11 Trader Joe’s Cheeses That Taste Gourmet (For Much Less)

Gourmet cheese is an expense that might not fit into your grocery budget. That is, if you buy it from specialty stores.

But at Trader Joe's, you can save money on everything from cave-aged blue to smoked ghost pepper cheddar. You can't beat TJ's cheese selection — whether you want to make a party-ready charcuterie platter or snack on the decadent dairy delights.

And not only does the store have all the options you could ask for, but most of these foodie finds also have a budget-friendly price tag.

Editor's note: Prices and availabilty are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $8.49/pound

Sixty percent butterfat (or more) gives this TJ's top pick a rich, creamy taste you'll crave.

If the $8.49 per pound price of this fancy French cheese seems high, check out what specialty stores and online retailers charge for a similar product.

Murray's Cheese sells a double creme brie for $18 per pound. That's more than twice as much as you'll pay at Trader Joe's.

Price: $14.99/pound

Like TJ's parmesan, this Spanish cheese is aged for at least 12 months. This process gives the Manchego Anejo its characteristic caramelized flavor profile.

Even though Target's version may seem more affordable at $8.89, you'll only get 5.3 ounces of six-month-aged Manchego.

That's less than one-third of a pound. If you do the math, the Good and Gather price is over $25 per pound.

Price: $10.99/pound

Onion enthusiasts will enjoy this savory blend. The English-inspired mix is a standout flavor that adds a tangy taste to grilled burgers, wraps, or almost anything else.

It was picked as the number one favorite cheese on Trader Joe's Customer Choice Awards last year and again made the top five list this year.

Price: $11.99/pound

Spice up your charcuterie platter without going overboard. Cracked black pepper adds a subtle zest, making anything from whole wheat crackers to sliced fruit taste better. Think of this "fancy" pick as a mildly adventurous option.

Price: $7.99/pound

Mouth surfers who are more than just mildly adventurous will adore this smoked ghost pepper cheese.

The limited-time Wisconsin cheddar blend features the renowned ghost pepper and somewhat less spicy jalapenos and habaneros. At under $8 per pound, this fiery buy is a major bargain.

Price: $8.99/pound

Cheddar purists will enjoy this chunk of cheese. Aged three to six months, this popular pick pairs perfectly with sliced fruit, hamburgers, crackers, or pita chips.

Melt it on top of an English muffin or roll it into a wrap for a brunch buffet. If you prefer cheese that's ready to go, TJ's has you covered.

For $4.99, you can get an eight-ounce pack of slices that work great for burgers and sandwiches.

Price: $13.99/pound

Delight in pure decadence. Black truffle bites and truffle oil make this TJ's cheese a rich yet earthy choice. Serve it with your favorite chicken recipe, make a very grown-up grilled cheese, or melt it over a baked potato.

Price: $4.99

This is another "everything but the bagel" winner from TJ's line of salty, savory products.

Loyal shoppers who love "everything but the bagel" chips, salmon, seasoning, and crackers will use the cheese for everything — including bagels.

Melt the onion, garlic, poppy, sesame, and sea salt blended cheddar over a toasted plain bagel, add it to a burger, or slice it onto a sandwich.

Price: $9.99/pound

You won't find this Caribbean-inspired pepper cheese in many grocery stores. TJ's Scotch Bonnet Chili cheddar has a sweet and spicy tang.

Add it to savory sandwiches, grilled chicken, hamburgers, or almost any other kitchen creation.

Price: $3.99

At $3.99 for eight ounces, this whole milk fresh mozzarella is a can't-miss deal. You'll pay $1.50 more for a similar BelGioiso Ciliegine cheese from Target.

Use the flavorful Italian favorite to make a Margherita pizza, add it to a Caprese salad, or top a meatball hoagie with the mozzarella.

Price: $3.29

Transport yourself to the Med with this crumbled Greek cheese. Sprinkle it into a salad, use it to make pita pocket sandwiches, or create your own Mediterranean pizza recipe with it.

Compare TJ's $3.29 six-ounce tub to the same size container of Athenos Crumbled Feta Cheese with Mediterranean Herbs for $4.19. That means you're cutting down your grocery bill by opting for Trader Joe's.

Trader Joe's has some of the best deals on fancy cheese. You can fill your picnic basket with gourmet goodies and keep cash in your pocket.

Be a savvy shopper and use your favorite cash back or perks credit card to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

Even though TJ's doesn't have store coupons, using the right card to pay for your groceries can still increase your overall savings.