Randy Chandler
Extra sharp cheddar cheese is a great option for melting, whether you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, nacho dip, or cheese sauce. Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses for melting due to its creamy texture and high moisture content, especially when compared to harder, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère. When melting extra sharp cheddar cheese, it's important to shred or grate the cheese first, as this will help it melt more quickly, easily, and evenly. You can use a microwave or stovetop approach, but it's crucial to use low heat to avoid overcooking the cheese and affecting its texture and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended melting method | Stovetop approach or double-boiler method |
| Melting cheese in the microwave | Less consistent and reliable, but quicker |
| Cheese type | Extra sharp cheddar |
| Cheese texture | Smooth and creamy |
| Cheese moisture | Low |
| Melting point | High |
| Sharpness level | High |
| Aging | High |
| Cheese flavor | Nutty and full of flavor |
| Cheese consistency | Stringy |
| Shredding | Easier with cold cheese |
| Cheese temperature | Room temperature |
| Bowl type | Microwave-safe |
| Heat setting | Low |
| Time | 15-second increments |
| Stirring | Frequent |
| Wine or beer | Optional |
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What You'll Learn
Melting extra sharp cheddar cheese on a stovetop
Extra sharp cheddar cheese has a lower moisture content and a harder texture than mild or sharp cheddar, so it requires more heat to melt. Here is a step-by-step guide to melting extra sharp cheddar cheese on a stovetop:
Step 1: Shred the Cheese
Shredding the cheese increases the surface area, allowing it to melt more evenly and efficiently. It is easier to shred cheese when it is cold, so remove the cheese from the refrigerator and grate it using a box grater or a food processor. If the cheese reaches room temperature and is still difficult to shred, place it in the freezer for 10-30 minutes to harden before attempting again.
Step 2: Allow the Cheese to Reach Room Temperature
Once shredded, let the cheese sit at room temperature. This step is important because it will reduce the amount of time the cheese needs to be exposed to heat. Over-exposure to heat can cause the cheese to become rubbery or greasy, so minimising heat exposure is crucial.
Step 3: Prepare a Double Boiler
Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and place it on the stovetop. If you don't have a double boiler, you can create a similar setup by filling a saucepan one-third full with water and placing a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the temperature to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Place the Cheese in the Top Part of the Double Boiler
Place the shredded cheese in the top part of the double boiler or in oven-safe bowls inside the steamer basket. Ensure that the cheese is in a non-stick container to prevent it from sticking and burning.
Step 5: Apply Low Heat
Apply low heat to the double boiler or steamer setup. The key to successfully melting extra sharp cheddar cheese is to use low heat to avoid overcooking. Keep the heat at the lowest possible setting, as cheese prefers to be melted slowly.
Step 6: Stir Frequently
Stir the cheese frequently as it melts to ensure even melting and prevent overheating. Check the cheese often to avoid melting it too much. The ideal consistency is slightly stringy, as overcooked cheese will become hard and crispy.
Optional Enhancements:
- For an even smoother texture, toss the shredded cheese with a couple of tablespoons of flour before melting.
- Add a splash of wine or beer to the melting cheese to prevent it from becoming stringy and to enhance flavour.
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Melting extra sharp cheddar cheese in a microwave
To melt extra sharp cheddar cheese in a microwave, first, shred the cheese while it is still cold. The cheese will shred better when it's cold, and shredding it beforehand will help it melt more quickly, easily, and evenly. If you have trouble shredding the cheese, place it in the freezer for 10-30 minutes to harden it. Then, allow the shredded cheese to come to room temperature. This will lessen the time it needs to be exposed to heat and reduce the risk of overcooking.
Next, place the shredded cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Do not use a plate, as the cheese will run off when it starts to melt. Set the microwave to medium heat and nuke the cheese in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval. The cheese should be somewhat stringy when melted, so keep microwaving in 15-second intervals until you achieve the desired consistency.
As an alternative to the microwave, you can melt extra sharp cheddar cheese on the stove. Place the shredded cheese in a non-stick pan and heat it on the lowest setting until it reaches a stringy consistency.
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Choosing the right type of extra sharp cheddar cheese for melting
Cheddar cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to charcuterie boards. It is also a popular choice for melting, with its creamy, tangy flavour and smooth texture. The best cheddar cheese for melting will depend on your personal preference for sharpness and texture.
Mild cheddar is a great option for melting due to its creamy and buttery texture and subtle nuttiness. It is a popular choice for mac 'n' cheese, nachos, and cheese sauces. Young cheddars are typically mild and have been aged for only a few months. They have a higher moisture content, which makes them ideal for adding gooey melted cheese to dishes.
Medium cheddar has a slightly stronger flavour with a slight tanginess, making it a versatile option for snacking or adding to recipes. It can also melt well, especially when shredded, which helps it melt extremely well.
Extra sharp cheddar has a bold, distinct, and almost crumbly texture. It is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, savory flavour. While extra sharp cheddar can be more challenging to melt, it is still possible and is worth it for the extra tang. Aged cheddars like extra sharp cheddar have less moisture and a higher melting point, so they may leak greasy melted fat during the melting process.
To improve the melting process for extra sharp cheddar, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to help it melt more smoothly. Stirring constantly and avoiding overcooking can also help prevent sticking and ensure even melting.
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Shredding extra sharp cheddar cheese before melting
Shredding the Cheese:
- Start with a block of well-chilled extra sharp cheddar cheese. Shredding cheese straight out of the refrigerator is recommended as it shreds better when cold.
- Use a box grater to finely shred the cheese. Grasp the cheese firmly and press the short end firmly against the blades of the grater. Using localized pressure, move the block of cheese up and down along the grater.
- If you find the cheese too hard to grate, place it in the freezer for 10-30 minutes to harden it, then try again.
- It is best to shred the cheese yourself as it will have a better flavor and texture than pre-shredded cheese. However, if you prefer, you can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese available in stores.
Melting the Shredded Cheese:
- Once shredded, allow the cheese to come to room temperature. This will reduce the amount of heat required to melt the cheese and prevent over-exposure to heat, which can make the cheese rubbery or greasy.
- Place the shredded cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate all the cheese. Avoid using a plate, as the cheese may run off when melted.
- Set your microwave to low heat and melt the cheese in 15-second intervals, stirring in between. Cheese melts best at low temperatures, so use the lowest heat setting on your microwave.
- Alternatively, you can use a stovetop method. Place the shredded cheese in a non-stick pot on the stove and heat it over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
- For an extra smooth sauce, add a little wine or beer to the melting cheese. This will enhance the flavor and prevent the cheese from becoming stringy.
- Remove the cheese from the heat as soon as it reaches a string-like consistency to avoid overcooking.
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Adding liquid to extra sharp cheddar cheese when melting
Extra sharp cheddar cheese has a lower moisture content and a higher melting point compared to milder cheddars, so it requires more heat to melt. This means that extra sharp cheddar is more prone to becoming rubbery or greasy when melted. To avoid this, use low heat and melt the cheese slowly and steadily.
When melting extra sharp cheddar cheese, adding a liquid such as wine or beer can improve the texture and flavour of the melted cheese. The water in wine keeps the cheese's proteins moist and diluted, preventing the cheese from clumping, while the tartaric acid in the wine helps with the separation of cheese proteins. Beer provides a similar effect.
To melt extra sharp cheddar cheese with added liquid, start by shredding the cheese using a box grater, knife, or food processor. The cheese can be shredded directly from the refrigerator, as it shreds better when it's cold. If the cheese is difficult to shred, place it in the freezer for 10-30 minutes to harden it before attempting to shred it again.
Once shredded, allow the cheese to come to room temperature. This will reduce the amount of heat required to melt the cheese. Place the shredded cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, leaving enough room to prevent overflow when the cheese melts. Add your chosen liquid to the bowl, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
Microwave the bowl of shredded cheese and liquid in 15-second intervals on low heat, stirring in between, until the cheese is completely melted. Alternatively, melt the cheese on the stovetop in a non-stick pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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Frequently asked questions
The stovetop approach is the recommended method for melting cheese. Start by shredding the cheese, then place it in a non-stick pot on low to medium heat. Stir the cheese frequently to prevent it from burning and remove it from the heat once it reaches a string-like consistency.
Grate or shred the cheese into small pieces to ensure faster and more even melting. Place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of liquid, such as milk, cream, or water, to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Use low heat and stir the cheese regularly to prevent it from burning.
Mild cheddar melts more smoothly than sharper cheddars. Extra sharp cheddar has a lower moisture content and can be more difficult to shred and melt.
Melted extra sharp cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including macaroni and cheese, nacho cheese dip, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese sauces, and fondue. It can also be used as a topping or dip for various snacks.
