WRITTEN BY JORDAN KOSSUTH
Oh So Cheesy has always been about family. The idea to develop an all-natural, high-quality cheese spread was born around the Schwarz family table in the 1950s. Les Schwarz, a notable Michigan entrepreneur, began experimenting with different cheddars and soon perfected a recipe that has become the base for their products today.
The secret behind that creamy flavorful spread? It’s three-fold: cheddar cheese, fresh mayonnaise, and real horseradish!
Photo provided by Oh So Cheesy Cheese Company.
The family piloted the spread at Schwarz’s Family Restaurants and Schwarz’s Drive-Ins, and it soon became a staple with every meal, and an instant hit amongst employees. Their loyal customer base also included family and friends, who could not get enough of the unique texture – soft and creamy – and the rich flavors made possible by the freshest combination of their three main ingredients.
As the years passed, and the Schwarz’s restaurants closed, the recipe for their unique cheese spread lived on. In fact, making his grandfather’s recipe into a mainstay comfort food in every home was never far from Blair Schwarz’s mind. Blair refers to his weekend hobby of producing cheese spreads while also maintaining a full-time job as a “joyful balance.” In 2018, he rented space in the Downtown Market’s Incubator Kitchen, and after six months of trial and error, his passionate team was ready to relaunch!
Photo provided by Oh So Cheesy Cheese Company.
Photo provided by Oh So Cheesy Cheese Company.
MAKING IT IN MICHIGAN
Making it In Michigan is the premier food show and networking conference in the state– and a no brainer for businesses like Oh So Cheesy looking to expand and make a name for themselves in the food industry.
In 2018, Oh So Cheesy won the “Next SKU Could Be You” contest, celebrating their product’s quality, packaging, and retail readiness. While sharing their unique story with other vendors and marketgoers, they also connected with Ken Bair, the store manager of Bridge Street Market.
INTRODUCING: BRIDGE STREET MARKET
In October 2019, Oh So Cheesy introduced a 21-store pilot with Meijer and are now sold in 80 Meijer locations state-wide. Bridge Street Market was the first market to debut their spreads, and where they have seen the most exciting growth due to the wide range of clientele.
Being close to the community and engaging with people trying their products has always been a priority for Oh So Cheesy. In fact, Oh So Cheesy has been a staple at farmers’ markets around West Michigan for some time now, gaining loyal customers and positive feedback wherever they go.
BUT WAIT, IT GETS CHEDDAR!
The three classic flavors they began with are still available today! As the team continues to use only the finest cheddar cheese as a base and handcrafting small batches of flavors, these recipes have withstood the test of time.
But don’t take our word for it – with their cheese spreads constantly stocked at Bridge Street Market, and exciting new combinations in the works, you are bound to find a few soon-to-be favorites below:
Cheddar Dreams – This is the original – the creamy sharp cheddar with a hint of horseradish that started it all!
Makin Bacon – Another classic, infused with real hickory smoked bacon.
Ring of Fire – The first of the spreads to include some spice, adding crushed red pepper to wake up the taste buds.
Curds of Way – A flavor introduced in the 90’s, this roasted garlic spread can liven up even the most boring crackers.
Brews Bros – With the increasing popularity of craft beers, especially in Beer City, USA, Oh So Cheesy is on a mission to create the best bourbon barrel ale infused cheese spread – and they have succeeded with a spread that is creamy, rich, and sweet!
Photo provided by Oh So Cheesy Cheese Company.
Blair’s father and friends wanted a bit more spice to their cheese, prompting the introduction of a variety of pepper-based spreads:
Rooster Booster – Sweet and spicy to the taste with Sriracha.
Jallelujia – You can see the fresh jalapeno folded into the cheddar, with just enough bite for newcomers and seasoned spice-lovers alike.
Come to Cheezus – Fresh & fiery habanero peppers round this flavor out, packing a truly flavorful punch. For those who can’t take the heat, Blair recommends mixing this with Makin Bacon to create your own perfect blend!
Smokey The Pepper – Smoked chipotle peppers bring home the sweet, smoky heat in their newest release!
The Oh So Cheesy team is hard at work on additional recipes, even experimenting with a white cheddar base. Blair is currently collaborating with local urban farming company Square Roots on a Sundried Tomato & Basil variety that we cannot wait to spread on a bagel. A Michigan cherry variety is on the horizon as well for those who enjoy the sweeter things in life.
Photo provided by Oh So Cheesy Cheese Company.
WHERE TO FIND OH SO CHEESY
Oh So Cheesy invites you to go beyond the cracker, and integrate these spreads into your everyday meals! It’s easy to do that when you can pick up six of their iconic spreads at Bridge Street Market in our local cheese fridge. Whether you set them out with baguettes for a housewarming party, spread it on your morning bagel, or to liven up your family’s grill choices in the summer, the opportunities to use Oh So Cheesy spreads are endless – from the Schwarz family table to yours!