The Cheese & Pie Mongers

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota locals and visitors in the southern part of the state, The Cheese & Pie Mongers, located near Lake Crystal, represents a delightful intersection of two great Midwestern culinary traditions: exceptional, scratch-made pies and high-quality artisanal cheese. Far more than a simple bakery, this establishment is a specialty destination—a true 'monger' of both sweet and savory indulgence. Customers are often "pleasantly surprised" by the warm, friendly atmosphere and the sheer "deliciousness inside" the shop.

The core of their offering is the wide variety of pies, which are baked fresh and are available in full sizes, as well as frozen for customers who wish to "take and bake" at home. Their pie menu is extensive, boasting over 40 kinds that range from classic Minnesota favorites like Rhubarb Pie and Strawberry Rhubarb, to more inventive combinations like CherBarb (Cherry Rhubarb) and Miss Sheryl's Blubarb Pie (Blueberry Rhubarb). Seasonal treats, such as "fresh baked cider donuts," are a celebrated highlight, making an unexpected stop truly worthwhile. The second half of their name is equally important, as they offer a "fantastic" cheese selection, featuring acclaimed varieties from top Wisconsin makers like Hook's, Marieke Gouda, and Hoards, along with various Minnesota and other artisanal cheeses. This combination makes The Cheese & Pie Mongers a truly unique and highly recommended stop for local food enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

The Cheese & Pie Mongers is located at 20758 528th Ave, Lake Crystal, MN 56055, USA. Situated close to major routes in the Mankato area, it is conveniently positioned to serve customers throughout Blue Earth County and beyond. While local infrastructure projects, such as the noted Highway 60 construction (as of summer 2025), may temporarily affect the immediate approach, customers consistently report that the destination is "worth the trip, gravel roads and all!" and note that leaving the business is often much easier, with direct access back onto major routes toward Mankato.

The shop is dedicated to accessibility for all Minnesotans. The premises include a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This commitment ensures that all members of the community can easily visit and enjoy the charming atmosphere and delicious products. Furthermore, the operational model supports easy, convenient transactions, categorized for a "Quick visit." This is perfect for busy locals running errands or for a fast stop when passing through the beautiful Lake Crystal area.

Services Offered

The Cheese & Pie Mongers offers a variety of services designed to provide convenience and flexibility for Minnesota customers, focusing on high-quality prepared and take-home goods.

• In-Store Shopping: Customers can browse the wide array of fresh and frozen pies, the extensive cheese selection, and other specialty food items like jams, honey, and condiments. Complimentary samples of both pie and cheese are often available.
• Takeout and In-store Pickup: All prepared items, including fresh pies and pastries like cider donuts, are available for quick takeout. Customers who order ahead can utilize in-store pickup for a streamlined transaction.
• Full and Frozen Pies: The core service includes selling full-sized, freshly baked pies, as well as frozen pies in small and large sizes. The frozen option is popular for customers wanting to "take and bake" at home, ensuring a fresh-baked taste when desired.
• Specialty Cheese Sales: Offering a vast selection of cheese—reportedly over 150 varieties—from renowned creameries in Wisconsin and Minnesota, including sought-after names like Hook's, Marieke Gouda, and Hoards.
• Custom and Prepared Orders: Customers can order specialty pies, such as the full-sized cheesecakes which are creatively offered in a pie-pan format, by contacting the shop directly.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting multiple payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.

Features / Highlights

This Lake Crystal shop is celebrated across Southern Minnesota for its unique combination of products and its dedication to quality and service.

• Pie Shop and Cheese Destination Fusion: The most compelling highlight is the dual specialty. It is one of the few places in Minnesota where you can acquire a gourmet, scratch-made pie and a selection of artisan Wisconsin and Minnesota cheeses for a complete, high-end meal or gathering.
• Extensive Pie Menu: The bakery boasts a menu of over 40 different kinds of pies, ensuring that whether a customer desires a classic fruit pie, a creamy custard, or a unique seasonal blend, there is a perfect option.
• Focus on Freshness and Visibility: Customers often note that the dedicated "crew was inside the business, visibly baking in the back," reinforcing the fact that the products, including the famous flaky crust, are made on-site and from scratch.
• High-Quality Artisan Cheese Selection: The cheese case is a significant draw, featuring a curated variety of award-winning cheeses, providing a sophisticated option for local charcuterie and entertaining needs.
• Seasonal and Signature Pastries: Popular seasonal items, such as the "fresh baked cider donuts," are a major draw, adding variety and local charm to the offerings beyond just pie.

Contact Information

For Minnesotans looking to inquire about the pie selection, check on the availability of seasonal treats, or place a custom order, The Cheese & Pie Mongers can be reached via phone or by visiting the shop.

Address: 20758 528th Ave, Lake Crystal, MN 56055, USA

Phone: (507) 720-3801

Mobile Phone: +1 507-720-3801

It is always recommended to call ahead for large custom orders or to confirm the availability of specific seasonal pie flavors, as their popularity can lead to quick sell-outs.

What is worth choosing

The Cheese & Pie Mongers is worth choosing for any Minnesota resident who values high quality, artisanal food and a local, charming shopping experience. The business is more than a simple pie shop; it is a food explorer's delight. The primary draw is the ability to acquire two exceptional and distinct product lines—scratch-made, fresh pies and gourmet artisan cheeses—in one convenient location. This makes it the perfect stop for weekend entertaining, holiday meal planning, or simply a spontaneous indulgence.

The business’s commitment to making pies from tried-and-true recipes, resulting in a "nice, flaky crust," and its focus on using fresh ingredients ensures a product that genuinely tastes homemade. Furthermore, supporting The Cheese & Pie Mongers means supporting a dedicated local enterprise that brings premier, often hard-to-find, cheeses into the Southern Minnesota market. Whether you're making a dedicated trip for a specific cheese or grabbing a quick, fresh-baked cider donut, the combination of deliciousness and friendly, efficient service makes this Lake Crystal gem a 100% recommended stop.

The Cheese & Pie Mongers

20758 528th Ave, Lake Crystal, MN 56055, USA