The Largest Dairy-Producing State Isn’t What You Think It Is

Wisconsin likes to tout itself as “America’s Dairyland.” (No, really, that’s what the license plates say.) Well, it turns out California is the country’s leading milk producer and has held the title for more than 20 years. It also produces the most butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk. (Wisconsin’s still No. 1 for cheese.)

Known for its world-class wine, towering redwoods and unmistakable Hollywood sign, California is also home to a whole lotta dairy land. There are 1,200 dairy farms in the West Coast state, 99% of which are family-owned. And because of this, there are almost 2 million dairy cows there, too. (FYI, that’s about twice as many cows as there are people in San Francisco!)

Why California?

Despite its reputation, California isn’t all sunshine and sandy beaches. It turns out California’s rainier region is actually great for dairy production. Lush Northern California, specifically Sonoma County, has plentiful green pastures, making for very content cows.

And Central California, the most agricultural portion of the state, has proven it’s not just suited for crops, like cotton, nuts and berries—but cows, too. Take Tulare County, which is located in this uber-fertile region. It’s the largest dairy-producing county in the nation.

Say Cheese!

Although Wisconsin still holds the title as largest cheese producer, the Golden State could be catching up. In fact, cheesemaking is the state’s fastest-growing dairy category. No matter where you live, here’s how you can make your own cheese at home.

Almost half of California cows’ milk goes toward cheese production, which, in 2018, amounted to a whopping 2.5 billion pounds of cheese. And California currently takes the cake—or should we say cheesecake?—in a number of varieties. It produces the most Hispanic-style cheeses (think cotija, Manchego and queso fresco), as well as the most Monterey Jack cheese, a variety that’s native to the state.

The most-produced cheese in California, however, is mozzarella. But California cheesemakers create more than 250 varieties and styles of cheeses, many of which are artisanal, i.e. handcrafted and typically small-batch. Can you say “holy cow”?

So even though many Californians might love their oat milk and their vegan cheese, it’s clear that dairy lovers have the Golden State to thank for helping satisfy their creamiest of cravings.

Dig into Our Favorite Recipes from California

1 / 29

Taste of Home

Lemon Pound CakeCitrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California

Go to Recipe

Easy Fish TacosSearching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooked Southwest ChickenThis dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California

Go to Recipe

California Dream SmoothieIt's sunshine in a smoothie! This one's a true California treat—sweet and tangy from start to finish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Go to Recipe

Chicken Piccata with Lemon SauceOnce you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California

Go to Recipe

Cheese & Herb Potato FansIt's downright fun to make and serve this potato recipe. The fresh herbs, butter and cheeses are just what a good potato needs. —Susan Curry, West Hills, California

Go to Recipe

Lemon Angel Cake BarsA neighbor gave me this recipe years ago and it's been in flavor rotation ever since. It can be made ahead and serves a bunch, so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California

Go to Recipe

TMB Studio

Egg-Topped Avocado ToastWe always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Go to Recipe

Grilled Cauliflower WedgesThis side is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California

Go to Recipe

Sweet Potato and Egg SkilletI try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in my meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. I created this recipe with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast—and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Go to Recipe

Smoky Spanish ChickenAfter enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California

Go to Recipe

Lemony Garbanzo SaladEverybody goes for this super fresh salad with the cumin-coriander dressing, especially on warm days. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Lemon Blueberry Drop SconesI enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California

Go to Recipe

Chicken Tacos with Avocado SalsaA few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Mushroom Asparagus QuicheLoads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Balsamic Chicken Pasta SaladI love all the colors and flavors of this quick and easy dish and serve it often in summer, to the delight of my guests! You can't beat the combination of Gorgonzola and bacon. Leftover grilled shrimp makes a tasty substitute for chicken. —Terry McCarty, Oro Grande, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Lemon-Butter Brussels SproutsKick up these stovetop lemon Brussels sprouts with fresh lemon zest. Even my toddler will eat this up! — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Go to Recipe

Asian Slaw with SteakMain-dish salads are so perfect for summer, especially this one with its Asian-inspired dressing. The colorful slaw and juicy steak combo is super quick and wonderful for breezy weeknight dinners. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Chicken Vegetable CurryThis comfort dish gets fabulous flavor when I add chicken, sweet red peppers, coconut milk and the all-important seasoning, curry powder. —Roxana Lambeth, Moreno Valley, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Rosemary LemonadeA friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Avocado Goat Cheese TrufflesGive guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Barbecued Chicken PizzasSo fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California

Go to Recipe

Lemon SnowdropsI save my snowdrop cookies for special occasions. The crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling. —Bernice Martinoni, Petaluma, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Pork Chile VerdePork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California

Go to Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Cornmeal CakeI lightened up this quick and easy dessert by making a few substitutions. Because the treat is so sweet, no one will know it's healthy, too.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California.

Go to Recipe

Rosemary-Lemon Grilled ChickenHere's a simple dish with big bold lemon and rosemary flavors that's made with very few ingredients. It's great by itself but can also be used on top of salad greens as another creative dinner option. —Debbie Carter, Kingsburg, California

Go to Recipe

Lemon-Dill Salmon PacketsGrilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California

Go to Recipe