Churning Tradition: The Backstories and Best Bites of 5 American Amish Cheesemakers

In an era dominated by high-speed automation and industrial dairy farming, a dedicated network of cheesemakers tucked into the rolling hills of the Midwest continues to look to the past. By relying on timetested methods, small herds, and milk delivered in traditional tin cans, these five cheesemakers—deeply rooted within or connected to American Amish communities—preserve an edible piece of heritage.

Here is a look at their rich backstories, their community impact, and the must-try items that keep travelers pulling off the highway.

1. Heini’s Cheese Chalet (Bunker Hill Cheese Co.)

• Address: 6005 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654

The Backstory

Founded in 1935 by Swiss immigrant John “Heini” Dauwalder, this Holmes County staple was built on a simple partnership. Dauwalder brought his Old World cheesemaking expertise to Ohio’s massive Amish settlement, sourcing fresh milk exclusively from local, small-scale Amish family farms. To this day, the facility receives its daily milk supply from small herds, many of which are milked completely by hand and delivered to the factory in classic milk cans.

Favorite Items

• Amish Butter Cheese: A remarkably smooth, creamy, and mild cheese that melts perfectly and mimics the rich flavor of homemade farm butter.
• Yogurt Cheese: A signature low-fat, low-sodium option that remains incredibly moist and tangy, invented right at the chalet to serve health-conscious visitors.

2. Meadow Valley Farms

• Address: 4102 County Rd 400 E, Rockville, IN 47872

The Backstory

Deep in the heart of Indiana’s covered bridge country, Meadow Valley Farms operates as a true, authentic Amish-owned farmstead and cheese shop. The family-run operation emphasizes raw-milk production, allowing the natural enzymes and seasonal grasses of Parke County to dictate the rich flavor profiles of their wheels. Operating entirely without modern electrical grids, their commitment to land stewardship and historical methods shines through in every small batch.

Favorite Items

• Natural Raw Milk Cheddar: Aged to perfection, this sharp cheddar has a distinct crumble and a complex, grassy depth you only get from grass-fed, unpasteurized milk.
• Colby Jack: A beautifully marbled, mild cheese that is a massive hit for family picnics and local gatherings.

3. Guggisberg Cheese

• Address: 5060 State Route 557, Millersburg, OH 44654

The Backstory

You cannot talk about Amish Country cheese without honoring the birthplace of an American icon. In 1947, another young Swiss immigrant named Eric Guggisberg came to Holmes County. He sought to create a cheese that accommodated local tastes—something milder and creamier than traditional, sharp Emmental Swiss. Working with the surrounding Amish dairy farmers, Eric tinkered with the recipe until he created Baby Swiss, named for its smaller wheel size and smaller “eyes” (holes).

Favorite Items

• Original Guggisberg Baby Swiss: The gold standard of Swiss cheese—buttery, slightly sweet, and famous worldwide.
• Premium Swiss: A sharper, longer-aged classic Swiss that pairs wonderfully with robust cured meats and dark mustards.

4. Old Country Cheese

• Address: S510 County Road D, Cashton, WI 54619

The Backstory

Nestled in the breathtaking, unglaciated driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin, Old Country Cheese sits right in the center of a thriving Amish community. The factory’s survival relies heavily on its unique relationship with over 200 local Amish farmsteads. Because these farms do not use electricity, they cannot use modern bulk cooling tanks. Instead, they cool their milk using natural well water and ship it to Old Country Cheese in traditional milk cans every morning, ensuring an exceptionally fresh foundation for the vats.

Favorite Items

• Fresh Cheese Curds: Squeaky, salty, and made daily. Visitors travel from miles around just to catch them warm off the line.
• Juustoleipa (Bread Cheese): A traditional Scandinavian baking cheese that is oven-toasted until it forms a gorgeous brown crust; it softens beautifully when heated in a skillet.

5. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op

• Address: 16942 Kinsman Road, Middlefield, OH 44062

The Backstory

Geauga County, Ohio, holds one of the oldest and largest Amish populations in the world, and the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op is a direct reflection of that community. Established as a cooperative, it was designed to give local Amish farmers a reliable, cooperative home for their daily milk yields. The facility honors the plain lifestyle of its member-owners, keeping artificial preservatives and shortcuts entirely out of the production cycle.

Favorite Items

• Smoked Gouda: Natural wood smoke gives this dense, velvety cheese a rich, campfire aroma without overpowering the sweet dairy notes.
• Pepper Jack: Packed with real jalapeno flecks, offering a bright, crisp kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Monterey Jack base.