Muenster cheese

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Unpackaged block of Muenster cheese, showing the orange rind and interior

Muenster cheese is an American cheese, only vaguely related to the French Munster cheese. The name Muenster is derived from an English transliteration of the German form of the name of the Alsatian town of Munster.

Muenster cheese is a smooth textured cheese with an orange rind and a white interior. This washed-rind cheese is made from cows’ milk. The orange color is derived from vegetable coloring. It usually has a very mild flavor and smooth, soft texture. In some cases, when properly aged, it can develop a strong flavor with a pungent aroma. This cheese is commonly served as an appetizer. Because it melts well, it is also often used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna melts, and cheeseburgers.