Where would we be without cheese? We certainly wouldn't have , epic , ooey gooey , or our favorite . Cheese, in all it's creamy, tangy, savory glory, simply makes life more delicious. But you may be shocked to learn just how many different types of cheese exist in the world. It's estimated that there are more than 2,000 varieties of cheese in the world, which makes sense for a food that's been around for centuries. Here, we've rounded up 30 of the most popular ones. Snag a new variety on your next trip to the supermarket and you may just find a new favorite!

First things first, let's have a little cheese-making lesson: Did you know that every type of cheese starts the same way: with milk? Sometimes it's the milk of a cow, other times it's from a sheep, goat, or even a water buffalo. Then, different agents are introduced into the milk, which cause the milk to solidify and separate into curds and whey. The solid curds become the cheese. But that's where similarities end, because every type of cheese is different in flavor and texture. Some, like cheddar and jack, are best suited for a dish like Ree Drummond's . Others, such as soft , can be baked in the oven and served warm with crackers or crusty bread for an easy appetizer.

Cheese can completely transform a dish—so check out our guide of the most popular types of cheese, grab your , and start picking your favorites.

Become a bonafide cheesemonger: