11 Best Cheeses At Trader Joe’s You Need To Try (Don’t Shop Without This List)

As a self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast, my shopping cart at Trader Joe’s always ends up cheese-heavy. There’s something about the irresistible selection that draws me in every time.

Over the years, I’ve sampled their impressive variety, from creamy bries to sharp cheddars, and I can confidently say their cheese game is strong. The cheese section at Trader Joe’s offers an incredible variety at prices that won’t break the bank, making it perfect for everyday indulgence or special occasions.

Whether you’re a casual cheese lover or a connoisseur, TJ’s has something for everyone. Ready to elevate your cheese game? Here are my top picks you absolutely need to try on your next TJ’s run.

1. Old Amsterdam Premium Aged Gouda

Old Amsterdam Premium Aged Gouda
© travel/food

My cheese drawer is never without this nutty, caramel-sweet aged Gouda. The first time I tasted those delightful crunchy crystals, I actually gasped out loud in my kitchen!

Old Amsterdam develops these little crunchy bits during its aging process, creating a texture experience that’s as memorable as its rich flavor.

The deep amber color hints at its complex taste profile. I love serving this on a wooden board with honey and fig jam. It’s equally magnificent melted into a grilled cheese or grated over pasta when you want to impress dinner guests without much effort.

2. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
© AnyCheese

Named perfectly, this cheese genuinely surprised me the first time I tried it! What looks like an ordinary cheddar transforms into something extraordinary with those distinctive Parmesan-like notes that dance on your tongue.

Crumbly yet creamy, it bridges the gap between two beloved cheese worlds. I’ve converted countless friends to this TJ’s staple during movie nights at my place.

Grate it over roasted vegetables or slice it onto apple wedges for a quick snack. My personal favorite use? Adding chunks to homemade mac and cheese for an upgraded comfort food experience that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

3. Syrah Soaked Creamy Toscano Cheese

Syrah Soaked Creamy Toscano Cheese
© Miss Cheesemonger

Purple-hued cheese might sound strange, but trust me on this one! The beautiful grape-stained rind on this Toscano isn’t just for show – it infuses the cheese with subtle fruity notes that complement its creamy, tangy profile.

I stumbled upon this gem during a cheese tasting party and it quickly became the star of the evening. The semi-soft texture melts perfectly on the tongue, releasing layers of flavor.

Pair it with dried fruits and nuts for a stunning cheese board centerpiece. The distinctive color makes it a conversation starter, while the sophisticated taste proves it’s not just about looks.

4. Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper

Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper
© Trader Joe’s

Speckled with freshly cracked black pepper, this Toscano variety adds a gentle heat that transforms an already excellent cheese into something magical. The pepper crust creates a beautiful contrast against the pale interior.

I remember serving this at a family gathering, and my pepper-averse aunt couldn’t stop eating it! The peppery bite balances perfectly with the cheese’s natural sweetness.

Try it thinly sliced on crusty bread or cubed in a pasta salad for an instant flavor boost. The firm texture holds up well when sliced, making it practical for sandwiches too – my go-to for fancy packed lunches that make coworkers jealous.

5. Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions
© Trader Joe’s

Sweet meets savory in this mouthwatering creation that’s transformed many of my ordinary meals into memorable ones. The golden swirls of caramelized onions throughout the cheddar create a marbled effect that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Last Thanksgiving, I melted this over roasted potatoes instead of using plain cheddar. My family now requests it every year!

The sweetness from the onions balances the sharp cheddar perfectly. Melt it into scrambled eggs for a breakfast upgrade or use it for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. Even a simple cracker gets a gourmet makeover when topped with a slice of this flavor-packed cheese.

6. Cambozola: Triple Cream Soft-Ripened Cheese

Cambozola: Triple Cream Soft-Ripened Cheese
© Culture Cheese Magazine

Blue cheese skeptics, this one’s for you! My sister claimed to hate blue cheese until I sneakily served her Cambozola. The creamy, buttery texture won her over before she even noticed the gentle blue veining.

Think of it as the perfect introduction to blue cheese – all the complexity without the overwhelming pungency. The triple cream base makes it luxuriously spreadable, almost like a savory cheesecake. Spread it on warm bread or crackers for an instant appetizer.

I love topping it with a drizzle of honey to bring out its subtle sweetness. For summer picnics, it’s my secret weapon paired with fresh berries and crisp white grapes.

7. Goat’s Milk Gouda Style Cheese

Goat's Milk Gouda Style Cheese
© Exploring Trader Joe’s

Who knew goat’s milk could create such a perfectly mild Gouda? The first time I tasted this cheese, I had to double-check the label because the goat flavor is so beautifully subtle. Creamier than traditional Gouda but with that same satisfying meltability, it’s become my secret ingredient in fancy grilled cheese sandwiches.

The slight tanginess cuts through rich dishes without overwhelming them. Cube it for snacking with apple slices or melt it over roasted vegetables.

My weekend breakfast hack: shred it into scrambled eggs with fresh herbs for a protein-packed meal that feels restaurant-worthy but takes just minutes to prepare.

8. Chèvre Goat Cheese with Fine Herbs

Chèvre Goat Cheese with Fine Herbs
© Clean Plates

Fresh herbs transform simple goat cheese into something extraordinary! Green specks of parsley, chives, and thyme are distributed throughout this creamy log, creating a ready-to-serve flavor bomb that’s saved me countless times when unexpected guests arrive.

During my last-minute dinner party panic, this cheese with a sleeve of crackers bought me enough time to finish cooking.

The herbs provide just the right amount of freshness without overpowering the tangy goat cheese base. Crumble it over salads or spread on toasted baguette slices. My favorite summer lunch: spread generous amounts on whole grain bread topped with sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of lemon pepper.

9. Le Délice de Bourgogne

Le Délice de Bourgogne
© Business Insider

Butter lovers, meet your dream cheese! This French triple cream masterpiece is so decadently rich that a little goes a very long way. My cheese-tasting friends have dubbed it “dessert cheese” because it feels like such an indulgence.

The texture is impossibly smooth and spreadable, with a mild flavor that develops more complexity as it warms to room temperature. I once served this at a brunch gathering and watched it disappear in minutes. Spread it on fruit-studded bread or pair with strawberries for a sweet-savory contrast.

For an elegant appetizer that requires zero cooking skills, top a slice with a tiny drizzle of truffle honey and watch your guests swoon.

10. Mini Basque Cheese

Mini Basque Cheese
© Business Insider

One bite of this sheep’s milk treasure and I was transported straight to the Pyrenees mountains! The nutty, almost caramel-like flavor with that hint of popcorn (yes, popcorn!) makes this semi-firm cheese totally unique in the best possible way.

The smooth, pale interior contrasts beautifully with its distinctive dark brown rind. I’ve found it’s the perfect size for a picnic cheese – substantial enough to satisfy but small enough to finish in one outing. Enjoy thin slices on their own or pair with quince paste for a traditional Basque treat.

My movie night upgrade: cubes of this cheese alongside a bowl of actual buttered popcorn creates a flavor echo that’s surprisingly delightful.

11. Fromage Pavé

Fromage Pavé
© Trial and Eater

Square-shaped and impossibly creamy, this little brick of happiness reminds me of the cheese I fell in love with during my trip to France! The bloomy rind surrounds a butter-yellow interior that gets increasingly gooey as it ripens.

I discovered this gem while hunting for something to serve at a book club meeting. Its mild flavor appeals to everyone, while the unique presentation adds a touch of elegance to any cheese board. Let it come to room temperature to fully appreciate its smooth, spreadable texture.

Pair with grapes and honey for a classic combination, or get creative with fig jam and marcona almonds for an elevated snacking experience that feels like a special occasion.