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Discover the heritage and nostalgic flavor of Win Schuler’s Bar Cheese—a Michigan classic with a tangy kick, served from Marshall’s famous Win Schuler’s Restaurant.
The Cheese Spread That Took Michigan by Storm
Every state has its cherished culinary classics, and for Michigan, the legendary Win Schuler’s Bar Scheeze is a taste that keeps fans coming back for more. Originating from Schuler’s Restaurant in historic Marshall, this zesty cheddar and horseradish cheese spread has evolved from an in-house specialty to a beloved statewide tradition. It’s a hometown food that screams you’re from Michigan. Served with melba toast or hearty crackers, the spread’s tangy kick is a fixture at gatherings, recalling Michigan’s hearty, nostalgic flavors.
Founded near the I-94 corridor, Win Schuler’s has been more than just a culinary stopover; it’s a pilgrimage for foodies craving a hearty pub meal or Sunday prime rib in a town steeped in historical charm. But it’s the Bar Scheeze that turned this destination into a legend, with enthusiasts crafting homemade knock-offs and eager to replicate the signature taste.
Crafting The Perfect Bar Scheeze At Home
Recreating Schuler’s classic at home isn’t just for the nostalgics. A tried-and-true recipe highlights processed cheese blended seamlessly with softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Brede’s Detroit-made horseradish supplies its bite, while onion juice, bacon grease, and a touch of hot pepper sauce offer a distinctive warmth. The preparation is part ritual—gently melting over simmering water before blending to silky perfection.
Win Schuler’s Bar Cheese
16 oz processed cheese
2 sticks unsalted butter
1 package cream cheese, softened
1/2 jar of fresh Brede’s Prepared Horseradish ( from Detroit)
1/2 cup melted bacon grease (some also add a few bacon bits)
2 tablespoons onion juice
1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
Place all ingredients on top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. The mixture will look coarse in texture. Mix with a mixer, food processor, or blender until smooth. Serve with melba toast or favorite hearty crackers. Refrigerate or freeze.
Those familiar with Brede’s Prepared Horseradish know it’s not just any horseradish—it’s a Detroit classic that makes Schuler’s recipe unforgettable. The touch of heat and savory notes elevate the spread beyond a mere appetizer.
Historic Marshall: A Town Beyond Cheese
A visit to Win Schuler’s is more than a culinary stop. Wander the town’s streets and you’ll step into another story—literally. Author John Bellairs based his fictional town of New Zebedee in the book “The House With a Clock in Its Walls” on Marshall’s historic charm. The Cronin House, a key inspiration, stands testament to this with its Gothic architecture, drawing tours and enthusiasts since the 2018 film adaptation brought it to even greater fame.
Why Schuler’s Bar Scheeze Lives On
The magic of Win Schuler’s Bar Scheeze lies not only in its taste but in its role as a communal thread linking generations. Whether enjoyed at Schuler’s pub or whipped up in home kitchens, it’s more than a cheese spread—it’s a slice of Michigan’s culinary story that invites everyone to share in its warmth.
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