Colby

Colby cheese has a mild flavor that goes nicely with pears, apples, and apple cider.

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This cheese was developed in Colby, Wisconsin, about a hundred years ago. Colby is similar to cheddar, but because it is produced through a washed-curd process, it is a softer, moister, and milder cheese. The washed-curd process means that during the cooking time, the whey is replaced by water; this reduces the curd’s acidity, resulting in Colby’s characteristically mild, pleasant flavor. It takes a little more than a gallon of milk to produce just 1 pound (454g) of cheese.

Varieties

Longhorn is the best known of the Colby cheeses, all of which are typically sold in half-rounds.

Buying and storing tips

Colby should not be aged. It is best used shortly after purchase; otherwise, it soon dries out. Note that a few brands of Colby have been associated with Listeria contamination and recalls, so purchase pasteurized Colby, rather than a raw-milk variety.

Availability

Colby is widely available in health food stores, specialty stores, and markets.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Because it is such a mild cheese, colby is seldom used in cooking. It is used as a table cheese, for grating and grilling, and in snacks and salads. Like cheddar, it complements pears, apples, and apple cider nicely. It also goes well with barbecued dishes, chili, burgers, fajitas, and frittatas. When making sandwiches, enjoy Colby on rye bread.

Nutritional Highlights

Colby, 1 slice (1 oz.) (28g)
Calories: 111
Protein: 6.7g
Carbohydrate: 0.73g
Total Fat: 9g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (214mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.

The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.