What Is Colby Cheese? | Simply Cheese

What Is Colby Cheese?

If you've ever reached for a mild cheese that melts beautifully but doesn't overpower your meal, you've probably grabbed Colby without even knowing its story. This semi-soft cheese has been quietly holding its own in American kitchens since the 1880s, when a cheesemaker in Colby, Wisconsin first developed it as a softer, moister alternative to Cheddar. Today, it's one of those cheeses that just works — for sandwiches, casseroles, snacking, and everything in between.

We source our Colby from small Amish farms in Ohio, where it's still made the old way — with milk from cows raised without hormones, vaccines, or antibiotics. The milk is richer, the flavor is cleaner, and you can taste the difference in every bite. This is the way cheese used to be made, before mass production took over.

What Makes Colby Different

Colby is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that melts like a dream. It's often compared to Cheddar, but the two are made differently. While Cheddar gets stacked and pressed in a process called cheddaring, Colby skips that step. The curds are washed in cool water, which gives Colby its softer body, higher moisture content, and gentler flavor.

Because of that moisture, Colby doesn't age as long as Cheddar. It's usually ready to eat within a few weeks to a few months, which keeps the flavor mild and approachable. That makes it a favorite for people who want real cheese without the sharp bite.

Why We Love Working With Amish Cheesemakers

The Amish farmers we partner with in Ohio aren't chasing scale or shortcuts. They're making cheese in small batches, the same way their grandparents did. Their cows graze on pasture, their milk isn't pumped full of additives, and their cheese reflects that care. When you buy from us, you're supporting that way of life — and getting food that's as close to nature as possible.

How to Use Colby Cheese in Your Kitchen

Colby is one of the most versatile cheeses you can keep on hand. Its mild flavor means it plays well with other ingredients, and its melting quality makes it perfect for cooked dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

• Grilled cheese and paninis: Colby melts smoothly and evenly, giving you that perfect gooey center without being greasy.
• Mac and cheese: Use Colby on its own or blend it with a sharper cheese for a creamy, comforting sauce.
• Quesadillas and tacos: It melts fast and doesn't overpower other flavors, making it ideal for Mexican-inspired meals.
• Casseroles and baked dishes: Colby adds creaminess and richness without stealing the show.
• Snacking and cheese boards: Slice it thin and pair it with crackers, apples, or cured meats for an easy appetizer.

Because Colby is so mild, it's also a great choice for kids or anyone who finds aged cheeses too strong. It's real cheese, just gentler.

Storing Colby Cheese

Colby has more moisture than aged cheeses, so it won't last quite as long in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in wax paper or cheese paper, then place it in a resealable bag or airtight container. It should stay fresh for a few weeks. If you see a little mold on the surface, you can cut it off and use the rest — just make sure you cut about an inch around the spot.

For longer storage, Colby freezes reasonably well. It may get a bit crumbly after thawing, but it'll still melt beautifully in cooked recipes.

Get It From the Source

We work directly with small Amish farms in Ohio to bring you Colby cheese that's made the right way — no hormones, no shortcuts, just good milk and traditional methods. When you order from Simply Cheese, you're getting food straight from the farm, and we offer free shipping on orders over $99. If you're tired of factory cheese and want something real, we'd love to send some your way.