The cheeses are set for Oryana’s 2025 Cheese Madness Bracket, and the competition heats up on March 15th! Join us at Oryana West on March 8th to sample all sixteen cheeses and fill out your bracket with your top picks. Starting March 15th, in-store cheese sampling and voting will begin to determine which cheese will be the last one standing. In the meantime, get to know the contenders with these delicious recipes that showcase each cheese at its best!
Beemster XO – Chicken Sliders with Smoked Gouda
This rich, caramelized aged Gouda pairs perfectly with juicy, flavorful chicken sliders. Beemster XO melts beautifully, adding depth and a hint of sweetness to this crowd-pleasing dish. Try the full recipe here: Chicken Sliders with Smoked Gouda
Balarna 4-Year Goat Gouda – Pea & Goat Cheese Fritters
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these fritters combine the tangy, nutty flavor of aged goat Gouda with sweet peas and fresh herbs. They make a perfect appetizer or light meal. Try the full recipe here: Pea & Goat Cheese Fritters
Jarlsberg – Jarlsberg-Stuffed Chicken Breast
Mild, nutty, and incredibly melty, Jarlsberg takes this stuffed chicken breast to the next level. Filled with sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey cheese, this dish is a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for any occasion. Try the full recipe here: Jarlsberg-Stuffed Chicken Breast
Emmentaler – Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue
No cheese roundup is complete without a warm, melty pot of Swiss fondue. This traditional recipe brings together Emmentaler, white wine, garlic, and a splash of kirsch for the ultimate shareable dish. Serve with bread cubes, apples, and roasted veggies for a fun and interactive dining experience. Try the full recipe here: Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue
Beecher’s Jerk Spice – Jerk Spice Cheese Latkes
These crispy, golden potato latkes get an irresistible kick from Beecher’s Jerk Spice cheese. The combination of warming spices and melty cheese makes for a flavorful twist on a classic dish. Serve with sour cream or a fresh mango salsa for a delicious contrast. Try the full recipe here: Jerk Spice Cheese Latkes
Wood River Cheddar Gruyere Black Truffle – French Onion Soup
This luxurious cheddar-Gruyere blend is the perfect finishing touch for a rich, savory bowl of French Onion Soup. Melted over crusty bread, it creates a golden, bubbly topping that takes this comforting classic to the next level. Try the full recipe here: French Onion Soup
Delft Blue – Pear & Blue Cheese Flatbread
The bold, creamy flavor of Delft Blue pairs beautifully with sweet pears and crunchy walnuts in this elegant flatbread. A drizzle of honey ties all the flavors together for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Try the full recipe here: Pear & Blue Cheese Flatbread
Sage Derby – Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The herby, speckled green Sage Derby cheese is a perfect twist on a classic grilled cheese. Its creamy, slightly tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with crispy toasted bread, creating a comforting and flavorful sandwich. Try the full recipe here: Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Lamb Chopper – Creamy Lamb Chopper Carbonara
Swap Parmesan for Lamb Chopper in this rich, silky carbonara. Toss freshly grated cheese with hot pasta, eggs, and pancetta for a creamy, sheep’s milk twist on the classic dish. The nutty, buttery flavors of Lamb Chopper elevate this comforting meal to the next level. Try the full recipe here: Creamy Lamb Chopper Carbonara
Ewephoria – Savory Herb-Roasted Potato Tart
Ewephoria’s naturally sweet and nutty flavor makes it the perfect cheese for this rich and hearty potato tart. Layered with fresh herbs and roasted potatoes in a flaky pastry crust, this dish is both elegant and comforting. Try the full recipe here: Savory Herb-Roasted Potato Tart
Cello Tuscan Fontal – Baked Fontal with Hot Honey
Mild and creamy, Cello Tuscan Fontal becomes irresistibly gooey when baked. Drizzled with spicy hot honey and served with crispy bread or crackers, this simple yet indulgent dish is a must-try. Try the full recipe here: Baked Fontal with Hot Honey
Red Dragon – Cheesy Welsh Rarebit
This bold, mustard- and ale-infused cheese is the perfect choice for the ultimate Welsh Rarebit. Red Dragon melts into a smooth, flavorful topping, creating a rich, cheesy sauce that elevates simple toast into something extraordinary. Try the full recipe here: Cheesy Welsh Rarebit
Old Quebec Seven-Year Cheddar – Cheddar Herb Biscuits
Aged for seven years, this cheddar brings a deep, sharp flavor to buttery, flaky biscuits. Perfect as a side for soups, salads, or as a stand-alone snack, these biscuits are an easy way to enjoy this bold, aged cheddar. Try the full recipe here: Cheddar Herb Biscuits
One-Year Manchego – Tomato Galette
The nutty, slightly salty flavor of Manchego pairs beautifully with ripe tomatoes and flaky pastry in this rustic, savory galette. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs elevate this dish to a simple yet elegant meal. Try the full recipe here: Tomato Galette
Caribbean Blazer – Spicy Mac & Cheese
This tropical heat-infused cheese is a bold addition to creamy mac & cheese. It’s perfect balance of spice and richness creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Try the full recipe here: Spicy Mac & Cheese
Festival – Fruit & Cheese Parfait
This mild and creamy cheese shines in a refreshing fruit parfait. Layered with yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola, this parfait is a delicious way to enjoy cheese in a light and wholesome way. Try the full recipe here: Fruit & Cheese Parfait
