Frederic Melton
Cracker Barrel cheese is a product line of Kraft, offering more than 17 varieties of cheese. One of their popular products is the Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which is available in slices, chunks, and cuts. Customers have noted its tangy flavor and convenience, as it fits well on crackers and is easy to chop for omelets. While some customers have expressed concerns about the high level of saturated fat in the cheese, others have praised its taste and texture, recommending it for its good value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Extra sharp cheddar |
| Brand | Cracker Barrel |
| Manufacturer | Kraft |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, annatto (color) |
| Nutrition | High in saturated fat, good source of calcium |
| Use Cases | Mac and cheese, crackers, omelets, scrambled eggs |
| Taste | Tangy, sharp |
| Texture | Easily chopped, grated |
| Awards | Good Housekeeping seal of approval |
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What You'll Learn
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cuts
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a delicious, award-winning cheese with a bold, rich flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. The cheese is made with real milk and is perfectly sized for crackers, saving you time when preparing snacks or appetizers. The cheese is also a good source of naturally occurring calcium.
The cheese has a traditional aged cheddar texture and is designed to fit on a cracker, making it a convenient and tasty snack. It can be purchased in a resealable 7 oz. tray containing 24 slices. The resealable package helps to keep the cheese fresh between uses, making it a great option for entertaining guests or enjoying as a snack for yourself.
The extra sharp cheddar has a tangy flavour that pairs well with roasted figs, fresh apple slices, or crackers. It is also a popular choice for adding flavour to dishes such as mac n' cheese, omelettes, and scrambled eggs. When serving wine and cheese, a glass of Pinot Noir is an excellent complement to the intense flavour of the cheese.
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a versatile and convenient option that delivers a deliciously different taste, keeping customers coming back for more.
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Cracker Barrel Cheese for Mac and Cheese
Cracker Barrel offers a range of cheese varieties, including extra sharp cheddar cheese, which some home cooks recommend for mac and cheese. While some suggest that Cracker Barrel cheese is comparable to Kraft cheese, others assert that Cracker Barrel's longer ageing process gives it a superior taste.
When making mac and cheese, it is generally recommended to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect the consistency when melted. For a creamier sauce, whole milk or 2% milk is preferred over skim milk, and it should be added slowly to the flour mixture to prevent clumping.
To enhance the flavour and texture of the dish, you can add extra cheese to the pan before serving or broil the mac and cheese to achieve browned cheese. For a sharper taste, you can combine Cracker Barrel extra sharp cheddar with cheeses like parmagiano reggiano, pecorino Romano, or blue cheese.
Leftover Cracker Barrel mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place the leftovers in a cast-iron skillet or casserole dish, cover, and warm in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, return it to the stovetop with a splash of milk to regain its creamy texture.
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Cracker Barrel Cheese's ingredients
Cracker Barrel cheese is marketed as a "high-quality" cheese with a rich and bold flavor. The brand offers over 17 varieties of cheese, including Extra Sharp Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, and Brick Cheese. The Extra Sharp Cheddar variety is commonly sold in 8-ounce sticks and is described as having a firm texture and a strong flavour. It is also available in shredded form, although some recommend purchasing the block variety and grating it yourself for optimal taste.
The ingredients of Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese include pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto (colour). It does not contain any artificial or industrial ingredients. However, it is worth noting that it has a high level of saturated fat, which has been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Cracker Barrel cheese is produced by Kraft, although some consumers have noted a difference in taste and quality between Cracker Barrel Cheddar and Kraft Singles. The brand has received awards for its cheese, although some consumers have questioned whether these awards are purely marketing strategies.
In terms of taste and texture, Cracker Barrel Cheddar has been described as having a strong, sharp flavour and a firm, "snappy" texture. It is often used in recipes such as macaroni and cheese, where it is combined with other cheeses like parmesan, pecorino Romano, or blue cheese to add a sharp flavour.
Cracker Barrel cheese has a long history, with the brand being founded over 70 years ago out of a passion for creating high-quality cheese. The company uses proprietary heirloom starter cultures that have been used for more than half a century, contributing to the unique flavour of their cheeses.
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Cracker Barrel Cheese's nutritional value
Cracker Barrel cheese is available in more than 17 varieties, including Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cuts, which is a popular choice for macaroni and cheese. A single slice of Cracker Barrel cheese contains 80 calories with an 80% fat and 20% protein breakdown.
The cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto for colour. While it is a good source of naturally occurring calcium, it also contains a high level of saturated fat. According to the USDA and DHHS 2010 report, cheese is the number one source of saturated fat and one of the top sources of sodium and calories in the American diet.
Saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, and numerous health authorities recommend limiting saturated fat intake to 10% of calories. As a result, Cracker Barrel cheese may be considered less healthy compared to other food options.
However, it is important to note that Cracker Barrel cheese does not contain any artificial or industrial ingredients. The product has been evaluated by EWG's Food Scores, which rates foods based on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. The high saturated fat content likely contributes to a lower score for Cracker Barrel cheese.
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Cracker Barrel Cheese's taste and texture
Cracker Barrel offers over 17 varieties of cheese, including cheddar, Havarti, Sharp White, Marbled Sharp, and Gouda. The brand's cheeses are designed to fit perfectly on a cracker and cater to different taste preferences and occasions.
In terms of taste and texture, Cracker Barrel's Havarti has been described as clean, fresh, and creamy with a great texture, but lacking in flavour complexity. The Sharp White variety offers a sharper flavour profile. The Marbled Sharp cheese has a balanced taste and texture, with a traditional cheddar flavour that shines through but is somewhat bland compared to other options. It is creamy and has a slight sharpness. The Marbled Sharp variety is a mix of marbled cheddar and Monterey Jack, resulting in a light tang from the cheddar and the smoothness of the Monterey Jack. However, the bold flavour may dull towards the end.
The Gouda variety, which originates from the Netherlands, is described as tangy, smoky, super creamy, and mild, with a rich and cheesy taste. It is considered a standout option among the brand's offerings.
The Extra Sharp Cheddar variety is also mentioned as a favourite by some consumers, who use it for macaroni and cheese and various other dishes. It is described as having a sharp flavour and is considered of higher quality than other fancy cheddars.
Overall, Cracker Barrel cheeses are known for their rich and bold flavours, achieved through the use of proprietary heirloom starter cultures. They are suitable for everyday snacking and special occasions.
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Frequently asked questions
Cracker Barrel is a brand of cheese that offers more than 17 varieties, including Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cuts.
The ingredients of Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese are pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto (for colour).
Some recipes that use Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese include mac and cheese, omelets, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
