Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand is famous for delivering quality that rivals name brands—but when it comes to cheese, the competition gets fierce. From smooth mozzarella to bold aged wedges, Costco’s cheese aisle is a paradise for food lovers. We taste-tested ten of their most popular Kirkland cheeses to find out which ones truly deserve a spot on your next charcuterie board. Here’s how they ranked—from worst to best.
10. Kirkland Signature Fresh Mozzarella
Description:
Soft, milky, and sold in brine, Kirkland’s fresh mozzarella is a go-to for Caprese salads and homemade pizzas. It’s a clean, simple cheese that shines best when served fresh.
Taste Test:
Mild and creamy, though slightly watery. The texture is smooth, but it lacks that rich, milky depth found in pricier Italian versions.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
It’s versatile and affordable, but the flavor is a bit too neutral for cheese lovers craving complexity. Great for melting, but not a standout on its own.
Verdict:
Perfect for layering on lasagna or pizza, but if you’re snacking solo, you might crave more punch.
9. Kirkland Signature Organic Feta
Description:
This feta comes packed in brine, promising a crumbly texture and tangy bite. It’s organic and made with cow’s milk, making it a convenient, everyday choice.
Taste Test:
Slightly salty with a mild tang, though missing that sharp, briny kick of true Greek sheep’s milk feta.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
It’s solid for tossing into salads or crumbling over roasted veggies, but flavor-wise, it leans on the tame side.
Verdict:
A dependable feta substitute—good value for the price, but not the star of the cheese plate.
8. Kirkland Signature Imported French Brie
Description:
A creamy, soft-ripened brie imported from France, boasting a buttery rind and luscious interior.
Taste Test:
Silky texture with a mild, buttery flavor and faint earthy notes. However, it lacks the funky richness of higher-end bries.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
It’s a crowd-pleaser for parties and easy to pair with fruit or crackers, but true brie aficionados will want something more complex.
Verdict:
Smooth, mild, and approachable—a solid choice for those who like their brie gentle and spreadable.
7. Kirkland Signature Italian Parmigiano Reggiano
Description:
Aged over 24 months, this authentic Italian import promises nutty flavor and crystalline texture.
Taste Test:
Sharp, salty, and perfectly crumbly. The flavor is bold but slightly less intense than traditional Parmigiano bought from specialty counters.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
You can’t beat the price for real Parmigiano Reggiano. Ideal for grating over pasta, risotto, or salads.
Verdict:
An incredible pantry staple that adds instant depth to dishes—just shy of elite restaurant quality.
6. Kirkland Signature Gouda
Description:
A semi-hard cheese with a golden hue and subtle sweetness, aged to develop a smooth, buttery finish.
Taste Test:
Mellow and creamy with a slight caramel note. Melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with apples or crusty bread.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
It’s comforting and easy to love, but not as bold or unique as the top contenders.
Verdict:
A gentle, versatile cheese that earns its keep in sandwiches and snack boards alike.
You May Be Interested In
5. Kirkland Signature Coastal Rugged, Mature English Cheddar
Description:
Imported from England, this cheddar packs a punch with its crumbly texture and tangy bite.
Taste Test:
Rich, sharp, and slightly nutty with hints of salt crystals that give each bite texture and depth.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
It delivers big flavor and gourmet character without the hefty price tag. A standout cheddar for cheese purists.
Verdict:
One of Costco’s hidden gems—perfect for grilled cheese, mac and cheese, or straight from the block.
4. Kirkland Signature Goat Cheese
Description:
This creamy goat cheese log is tangy, smooth, and endlessly adaptable for both sweet and savory recipes.
Taste Test:
Bright, citrusy tang with a soft, spreadable consistency. It balances richness and acidity beautifully.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
Few store brands nail goat cheese this well. Ideal for salads, crostini, or drizzling with honey.
Verdict:
A refreshing, high-quality cheese that feels boutique without the boutique price.
3. Kirkland Signature Pecorino Romano
Description:
A sharp, salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk, famous for its bold flavor and crumbly texture.
Taste Test:
Intense, savory, and perfectly briny—this cheese means business. It adds punch to pasta, soups, and sauces.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
Authentic flavor and superb aging give this cheese serious Italian credibility.
Verdict:
A flavor bomb for cooks—this is the secret weapon every pantry needs.
2. Kirkland Signature Manchego
Description:
Aged Spanish sheep’s milk cheese known for its nutty, buttery flavor and firm, flaky texture.
Taste Test:
Smooth yet slightly grainy with notes of caramel and grass. Balanced and addictive.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
This Manchego rivals gourmet brands, delivering luxury at a warehouse price. Perfect with quince paste or red wine.
Verdict:
Sophisticated yet accessible—this is the cheese that’ll impress guests every time.
1. Kirkland Signature Sartori Bellavitano Cabernet Sauvignon
Description:
A true showstopper—this award-winning American cheese is bathed in cabernet wine for a striking purple rind and rich, complex flavor.
Taste Test:
Creamy, nutty, and subtly sweet with fruity wine undertones. The finish lingers beautifully, making every bite feel indulgent.
Why It Deserves the Rank:
It’s bold, balanced, and utterly unique—a cheese that blends the best of cheddar and parmesan, elevated by cabernet aging.
Verdict:
This is the cheese that makes Costco’s Kirkland lineup legendary. Serve it with wine, fruit, or just your fingers—you’ll understand the hype.
Final Thoughts
From mellow mozzarella to a cabernet-soaked masterpiece, Kirkland’s cheese lineup proves that Costco isn’t just about bulk deals—it’s about flavor, craftsmanship, and unbeatable value.
Whether you’re hosting wine night or building the ultimate charcuterie board, these Kirkland cheeses deliver gourmet taste without breaking the bank.
Recommended For You
