Englewood, N.J.-based Champignon North America — the exclusive importer of specialty cheeses produced by Bavaria, Germany-headquartered Käserei Champignon — introduced Rougette Bonfire marinated cheese to the U.S. market. The cheese is the first feta-style specialty cheese offering consumers an easy, ready-to-cook version of the ever-popular (and viral) baked feta, the company says. Made with 100% cow's milk sourced from the Alpine region of Bavaria, it comes with a convenient aluminum tray for easy preparation and serving.
Far less salty than traditional feta, Rougette Bonfire marinated cheese boasts a pillowy soft interior and a caramelized crust. It comes pre-marinated and retains its shape after cooking, leading to a plethora of unique uses, Champignon North America says. It can be used as an alternative to traditional feta in oven-baked recipes, as well as threaded onto skewers, diced and added to salads and pastas, or served as a hot melted dip to share with a crowd.
"When we saw the popularity of the viral baked feta pasta trend, we knew we had a winner," says Flynne Wiley, CEO of Champignon North America and importer of Rougette Bonfire. "As the only warm, feta-style specialty cheese on the market, this fun and versatile option takes popular tray-bake recipes to the next level with an easier and more convenient way to cook at home or entertain a crowd, especially heading into summer."
Rougette Bonfire cheeses are naturally lactose-free, gluten-free and, due to the use of microbial rennet, 100% vegetarian. In 2021, Rougette Bonfire marinated cheese was awarded "Fantastic Flavor" at the U.K.'s prestigious Great Taste Awards, and named a "Best New Product" in 2020 by the Specialty Food Association Awards, the company says.
The suggested retail price for a 6.4-ounce package is $7.99; the cheese is sold at national retailers that include Safeway, Costco, Hy-Vee, Albertsons, ALDI and many more, Champignon North America says.
