4 Alarm Cheddar is not a cheese for the faint of heart—it’s a bold declaration of flavor, handcrafted for those who believe a little heat makes life more interesting. Made in small batches at Milton Creamery in rural southeast Iowa, this cheddar combines traditional cheesemaking with a fearless blend of peppers, creating a cheese that delivers warmth, depth, and unmistakable character.

How It Came to Be

4 Alarm Cheddar was born from a simple question in the creamery: How far can we push flavor without losing balance? The answer was found by starting with Milton Creamery’s smooth, well-crafted cheddar and carefully layering in a blend of hot peppers. Instead of chasing shock value, the cheesemakers focused on building flavor-forward heat—one that grows slowly and lingers pleasantly rather than overpowering the palate. We would rate it a 7 on a scale of 1-10.

The peppers are added directly to the curd, allowing their oils and heat to infuse the cheese as it ages. This method ensures the spice becomes part of the cheese itself, not just an add-on.

What Makes It Unique

What sets 4 Alarm Cheddar apart is its controlled intensity. The heat is real, but it’s balanced by the rich, creamy nature of the cheddar. Each bite delivers layers—savory dairy first, followed by a warming spice that builds and finishes clean.

The result is a cheese that excites the senses while still respecting the craft of traditional cheddar making. It’s bold without being reckless, spicy without being one-dimensional.

Flavor Profile

• Flavor: Savory, full-bodied cheddar with a progressive heat that builds gradually and lingers
• Texture: Firm and smooth with a creamy melt that tempers the spice
• Aroma: Rich aged cheddar with subtle notes of roasted peppers and spice
• Finish: Warm, tingly, and satisfying, with a clean cheddar backbone

Qualities

• Handcrafted, small-batch cheddar
• Infused with a blend of hot peppers
• Bold flavor with balanced heat
• Excellent melting and slicing qualities
• Ideal for spice lovers and adventurous eaters

Ingredients

• Pasteurized milk
• Cheese cultures
• Hot peppers
• Salt
• Enzymes

Pairing Suggestions

4 Alarm Cheddar shines in pairings that either complement or cool its heat:

• Crackers & Bread: Sturdy crackers, cornbread, or crusty sourdough
• Proteins: Smoked sausage, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or bacon
• Condiments: Honey, sweet chili sauce, mango chutney, or pepper jelly
• Beverages: Cold lager, IPA, wheat beer, or slightly sweet cider
• Cooking Uses: Spicy mac and cheese, burgers, quesadillas, chili topping, or nachos