If there’s one thing that unites Cougs across the globe, it’s our intense love for this creamy, golden treasure that stands tall as the heavyweight champion of college sports cheeses (if you know, you know). Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a cheese connoisseur hunting for the next big thing, this ranking of my personal favorite types of Cougar Gold cheese is your holy grail of Palouse-made goodness. So buckle up, cheese lovers, because things are about to get grate! (I know, I’m sorry. The opportunity was right there).
Disclaimer: This ranking will not include either the “Crimson Fire” or “Hot Pepper” Cougar Gold cheeses, as I’ve never tried them. For my personal tastes, I don’t really feel like I need my cheese to be spicy, but let me know if I’m missing out. Now, onto the good stuff!
4. Viking
Starting off with the smooth, more mild member of the Cougar Gold cheese family, we have the Natural Viking. This cheese is delicious in almost anything, and serves as a perfect blank canvas to be combined with other ingredients and flavors. She’s straightforward, simple, and delicious— She’ll never let you down. We all need a Viking Cheese in our life.
Viking Cheese is perfect for: Macaroni and Cheese (1,000 / 10, no notes).
3. Sweet Basil
I don’t know about you all, but I LOVE. And I mean LOVE me some basil. This cheese takes you on a one-way trip straight to Italy with its fresh, herby flavor mixed with all the gourmet goodness of the classic Viking cheese. If you’re into a deliciously Italian vibe, this cheese is a must for you.
Sweet Basil cheese is perfect for: Tomato-Basil Cougar Gold Bruschetta (or grilled cheese). Like HELLO?!! A need.
2. Dill Garlic
Oh look, more herbs that I’m a huge fan of— Dill and garlic. There’s no other way to put it except this cheese is ADDICTING. The dill and garlic flavor adds a little something to the classic Cougar Gold base that is simply irresistible, and works with a lot of amazing recipes. This bad boy is perfect for your charcuterie board, and is bound to be a crowd pleaser no matter what you serve it with.
Dill Garlic cheese is perfect for: Charcuterie boards, or Dill Garlic Cougar Gold Cheese Biscuits (I’ve never had these, but all of the sudden I need them ASAP).
- Classic Cougar Gold
Ahh, who’s surprised?! I couldn’t NOT put the OG goodness we all know and love into the first place spot. From the first time I’ve ever tasted Cougar Gold (when it was served at my high school graduation party, after I had just announced my enrollment at WSU), to now, this beautiful canned cheese has remained unparalleled in its glory. You really just can’t go wrong. And it’s a million times better than all the other college town cheeses. Agriculture school beef, baby.
Cougar Gold cheese is perfect for: Anything.
Alright, I bet you’re hungry now, so I’ll let you continue about your day with visions of Cougar Gold cheese cans floating in your head. Let me know your favorite variations of Cougar Gold, I’d love to hear them! Have a great rest of your week and as always, Go Cougs.