Drying Cheddar Cheese: Techniques For Optimal Preservation

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to soups and sauces. While fresh cheddar cheese has a relatively short shelf life, there are several methods to dry and preserve cheddar cheese, such as freeze-drying and vacuum sealing, which can extend its shelf life to several years. In this article, we will explore the different techniques for drying cheddar cheese, the benefits of doing so, and how to incorporate dried cheddar cheese into your cooking.

Characteristics of Dried Cheddar Cheese

Explore related products

5pcs Cheese draining/ripening mat 8’’Cheese Drying Mats Cheesemaking equipment Cheese making at home (8'')

$6.99

Drain Mat - Pack of 5 - Plastic Draining Mesh - Cheese Making Drying Mats

$12.99

Drying Mat for Cheese - Pack of 6 - Cheese Making Black Mat - Cheese Ripening and Draining Mesh

$15.99

Cheese Drying Mat 5 Pcs - Plastic Cheese Making Mat - Cheese Ripening & Draining Mesh, Black, 7.87x7.87 Inches

$12.99

Easy Cheesemaking Set | 5 Cheese Molds + Cheese Making Book | Made in Italy | Recipes to Make Ricotta, Paneer, Goats Cheese, Quark and More | Professional Cheese Press Basket Mold Set of Strainers

$19.95

6-Pack Beige Cheesecloth, 20x20 Inch Hemmed Cheese Cloth for Straining, Reusable Unbleached Cotton Strainer for Cooking, Baking, Juicing, and Cheese Making (Grade 100)

$7.99

Freeze-dried cheddar cheese

One of the main advantages of freeze-dried cheddar cheese is its lightweight and easy storage. It is ideal for camping, backpacking, or survival situations as it can be easily packed and transported. Additionally, it has a reduced weight without compromising on flavour, making it a valuable addition to your emergency food storage.

When purchasing freeze-dried cheddar cheese, it is important to consider the processing and packaging facilities. Some products may be processed in facilities that also handle common allergens like wheat, egg, milk, soybean, peanut, and tree nuts. This information is usually provided by the manufacturer to help consumers make informed choices.

Vacuum-sealed packaging

Vacuum sealing is a preservation method that involves removing air from a package containing cheese and sealing it tightly. It is a modern, safe, and easy way to age and store cheese. It is ideal for home use and storing bought cheeses as it provides longer shelf life. It is also a good way to preserve shredded cheese.

Vacuum sealing cheese can extend its shelf life and keep cheese fresh for significantly longer in the refrigerator when there is no air available to disrupt the product. It also helps maintain the flavour and texture of the cheese. However, some people believe that cheese ceases to age once vacuum-sealed and that it is not suitable for aging homemade cheeses. The taste development process is also a little different, and the results tend to be flat, underdeveloped, and slightly sour.

To vacuum seal cheese, you can wrap it first in wax or parchment paper. The paper will absorb the excess moisture and keep the cheese from deteriorating for a few months. You can then place the cheese in a plastic or glass vacuum seal container and store it in the refrigerator. It is important to note that vacuum sealing does not eliminate all risks, and it is still important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

When selecting vacuum seal bags for cheese, consider the bag thickness and size. Thicker bags offer better protection, and you should choose a bag that fits your cheese portions without excess space. It is also important to keep vacuum-sealed cheese out of the bag for at least 2-3 hours before eating to let the cheese adjust to the new environment and aerate.

Cheese sauce

A rich cheese sauce can really bring out the various flavours of a dish. It is also one of the quickest and easiest sauces to make. You can use a variety of different cheeses for a cheese sauce recipe, but cheddar cheese is the way to go!

Ingredients

• Cheddar cheese – hand-shredded cheese works best. Try to avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it doesn't melt as smoothly.
• Cornstarch – Combine the cheese and cornstarch to help absorb the water and expand, letting it thicken when melted together.
• Evaporated milk – Smooths, thickens the texture, and adds a sweet flavour to this cheese sauce.
• Dry mustard – This helps the sauce bind together as well as gives it a more yellow colouring.
• Cream cheese – Adds a thick and creamy taste!
• Butter – The base of this cheese sauce is a roux made with butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter.
• Flour – Using equal parts (by volume) of flour to butter helps thicken the cheese sauce.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning.

Method

• In a large bowl, toss shredded cheese and cornstarch, shaking off any excess cornstarch.
• Place cheese in a medium-sized saucepan.
• Add the evaporated milk and dry mustard.
• Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until cheese melts, adding more evaporated milk when needed to reach the desired consistency.
• Once the cheese has melted, add cream cheese and stir until smooth and mixed in.
• Serve immediately.

Variations

You can customise your cheese sauce by switching up the cheese or adding different ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Use mixed cheeses – a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
• Make it spicy – use pepper jack cheese and/or stir in extra cayenne pepper and a dash of garlic powder.
• Make it smoky – switch to smoked cheddar for a smoky-flavoured sauce.
• Add more flavour – add drained diced pimentos to the cheese sauce for colour and flavour.
• Make it Tex-Mex – a Mexican blend of cheeses and chilli peppers is great when using the sauce in a Tex-Mex style dish, including nachos.

Explore related products

2 pcs Cheese Mold with a Follower Piston and Cheesecloth – Cheese Making Kit - Cheesemaking Supplies – Cheese Form Mold - Cheese Making Basket - Cotton Cloth For Straining - Molde Para Queso

$18.99

Herb Drying Rack-2ft Diameter 4 Layer Folding Mesh Hanging Basket Dryer Net with Zippers for Seeds Flowers Buds Plants Garden Outdoor Bumper Harvest(D24xH31 inch)

$17.09 $19.99

Grand Way Cheese Mold with a Follower and Cheesecloth – Cheese Making Kit – Cheesemaking Supplies – Cheese Set for Press – Reusable Cheesecloth – 100% Cotton Cloth for Straining – Paneer Maker

$12.99

100% Unbleached Cheese Cloths – 4 Pcs Precut 20x20 inch Hemmed Reusable Cheesecloth for Straining - Grade 100 Organic Cheese Cloth - Ultra Fine Muslin Cloth for Juicing Brewing Baking Turkey

$4.49

Smokehouse Products Little Chief Drying Screens-2PK

$14.99

2 PCS Cheese Mold 1,6QT - 2 PCS Follower - 2 PCS Cheesecloth 100% Cotton for Semi-Hard and Hard Cheeses- Homemade Cheese Making Supplies - Molde Para Queso Fresco Casero - Cheese Making Kit Press

$18.99

Food pairings

Dried cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. One of the most popular uses for dried cheddar cheese is to sprinkle it on top of freshly popped popcorn for a tasty snack. You can also use dried cheddar cheese powder to make an ultra-creamy pot of mac and cheese from scratch. Simply stir the cheddar cheese powder into a pot of cooked pasta shells, adding milk to create a rich, cheesy sauce.

Dried cheddar cheese can also be paired with unique dried fruits such as figs, dates, pineapples, and mangos, adding a Mediterranean flair to the cheese's creamy texture. Smaller dried fruits, such as tart cherries and apricots, also pair well with cheddar and nuts, making for a healthy and tasty trail mix.

For a more indulgent pairing, dark chocolate is a perfect match for dried cheddar cheese. The rich bitterness of dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher pairs exceptionally well with a rich, aged cheddar, creating a savoury and milky blend.

When it comes to drinks, a mild to medium block of cheddar pairs well with beer and cider, reminiscent of the classic ploughman's lunch. For wine lovers, a mature cheddar with a bit of bite pairs well with intensely fruity Chilean Cabernet Sauvignons or similar Cabernets from other regions, such as South Australia.

Shelf life

Drying cheddar cheese can be a long and tedious process, but it can be done. One way to dry cheddar cheese is to shred it and put it on paper towels while dehydrating it. The paper towels will absorb the oils. You may have to change the paper towels several times during the process, especially when drying cheddar cheese.

Once the cheese is dry, it can be stored in a well-sealed glass jar. The shelf life of dried cheddar cheese can vary depending on several factors, including the initial quality of the cheese, the drying method used, and the storage conditions.

Properly dried and stored cheddar cheese can last for several months or even years. Some sources suggest that dried cheddar cheese can be stored for up to five years. However, it's important to note that the shelf life may be shorter if the cheese is not thoroughly dried or if it is not stored in an airtight container.

To extend the shelf life of dried cheddar cheese, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or a cabinet. Exposure to light, heat, or moisture can cause the cheese to spoil or develop mould. Additionally, dried cheddar cheese should be stored in a well-sealed container, such as a vacuum-sealed bag or a glass jar with an airtight lid.

It's important to regularly inspect the dried cheddar cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, an off odour, or a change in texture. If mould is present, it is recommended to cut off at least one inch around and below the mouldy spot before consuming the cheese.

Frequently asked questions