Sausage Making: Choosing The Right Cheese

do you have to use high temp cheese in sausage

High-temperature cheese is designed to withstand the high temperatures of cooking and smoking without melting. It is a popular choice for sausage-making, as it adds flavour and texture without melting and seeping out of the sausage. While regular cheese can be used in sausages, it may melt and leave holes, compromising the appearance and texture of the sausage. High-temperature cheese is more expensive than regular cheese, but it is a versatile and shelf-stable ingredient that can be used in a variety of sausage recipes, including summer sausages, salami, and snack sticks.

Characteristics and Values Table for High-Temp Cheese in Sausages

Characteristics Values
Use High-temp cheese is used in sausages to add texture, flavour, and creaminess.
Temperature Resistance High-temp cheese can withstand temperatures up to 400°F without melting.
Form High-temp cheese maintains its form and doesn't melt during cooking, keeping its original cubed shape.
Flavours Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, and Bleu Cheese.
Regular Cheese Alternatives Extra Old Cheddar, Quality Emmental/Swiss, or dry Cabot cheddar.
Storage High-temp cheese can be stored for up to 18 months if properly prepared and stored. Unopened, it can be refrigerated for 3 months.
Cost Online prices range from $15-20 per pound, but local butchers may offer better deals.
Preparation High-temp cheese is made at higher temperatures before the milk curdles, resulting in a firm and elastic product.
Freezing Freezing high-temp cheese is not recommended as it tends to clump together upon thawing.

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High-temp cheese is made to withstand high temperatures without melting

High-temperature cheese is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures without melting. This is achieved by reducing the moisture content and fat content of the cheese. This means that high-temperature cheese can be added to sausages and cooked at high heat without melting and ruining the batch. The cheese will maintain its shape and form, keeping the sausage intact.

High-temperature cheese is ideal for sausages, bratwursts, burgers, and other meat dishes where a creamy texture and flavour are desired. It can be grilled, smoked, or cooked without melting, making it a versatile ingredient for charcuterie boards and creative recipes. The cheese is typically diced into small cubes, making it easy to incorporate into ground meat mixtures and ensure even distribution.

While regular cheese can be used in sausages, there is a risk of it melting and creating holes in the sausage. This can affect the appearance and texture of the final product. High-temperature cheese, on the other hand, will remain intact and deliver a professional-looking sausage. It is important to note that high-temperature cheese is more expensive than regular cheese due to the additional processing required to reduce moisture and fat content.

Some people may not prefer the flavour of high-temperature cheese, as it may differ from regular cheese. However, high-temperature cheese comes in a variety of flavours, including cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, and mozzarella, allowing for experimentation and creativity in sausage-making. The recommended ratio is 1 lb of cheese for every 10-12 lbs of meat, or approximately 10% of the product weight.

High-temperature cheese is a unique ingredient that allows for the incorporation of cheese into sausages without the worry of melting. Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it a valuable addition to sausage-making, providing a creamy texture and flavour without compromising the integrity of the sausage.

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Regular cheese can be used, but it may melt and ruin the batch

Sausages are a versatile food that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including cheese. While high-temp cheese is often used in sausage-making, regular cheese can also be used. However, there is a risk that the regular cheese will melt and ruin the batch of sausages.

High-temp cheese is designed to withstand high temperatures without melting, making it a popular choice for sausage-making. It adds creaminess and flavor to the finished sausage and can be used in a variety of recipes, including bratwursts, burgers, and tacos. The unique production process of high-temp cheese involves heating the milk to a higher temperature before it curdles, resulting in a firmer and more elastic cheese that holds together at high temperatures.

On the other hand, regular cheese has a higher moisture content and tends to melt at lower temperatures. When used in sausage-making, regular cheese can melt and create holes in the sausages, affecting the appearance and texture of the final product. However, some people prefer the flavor of regular cheese over high-temp cheese, finding it more appealing.

To use regular cheese in sausage-making, it is recommended to freeze the cheese before vacuum sealing it. This helps to improve its stability and reduce the risk of melting. Additionally, choosing harder varieties of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or provolone, can improve the chances of success when using regular cheese in sausages.

Ultimately, both high-temp and regular cheese can be used in sausage-making, but each has its own advantages and considerations. High-temp cheese provides a more reliable option for maintaining the shape and texture of the sausages, while regular cheese offers a broader range of flavor options but requires more careful handling to prevent melting.

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High-temp cheese is more expensive than regular cheese

High-temp cheese is designed to withstand high temperatures without melting, making it ideal for sausages and other meat products. However, its price is a significant consideration for home cooks and professionals alike, with online prices reaching almost $20 per pound, including shipping. This is significantly more expensive than regular cheese, which can be purchased at local shops or grocery stores.

The higher price of high-temp cheese is due to the specialised manufacturing process required to create a product that can withstand high temperatures. This process involves reducing the moisture content and fat levels in the cheese, which allows it to hold its shape and not melt when exposed to heat. Additionally, high-temp cheese is often pre-cut and dusted with cellulose or starch to prevent clumping, further adding to the cost.

In contrast, regular cheese has a higher moisture and fat content, causing it to melt at lower temperatures. While this makes it unsuitable for certain recipes, such as sausages that are cooked at high temperatures, regular cheese is generally more affordable and widely available. It is important to note that some harder cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or provolone, can be used in recipes like summer sausages without issue, as the end product is typically eaten cold.

For those seeking to incorporate cheese into their sausage recipes, the decision between high-temp cheese and regular cheese depends on the desired outcome and budget constraints. While high-temp cheese offers the convenience of withstanding high temperatures, it comes at a significantly higher cost. On the other hand, regular cheese is more affordable but may not hold up as well in recipes that require cooking at high heat. Ultimately, the choice between the two types of cheese depends on the specific needs and preferences of the cook.

Despite the higher price tag, some enthusiasts prefer high-temp cheese for its ability to create unique flavours and textures in their meat products. High-temp cheese can be grilled or smoked without melting, adding a creamy texture and flavour to sausages, burgers, and charcuterie boards. It is also worth noting that high-temp cheese has a longer shelf life than regular cheese, which may justify the higher cost for those who use it frequently or in large batches.

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High-temp cheese can be used in a variety of recipes

High-temp cheese is an excellent ingredient for adding flavour and texture to a variety of recipes. Its unique ability to withstand high temperatures without melting makes it a versatile option for cooking. While it is commonly used in sausages, high-temp cheese can also enhance burgers, tacos, salads, pasta, and even charcuterie boards.

For sausage-making enthusiasts, high-temp cheese is a game-changer. It can be mixed into sausage meat to create a creamy, delicious flavour without the risk of melting and ruining the batch. This type of cheese is designed to maintain its shape and consistency during the smoking and cooking process, ensuring a professional finish. It is especially useful for sausages that are cooked at higher temperatures, such as bratwursts and summer sausages.

However, high-temp cheese is not limited to sausage-making. Its high melting point makes it ideal for grilling or smoking, adding a unique twist to your charcuterie board. You can place high-temp cheese directly on the grill to give it a charred texture and soften its flavour. Experiment with different flavours like Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella to create unique flavour profiles for your grilled dishes.

In addition to grilling, high-temp cheese can be incorporated into various recipes. It can be added to ground meat for burgers or tacos, providing a creamy texture and flavour. The small, 1/4" cube size of high-temp cheese makes it versatile and easy to work with, ensuring even distribution in ground meat mixtures. You can also use high-temp cheese in salads or pasta dishes, creating a wide range of culinary possibilities.

For those who enjoy making their own cured meats at home, high-temp cheese is a valuable ingredient to experiment with. It can be used with different types of meat, including pork, beef, and venison, to create unique flavour combinations. Whether you're making summer sausage, salami, snack sticks, or even bologna, high-temp cheese adds a creamy texture and consistent performance. Its shelf-stable design ensures freshness during preparation, making it a reliable choice for home cooks and professionals alike.

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High-temp cheese can be stored for longer than regular cheese

High-temp cheese is a type of cheese that can withstand higher temperatures without melting, making it ideal for use in sausages, burgers, and other grilled or smoked dishes. It is designed to hold its shape and texture during cooking, giving the sausage a creamy flavour. However, some people dislike the flavour of high-temp cheese.

Regular cheese has a higher moisture content and tends to melt at lower temperatures, which can ruin a batch of sausages. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have lower moisture content and can be left out at room temperature for longer periods without spoiling compared to soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. According to the U.S. Department of Health, hard cheeses can be safely left out at room temperature for up to two hours, while soft cheeses should not be left out for more than one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

To extend the shelf life of regular cheese, it is recommended to store it properly in the refrigerator. This involves wrapping the cheese in parchment or wax paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap to allow the cheese to breathe. It can then be placed in a plastic bag or airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. With proper storage, hard cheeses can last up to four weeks after opening, while soft cheeses should be consumed within one week.

In contrast, high-temp cheese is designed to have a low moisture content and low fat, which gives it a longer shelf life compared to regular cheese. High-temp cheese is shelf-stable, meaning it can maintain its freshness during preparation and storage without the need for refrigeration. This makes it a reliable option for home cooks and professionals. The exact duration for which high-temp cheese can be stored is not specified, but its low moisture content and shelf-stable nature suggest that it can be stored for longer periods than regular cheese.

Therefore, while both types of cheese can be used in sausage-making, high-temp cheese offers the advantage of longer storage and the ability to withstand higher temperatures without melting, making it a convenient and reliable choice for cooks.

Frequently asked questions

No, but it is recommended. High-temp cheese is designed to withstand high temperatures without melting, which means it won't ruin your sausage batch. Ordinary cheese tends to melt when smoking sausage, leaving holes and a greasy texture.

You can use regular cheese, but it is recommended to freeze the sausages before vac sealing. Harder cheeses like sharp cheddar or provolone are better alternatives as they hold up better.

High-temp cheese has a low moisture content and low fat, which allows it to hold together at higher temperatures. It also adds a creamy texture and flavour to the sausage.

Popular flavours include cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, mozzarella, and bleu cheese.

You can buy high-temp cheese online or from your local butcher.

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