Originally, Little Chute was a trading post established by French explorers who called it "Le Petite Chute." In 1848, the first Dutch immigrants settled there after a Dutch Catholic priest praised the area and brought over 350 immigrants in three different ships. Little Chute became a community for Dutch Catholics in the Midwest and one of the largest Dutch Catholic settlements in the states.
More history was created when Hubert Fassbender, founder of Kaukauna Cheese, moved his cold-pack cheese company (the first of its kind) across the river to Little Chute over 100 years ago. Cold pack cheese is a smooth, spreadable cheese made by grinding natural cheeses with dairy ingredients and other flavorful ingredients like wine and spices. This is done without heat, which helps the cheese retain their rich flavors. Hubert’s cheese won numerous awards throughout Wisconsin, U.S. and the world.
Today, Little Chute is where Bel Brands makes cold pack cheese and other delicious cheese products, including Kaukauna Cheese Balls and Cheese Logs. In fact, Little Chute is the nation’s largest manufacture of Cheese Balls and Cheese Logs. With a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, Bel Brands’ diverse, award-winning workforce is dedicated to creating memorable moments and products.
The community of Little Chute takes enormous pride in continuing the heritage of our roots and our cheesemaking history—while keeping an eye on innovation and the future.
