Finding a great Gouda cheese in our area isn't as hard as you might think. From economical young style cheeses to aged to flavored, there is something for everyone and every budget in many local stores.
At our house, we love all kinds of cheeses but if we can get our hands on an aged gouda, we are in heaven. Add some course grain mustard to dip in and we're set. Over the years, I have made a short list of my go-to stores for finding the widest variety of gouda cheeses worth going back for again and again.
Metropolitan Market
By far, Met Market has the widest and most varied selection of cheese these days. They have increased their selection over the last year and I was pleasantly surprised the last time I went in. I have seen Beemster, Old Amsterdam, Rembrant, Zola, de Waag, Marieke, and many other cheeses produced by local creameries. They offer classic 'old cheese' as well as cumin, hatch pepper, peppercorn, sheep milk, and goat milk cheeses so there really is something for everyone. Be sure to take a minute to browse the rest of their quality cheeses while you and you will be well on your way to creating an impressive cheese platter.
QFC
Surprisingly, some QFC supermarkets have a large cheese department inside and carry two or three types of gouda on a regular basis. I shop at the Pine Lake QFC on the Sammamish plateau and have always found a few wedges to take home and try. What I love most about this stores cheese section is they have baskets of 'odd and ends' pieces of cheese from every variety so you can quickly grab several different kinds to taste test or create a cheese platter without over-spending or having to wait for pieces to be cut and wrap. Be sure to grab some cheese paper while you are here too, they sell that as well!
Big John's PFI
My favorite store to spend hours in, Big John's has a modest meat and cheese case but what they do carry is high quality and boasts big flavor. While they cater more to the Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, they do carry several gouda cheeses as well as a few German and Swiss cheeses that are my favorites as well. Be sure to plan at least an hour to spend in this store as they have shelves and shelves of drop, speculaas, unique kitchen and household items, and an impressive bulk section. You will find Dutch items tucked in here and there, but the majority is located at the front of the store with the candy and cookies.
Costco
Costco carries young cheese on a regular basis and it is affordable. Is it the best cheese out there? Probably not but if you eat it daily and aren't looking to spend $15-$20 a pound on it, this is a good choice for you. Costco also carries a smoked gouda but we have never tried it ourselves. Let me know in the comments if you have and your thoughts on it. Occasionally they carry an aged Beemster so keep your eye out for that and stock up when they do. You will find that the selection varies by store and region.
Alternatives
There are some good American alternatives out there as well if you can't find a gouda in your local store. We love the Beechers Flagship Sharp White Cheddar cheese and the Tillamook (Reserve) Extra Sharp Cheddar for snacking on and they are more readily found in your neighborhood grocery stores.
So there you have it, a line up of cheesy goodness for every taste. If you have any to add to the list, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
Have a gouda day!
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