Bushra Griffith
When preparing a cheese tray, the way you cut the cheese can make a big difference in terms of aesthetics and the eating experience. For cheddar cheese, the cutting technique will depend on the age and texture of the cheese. For softer cheddars, a thin-bladed knife or cheese wire is ideal for creating uniform slices or cubes. For aged cheddars, bringing the cheese to room temperature first will make it easier to cut into thick wedges, which can then be broken into rustic-looking chunks. To enhance the beauty of the cheese tray, consider the height and width of other items on the board, and leave enough space between different cheeses.
How to Cut Cheddar Cheese for a Cheese Tray
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Tray | Variety of flavors and textures |
| Cheddar Cheese | Aged, firm |
| Cutting Style | Slices, cubes, triangles, rustic crumbles |
| Cutting Tools | Chef's knife, skeleton knife, Parmesan knife, narrow plane knife, cheese wire, dental floss |
| Cutting Technique | Increase surface area, cut into thin slices or thick wedges |
| Presentation | Pre-cut or whole, topped with dried fruit and herbs |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut cheddar for rustic crumbles
To cut cheddar for rustic crumbles, it is recommended to first bring the cheese to room temperature to allow for easier crumbling and fuller flavour. Then, cut the cheese into thick 1/2-1 inch slices. You can use a sharp knife and cut at different angles to create shard-like crumbles. Next, using washed hands or kitchen gloves, slowly break the cheese into chunks and crumbles, leaving the edges perfectly imperfect. You can also use a cheese wire to cut the cheese into thick slices and then embrace the crumble.
If you are creating a cheese board, it is recommended to have a variety of flavours and textures. You can leave soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese whole, while semi-firm cheeses like gouda or manchego can be cut into small triangles. For firm cheeses like aged cheddar, you can cut thick slices and then break them into large bite-sized pieces, creating a cute rustic pile on the board.
It is important to note that the more aged a cheese is, the firmer it will be. Aged cheddar will have a denser texture due to the loss of moisture content over time. This makes it ideal for creating rustic crumbles.
Additionally, when serving a large group, it is often easier to have the cheeses pre-sliced or pre-crumbled so that guests can easily take what they need. This way, you can still top the cheese with honeycomb, herbs, or dried fruit, while making it more convenient for your guests.
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Cutting cheddar into cubes
First, bring the cheese to room temperature. This will make it easier to slice and will ensure a fuller flavor. Leave the cheese out of the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. It should be slightly cool to the touch but not too cold or too warm. If it is too cold, it will be difficult to cut; if it is too warm, it may become crumbly.
Next, use a sharp knife to cut the cheese into slices about 1/4 inch thick. If the cheese starts to crumble, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up before continuing. You can also run the knife blade under hot water to prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife. Then, stack the slices and cut them into strips of the same thickness.
Finally, cut the strips into cubes by cutting perpendicular to the strips. This will create evenly sized cubes that look elegant on a cheese platter. If the cubes are different sizes, you can use a sharp knife to trim the larger cubes to match the smaller ones.
Once you have cut the cheddar into cubes, store them properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Place the cubes in an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the refrigerator. Enjoy your cheddar cheese cubes within a few days for the best quality!
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Slicing cheddar for sandwiches, burgers and crackers
First, bring the cheese to room temperature for easier slicing and a fuller flavour. Then, decide on the thickness of the slice. For sandwiches and burgers, thin slices are best for smooth melting, while thicker slices are more suitable for snacking on crackers. Next, select the right knife for the job. A basic chef's knife works great for larger blocks of cheddar. For softer cheddars, you can use a specialty knife, or even a wire cheese slicer. If your cheddar is very firm and dry, you may need to use a Parmesan knife or narrow plane knife to break the cheese into chunks before serving.
To create slices, cut the cheese into eighth-inch-thick planks, and then cut these into rectangles or triangles as needed. For a sandwich or burger, you may want to cut the cheese to fit the bread or bun. If you are serving cheddar on a cracker, you can cut the cheese into cubes or smaller rectangles, which are easy to pick up and eat. If your cheddar is aged and has a unique, crystallized texture, you can cut it at different angles to create shard-like crumbles.
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How to cut a block of cheddar into bite-sized pieces
Cutting a block of cheddar into bite-sized pieces is a simple task that can elevate your cheese tray. The first step is to bring the cheese to room temperature for easier slicing and a fuller flavour. Then, decide on the shape of the bite-sized pieces you want. You can cut the cheese into cubes, triangles, or rustic-looking chunks, depending on your preference and the texture of the cheese.
If you want to cut cubes, first lay the cheese flat and cut it lengthwise into thirds. Then, rotate the block and slice across to create the cubes. Cubes are a convenient shape for snacking as they are easy to pick up and can be speared with toothpicks.
To cut triangles, you can follow a similar method to that of cutting cubes. First, cut the cheese into thirds lengthwise, then rotate and slice across, but at a diagonal angle, to create triangular pieces. Triangles are a fun shape that pairs well with dips such as chutneys and mustards.
If you have a very firm, dry block of cheddar, you may need to use a Parmesan knife or narrow plane knife to break the cheese into rustic-looking chunks. Aged cheddars tend to be firmer, so you can also use a sharp knife to cut the cheese at different angles to create shard-like crumbles.
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Cutting semi-firm cheddar
To get the most flavour out of each piece of cheese, increase the surface area by cutting thinner, wider slices. Cubes, on the other hand, minimise the surface area and are best for easy snacking and spearing with toothpicks. If you are creating a charcuterie board with other delicacies such as fresh fruits, meats, or crackers, you may want to cut the cheese into cubes or wedges to fill the spaces and enhance the beauty of the board.
For semi-firm cheddars, a wire cheese slicer or a basic chef's knife are good options. If you want to get creative, you can use a very sharp knife to cut the cheese at different angles to create shard-like crumbles. This will bring a unique texture, shape, and display to your cheese tray.
Finally, it is recommended to bring the cheese to room temperature for easier slicing and a fuller flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
To cut cheddar cheese for a cheese tray, it is recommended to cut the cheese into bite-sized pieces to encourage guests to eat. You can cut thick, 1-2-inch wedges and then break the cheese into chunks and crumbles. Alternatively, you can cut the cheese into thin slices or eighth-inch-thick planks, and then cut those into smaller rectangles or triangles.
The best way to cut cheese for a cheese tray is to include a variety of textures and flavours. Include a mix of hard and soft cheeses, such as aged cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and blue cheese. Cut the cheeses into bite-sized pieces or wedges to make it easy for guests to eat.
A basic chef's knife or a cheese cleaver is a good option for cutting cheddar cheese. You can also use a multipurpose knife that can cut all types of cheese and be used as a meat knife.
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, can be left whole or served pre-sliced. If you want to pre-portion the cheese, use a thin-bladed soft cheese knife or cheese wire to cut uniform rounds. You can also use unflavoured, unwaxed dental floss to cut soft cheeses.
Semi-firm cheeses, such as havarti or gouda, can be cut into slices or wedges. Cut the cheese into long, thin slices or wedges, depending on the shape it is sold in.
