Wisconsin’s Pungent Culinary Legend
If you find yourself wandering the backroads of Wisconsin, you might catch a whiff of something... bold. That unmistakable aroma? It’s probably the “Big Stinky” sandwich—a local delicacy that’s been turning heads and twitching noses for generations. Officially, it’s a Limburger cheese sandwich. Unofficially? It’s a rite of passage.
Let’s take a closer look at this polarizing (yet beloved) sandwich that’s equal parts bold, bizarre, and brilliant.
What Exactly Is the Big Stinky?
The “Big Stinky” is a sandwich built around Limburger cheese—a dairy product with a reputation so legendary, it practically needs its own warning label. The sandwich is simple in construction but packs a serious punch in flavor.
🧀 Limburger Cheese: The Star (and Stinker) of the Show
Limburger cheese is infamous for its strong, pungent aroma that often precedes it by several feet. But don’t let the smell fool you—beneath the nose-wrinkling funk lies a soft, creamy cheese with a rich, earthy flavor. Originally hailing from the Limburg region of Europe, this cheese found a new home in America’s Dairyland thanks to Swiss and German immigrants who knew a good thing when they smelled it.
🍞 Dark Rye Bread: The Foundation
A slice (or two) of hearty dark rye bread is the perfect stage for Limburger’s dramatic performance. Its dense texture and slightly sour flavor can stand up to even the most aggressive cheese, making it the classic companion for this sandwich.
🧅 Red Onion: The Zinger
Sliced red onion is more than a garnish—it’s a balancing act. Its crisp texture and zippy sweetness cut through the richness of the cheese, adding a sharp edge to each bite.
🥄 Mustard: The Heat
Whether it’s horseradish mustard or a sweet-hot blend, mustard brings fire and tang, waking up the palate and rounding out the sandwich’s intense flavor profile.
🍓 Strawberry Jam (Wait, What?)
Here’s where things get weird—in the best way. Some daring eaters slather their Big Stinky with strawberry jam, adding a sweet and fruity note that somehow works. The jam mingles with the cheese’s saltiness and the onion’s bite, creating a surprisingly delicious sweet-savory combo.
A Taste of History
The Big Stinky isn’t just a quirky sandwich—it’s a culinary time capsule, steeped in Old World tradition and Midwestern grit. Its roots trace back to the 19th century, when Swiss and German immigrants settled in the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin. These communities brought with them their love of pungent cheeses like Limburger, a soft, washed-rind cheese originally produced in the historical Duchy of Limburg in Europe.
Back then, the Limburger sandwich was a common sight on lunch tables and in working-class taverns. It was cheap, filling, and easy to assemble—qualities that made it especially popular among factory workers, farmers, and miners. The sandwich was typically eaten with strong black coffee or a cold local beer, making it a comforting and energizing meal during long workdays. Its potent aroma may have turned a few heads, but for those who grew up with it, that smell was simply the scent of home.
In those days, Limburger cheese was often sold in general stores and corner markets, many of which had a small counter for serving sandwiches and cold drinks. It wasn’t uncommon for community gatherings, union meetings, or even local card games to feature trays of Limburger sandwiches as a staple snack.
Today, the tradition carries on in Wisconsin, especially in the town of Monroe, widely considered the heartland of Limburger in the United States. Monroe is home to Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern, the oldest cheese store in the country and one of the last places where you can still find a Limburger sandwich served with pride—and a side of attitude. It’s a nostalgic nod to Wisconsin’s dairy heritage and a testament to the immigrant communities that helped shape the region’s culinary identity.
Where to Get the Real Deal
If you’re looking for the gold standard of Big Stinkies, there’s only one place to go: Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern in Monroe, Wisconsin. Established in 1931, Baumgartner’s isn’t just a sandwich shop—it’s a living slice of Americana. Nestled on the town square of Monroe, this iconic establishment is located in the oldest cheese store in the United States, dating back to 1845. The tavern itself has been slinging cheese, beer, and good times for nearly a century, making it a cherished destination for locals and cheese pilgrims alike.
Baumgartner’s is more than just a place to eat—it's a full sensory experience. Walk through the doors and you're met with walls lined with cheese memorabilia, a welcoming bar stocked with Wisconsin brews, and yes, the unmistakable aroma of Limburger wafting from the kitchen. Their Limburger sandwich—served on dark rye with slices of raw red onion—is unapologetically old-school and proudly stinky, just like it should be.
The tavern has become a quirky culinary landmark, drawing visitors from around the country who are brave enough to take on the Big Stinky and earn some serious Midwestern street cred.
Pro tip: Pair your sandwich with a cold pint of New Glarus Spotted Cow, a beloved Wisconsin farmhouse ale known for its creamy body, light hop bitterness, and slightly fruity finish. It’s the perfect complement to the robust, funky bite of Limburger and the sharp tang of red onion. Sit back, soak in the charm, and toast to tradition—because this isn’t just lunch. It’s a time-honored ritual.
While there aren't widely recognized famous quotes specifically about Baumgartner's Cheese Store and Tavern or the "Big Stinky" sandwich, patrons have shared memorable experiences that highlight the establishment's enduring charm. One reviewer on TripAdvisor noted, "Hasn't changed in 40 years! Get the 'Big Stinky'!" This reflects the timeless appeal of Baumgartner's and its signature sandwich.
Additionally, a Reddit user shared their enthusiasm for the Limburger and Braunschweiger sandwich from Baumgartner's, emphasizing the unique and bold flavors that contribute to its reputation.
These personal anecdotes underscore the lasting impression Baumgartner's and its "Big Stinky" sandwich have left on visitors over the years.
Final Thoughts: Are You Brave Enough?
The Big Stinky isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a sensory gauntlet. With its unapologetically pungent aroma and bold flavor, it separates the curious from the committed. But for those willing to push past that first nose-wrinkling whiff, this humble Limburger creation reveals its deeper purpose: a tribute to Wisconsin’s proud dairy legacy and the hearty, resourceful spirit of the immigrants who brought it here.
More than just a quirky regional dish, the Big Stinky is a connection to a bygone era—a time when cheese was strong, lunch was simple, and community taverns were the heart of the town. It’s a conversation starter, a dare wrapped in dark rye, and a love letter to bold, unfiltered flavor. For many Wisconsinites, it’s nostalgia between two slices of bread.
So the next time you find yourself in America’s Dairyland, do more than just sample the cheddar—step up to the challenge. Take a deep breath (or maybe hold it), grab a napkin, and bite into the Big Stinky. Whether you end up hooked or horrified, one thing’s for sure—you won’t forget it. And if you finish the whole thing with a smile? You’ve officially earned your badge as a true Midwestern foodie adventurer.
Have you tried the Big Stinky? Love it? Hate it? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to pack some breath mints. 😉
