Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a firm, natural cow's milk cheese that ranges from white to yellow or orange in colour. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is a great snack on its own, or as part of a cheeseboard, and can also be used as an ingredient in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and cheeseburgers. Cheddar originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and was first recorded in the 12th century. To get the best flavour and texture, cheddar should be served at room temperature.
How to Serve Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Bring cheddar cheese to room temperature before serving. Remove it from the fridge at least an hour before serving. |
| Storage | Store cheddar cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back. |
| Quantity | If serving cheddar as an hors d'oeuvre, plan for 1-2 oz per person. If serving as an after-dinner cheese course, plan for 1-1.5 oz per person. |
| Pairings | Pair cheddar with salty or sweet foods, such as apples, apricots, figs, dates, nuts, crackers, bread, or wine. |
| Dish Ideas | Try scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a cheese board with different types of cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar should be served at room temperature
Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It is best served at room temperature to enhance its flavour and texture.
Firstly, serving cheddar at room temperature allows you to perceive its flavours better. This is because we perceive flavours better at temperatures closer to our body temperature. When cheese is cold, the fat molecules contract, and so cannot easily spread over your palate, reducing the flavour.
Secondly, as cheese softens, its fat-soluble flavour compounds are better able to access your taste buds. This is because, at room temperature, the cheese's fats become more supple and luscious, and less hard and waxy. This means that the flavour compounds can spread more easily over your palate.
Thirdly, serving cheddar at room temperature will improve its aroma. Aroma compounds are more volatile at warmer temperatures, meaning that you can smell and taste the cheese better.
Finally, serving cheddar at room temperature will improve its texture. Cheddar cheese is meant to be hard, but when it is chilled, it becomes harder and less supple. Allowing the cheese to reach room temperature will ensure that you experience the texture that the cheesemaker intended.
To serve cheddar at room temperature, remove it from the fridge at least an hour before serving. If you are serving multiple types of cheese, remember that soft, creamy cheeses like brie should be removed from the fridge two to three hours before serving, whereas fresh cheeses like cottage cheese only need to be removed from the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
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Pair with apple slices for a quick snack
The classic pairing of cheddar cheese and apple slices makes for a delicious and quick snack. The sweetness of the apples and the savouriness of the cheese create a tasty flavour combination.
To prepare this snack, start by selecting your preferred type of apple. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are popular choices for their sweet and tart flavours, but Gala apples are also a great option, especially if you're looking for a sweeter variety. It's best to choose apples that are firm to the touch and free of bruises.
Once you've selected your apples, core them and cut them into slices. You can leave the peel on, as it provides additional texture and nutrients. To prevent the apple slices from turning brown, you can dip them in pineapple juice or rub them with lemon juice.
Next, prepare your cheddar cheese. You can use shredded or sliced cheddar, or create a cheese mixture by blending it with nuts, milk, and nutmeg until it's light and fluffy. If you want to get creative, you can even add some spices or herbs to the cheese mixture to give it an extra kick.
Now it's time to assemble your snack. Simply place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each apple slice. If you've prepared a cheese mixture, spread it generously on the apple slices. You can even get fancy and rebuild the apples by stacking the slices back together with cheese in between.
Your cheddar cheese and apple slices are now ready to be enjoyed! This snack is perfect on its own or served with crackers on the side. It's a quick, tasty, and nutritious option that's sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Add to scrambled eggs
Adding Cheddar Cheese to Scrambled Eggs
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for scrambled eggs, and it's easy to see why. Cheddar adds a creamy, salty flavour to scrambled eggs, and it melts quickly, making for a smooth, soft scramble. Here are some tips for making delicious scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
To make scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, you will need:
- Eggs
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheddar cheese
Method
First, crack your eggs into a bowl and whisk them. You can add salt and pepper to the bowl and whisk them together, or you can season the eggs at the end, depending on your preference. If you want creamy scrambled eggs, you can add milk or cream to the bowl as well.
Next, heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add butter to the pan and let it melt. You can use oil instead of butter if you prefer, and you can even use bacon grease for extra flavour.
Once the butter has melted, pour the eggs into the pan. Keep the heat low and stir the eggs slowly but constantly with a rubber or silicone spatula. You can add the cheese at any time during the cooking process, but if you want it to melt nicely, it's best to add it once the eggs are slightly cooked. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the eggs are cooked to your liking.
Finally, serve the scrambled eggs immediately for the best texture and flavour. You can eat them on their own, or with toast, chives, parsley, paprika, or hot sauce.
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Include on a cheeseboard
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be included on a cheeseboard in several ways. Firstly, it is important to ensure the cheddar is at room temperature before serving to unlock its full flavour and texture profile. This will take at least an hour, depending on the size of the block. It is also important to note that the cheese should be covered during this time.
When creating a cheeseboard, it is recommended to have a variety of cheeses with different textures. Cheddar is considered a firm cheese, so it can be paired with softer cheeses such as brie or goat cheese, and harder cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano. A good rule of thumb is to include at least three, and up to six, cheeses on a board, so as not to overwhelm your guests with choices.
Cheddar pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. These include dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and bread. When selecting a type of bread, it is best to opt for plain varieties such as sourdough or French bread, as flavoured breads can overwhelm the flavour of the cheese. However, breads containing walnuts, dried fruit, or olives can complement the cheddar well.
For a more sophisticated cheeseboard, consider pairing the cheddar with a full-bodied white wine or a red wine such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot. These wines complement the strong, nutty flavours of aged cheddar.
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Goes well with wine
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in America, and its versatility is reflected in the many wines that pair with its complex flavours. Cheddar's nuttiness becomes more pronounced as it ages, suggesting that both sweetness and saltiness will complement it well.
Master Sommelier Matt Stamp recommends pairing aged Cheddar with Madeira, as "the nutty tones in the cheese and wine are genius together". A Bordeaux, such as a "Légende" red, also marries nicely with British-style cow's milk cheddars, as well as with sheep's milk Tuscan Pecorino. A medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon is another good option for hard cheeses like Cheddar, while a fruity red like Pinot Noir is a better fit for soft cheeses.
If you're looking for a white wine, consider a Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris. The former is lighter-bodied and crisp with vibrant citrus flavours, while the latter is richer and more complex, with tropical fruit notes that pair nicely with aged Cheddar or Gouda. Chardonnay is another good option, especially if you're serving a fresh goat's cheese alongside your Cheddar.
Finally, don't forget that Champagne and sparkling wines are versatile enough to complement almost any cheese, including Cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese should sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving. This allows the cheese to reach an ambient temperature and ensures the best flavour, texture and aroma.
Side dishes that go well with cheddar cheese include crackers, bread, fresh fruit, nuts, jams and dried fruits.
Some recipes that use cheddar cheese include grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese balls, cheese boards, scrambled eggs with cheese, and cheeseburgers.
