What is cheddar cheese?
Cheddar cheese is a cheese that originates from the United Kingdom and is very popular in the United States. This cheese can come in a variety of shapes and colors, depending on the ingredients used to make them. Different kinds of cheddar cheese can range from a very light cream color to bright orange.
What does cheddar cheese taste like?
Cheddar cheese can range from mild to sharp, depending on the age of the cheese. Most cheddars are slightly salty and have a firm, yet creamy texture.
How can you eat cheddar cheese?
Cheddar cheese is very versatile. This cheese melts very easily, making sliced cheddar a great addition to sandwiches and burgers. In addition, grated cheddar works well melted into foods like macaroni and cheese and baked potatoes. You can also eat cold or room temperature cheddar on its own or pair it with fruit like apples or grapes for a salty and sweet snack.
Where can you buy cheddar cheese?
Cheddar cheese is very easy to find in your local grocery store. Sliced, block, and shredded cheddar are found in the cheese and dairy aisle, usually in both mild and sharp forms. Other varieties of aged cheddar cheese are located near the other specialty cheeses and at specialty food stores.
How do you store cheddar cheese?
Store cheddar cheese in the refrigerator, either in its original packaging or wrapped in wax paper and plastic wrap. For pre-sliced or grated cheddar, used it within a week after opening and throw it out if it begins to mold. For block cheddar, remove mold by cutting an inch away from the mold and rewrapping the cheese in new paper and plastic wrap.
Fun Fact about cheddar cheese:
The only difference between white cheddar and orange cheddar is the color! Annatto powder is added to some cheddars to add an orange hue, however, this does not alter the flavor or texture.
Did you know?
Cheddar gets its name from the caves in Cheddar, England that were originally used to age and store the cheese.
Recipes Using Cheddar Cheese
White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
Using white cheddar cheese, make macaroni and cheese that is better than boxed! In a large saucepan, make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, Manchego cheese, and season with garlic powder, chipotle powder, and pepper. Add in cooked pasta shells or another small shaped pasta and stir to combine!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Dress up broccoli with cheddar cheese in this classic soup. In a large stockpot, sauté onion and with butter and add flour to make a roux. Add milk and chicken stock to the roux and whisk to remove any lumps. Allow this mixture to thicken slightly and add chopped broccoli. Cook the broccoli in the soup until tender and remove from the heat before stirring in shredded cheddar.
Cheddar Crisps
Did you know cheese can become a crispy chip? Take shredded cheddar cheese and place it in small mounds on a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper. Bake the cheese crisps at 425 degrees for 6 to 10 minutes or until the cheese stops bubbling. Allow the crisps to cool and serve. Season the crisps with smoked paprika or herbs for added flavor.
Nacho Cheese Sauce
Use cheddar cheese to make nacho cheese sauce that is much better than the jarred stuff! Combine butter and flour in a saucepan and boil until the raw flour is cooked out. Add in milk and bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally to remove any flour lumps. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese and a dash of cayenne pepper and stir until the cheese is thoroughly melted. Serve the sauce as a dip or pour it over chips and garnish with jalapeños, beans, and sliced avocado for homemade nachos.
Cheddar Biscuits
Jazz up your standard biscuit recipe with cheddar, herbs, and garlic powder. Serve the biscuits with dinner or sliced in half for an egg and ham breakfast sandwich.
Watch Related How-To Videos Using Cheddar Cheese
How To Make A Baked Potato (with cheddar cheese topping)
