Tilsit was the invention of Dutch immigrants to the town of Tilsit in East Prussia, now Lithuania. Since then it has been widely copied and is made all over Germany. In the east of the country it is also known as Tollenser. The traditional shape for Tilsit is a large wheel but, increasingly, the cheese is being produced in large loaf shapes.
This German gourmet cheese has a washed thin brownish rind and creamy yellow paste, very similar in appearance to Danish Havarti, with its irregular holes and bread-like appearance.
The texture is very springy and elastic but fairly moist. Tilsit has a pungent aroma and warm earthy flavor.
Tilsit is a versatile cheese and the Germans traditionally serve it thin sliced for breakfast. It toasts well and is also good for cooking and can be melted into cheese sauces.