tempting option for dessert lovers, showcasing the quality dairy products that make Wisconsin famous.
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