ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Wednesday, June 18, marks National Cheesemakers Day, a tribute to the artisans behind one of America’s most beloved dairy products.

But what goes into a good cheese? What’s behind the rich process of making fine cheese production in the Rockford area and beyond?

“Brown Swiss cows are known for having some of the richest, healthiest milk that there is,” said Ken Wundrow, whose family runs Wundrow’s Brown Swiss Farm in Poplar Grove.

Wundrow says a fine cheese starts with the milk, like the milk his family sells to the Edelweiss cheese factory near Monroe, Wisconsin. Wundrow sells four varieties of Edelweiss premium cheeses through his business, Wunberg Produce: Colby, Muenster, butterkase and smoked gouda.

“It’s a really nice soft cheese,” Wundrow said of the Edelweiss butterkase variety. “It goes really nice if you’re making macaroni and cheese or a grilled cheese. That smoked gouda, let me tell you, that’s smoked. That ain’t mild.”

With more than 2,000 types of cheese worldwide, the dairy delight pairs with nearly any dish—or shines on its own. Grayden Schoeneweiss, whose family business, Schoeneweiss Farms sells organic poultry, echoes cheese’s versatility.

“American cheese on a grilled chicken sandwich is amazing, really,” Schoeneweiss said. “Parmesan chicken, chicken Alfredo. You can do anything, really.”

Pizza lovers know a good mozzarella is essential, and Patrick Anderson, owner of Pizza Fresca, shared his expertise.

“The right amount of salt content in there, the right amount of texture and pull,” Anderson said, underscoring what goes into the perfect slice. “That’s what really makes the best kind of cheese for pizza.”

Experts report that the average American consumes about 42 pounds of cheese annually.

Pizza Poll

We asked our social media followers which Rockford-area pizza place has the cheesiest pizza. Here’s what they said.

10. Pino’s – Pietro’s (TIE)
9. Giuseppe’s
8. Vince’s (Rochelle)
7. John’s
6. Schiro’s
5. Sam’s (Harlem Road)
4. Mamma Mia’s 
3. Gerry’s
2. The Original Opsahl’s Pizza – Lino’s (TIE)
1. Nunzio’s – Capri (TIE)