Randy Chandler
A block of cheese can be used in a variety of ways. Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, cheese dip, spinach artichoke dip, stuffed chicken breast, tacos, and more. It can also be shredded and frozen to be added to dishes while cooking, such as eggs, grits, biscuits, burgers, and mac and cheese. One can also make their own cheese sauce for pasta, vegetables, or any other cheese dip recipes. For those who are feeling creative, leftover cheese can be combined with other ingredients to make cheese spreads, mixed grilled cheese sandwiches, or cheese-filled options such as fondue or Fromage fort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar |
| Use | Grate and add to soups, eggs, grits, biscuits, burgers, mac and cheese, omelettes, tacos, casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese sauces, cheese dips, cheese spreads, cheese fondue, etc. |
| Flavour | Sharp |
| Texture | Hard |
| Quantity | Large block |
| Storage | Can be shredded and frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Grate and freeze for future use
Grating a block of cheese and freezing it for future use is a great way to preserve your cheese and save money, especially if you have bought too much or don't want it to go to waste.
To prepare your cheese for freezing, grate the block of cheese and place the grated cheese in a bowl or plastic freezer bag. To prevent the cheese from sticking together, you can add cornstarch—add one tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese to the bowl or bag. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag before sealing. Then, place the sealed bag in a second bag or airtight container and seal again. This double-bagging is essential to prevent dry air from getting into the cheese and causing freezer burn.
For best quality, use the cheese within 6 to 9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator, which can take up to 48 hours depending on the size of the block or shred. However, if you are using shredded cheese, you don't need to thaw it at all! Frozen cheese grates nicely, making it perfect for sprinkling on pasta, pizza, or tacos. It also melts easily, so it can be used in casseroles, soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and other cooked dishes.
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Make a cheese sauce
Cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used as a topping for nachos, tacos, burritos, or even as a dip for vegetables and pretzels. It can also be tossed with cooked macaroni or used as a pizza topping. Making a cheese sauce is a great way to use up odds and ends of cheese.
To make a cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. First, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a thick paste, known as a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute to get rid of the "floury" flavour. Next, slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once the milk is incorporated, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the sauce to thicken. Finally, turn off the heat and gently stir in the grated cheese until melted.
It is important to grate the cheese yourself as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce, making it gritty or grainy. When choosing a cheese, a sharp cheddar will give a bolder flavour, but medium cheddar is recommended for a smoother sauce. Other cheeses that can be used include Colby jack, mozzarella, and provolone.
To thin out the sauce and give it a creamy texture, you can add more milk. Alternatively, you can add cream, as suggested by one home cook. For added flavour, you can season the sauce with salt, cayenne pepper, or ground mustard.
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Bake with eggs
Baked eggs with cheese is a simple, tasty, and versatile dish. It can be made in advance, served for brunch, or used for meal prep. The basic ingredients are eggs, cheese, and flour, but there are many ways to make it your own.
First, preheat your oven to 350-400°F. Brush a 9x13 baking pan with melted butter or use a nonstick cooking spray. You can also use a 10-ounce ramekin if you're making a single serving.
Next, whisk the eggs in a large bowl until slightly beaten. Then, whisk in melted butter, followed by flour, baking powder, and seasonings until smooth. For a single serving, you can use ricotta cheese, a pinch of salt, and cheddar cheese, along with onion. For a larger batch, you can add cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and Italian seasoning. You can also add a small can of diced chiles or jalapenos for a kick.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of your dish. The eggs are done when they are set and no longer jiggly in the middle. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This dish is perfect for making breakfast sandwiches. Layer an English muffin with bacon and a slice of the baked eggs, or use bagels or tortillas to make sandwiches or breakfast tacos. You can also serve it with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs, or Parmesan cheese.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply defrost in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy again!
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Add to soups
Adding cheese to soups can be a great way to make a comforting and hearty meal. However, it can be tricky to get it right. The key factors to consider are the type of cheese, how it is prepared, and how it is added to the soup.
First, it is important to choose the right type of cheese. Some cheeses, such as dry-aged varieties like Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano, have low moisture content and do not melt well in soups. These are best added as a finishing touch, shredded on top of the soup after it has been taken off the heat. Other cheeses, such as Gruyère, cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, melt more easily and can be added directly to the soup.
Second, preparing the cheese correctly is crucial. Freshly grated cheese from a block is best, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents or stabilizers that can affect its melting ability. Grating the cheese yourself ensures a smoother, creamier texture in the soup.
Finally, adding the cheese to the soup requires careful control of heat and timing. A rolling boil will cause the cheese to lose moisture too quickly and prevent it from melting properly. Instead, turn the heat down to a low simmer before adding the cheese a handful at a time, constantly whisking or stirring to incorporate it evenly as it gently melts. This "'low and slow' approach is crucial for achieving a smooth, clump-free soup.
Some specific examples of soups that incorporate cheese include Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Chicken Burrito Soup, and French Onion Soup. In Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the cheese is added to a base of vegetables, butter, flour, cream, and vegetable or chicken stock. Chicken Burrito Soup is topped with shredded cheddar, and French Onion Soup is often served with a piece of bread topped with cheese under the grill.
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Make grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, quick, and easy meal that can be made with a block of cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious grilled cheese sandwiches:
Ingredients
You will need:
- Bread (thick-sliced bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, works best)
- Butter (unsalted or salted)
- Cheese (cheddar, gouda, havarti, mozzarella, or a combination of your choice)
- Mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Start by grating or slicing your block of cheese. Grated cheese melts more easily, so this is recommended if you are using a block of cheese. You can also add mayonnaise to your bread, which gives the sandwich a delicate, crispy texture.
- Butter your bread. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. If using mayonnaise, spread it over the butter.
- Heat a skillet or heavy pan over low to medium-low heat. Place your buttered bread, buttered side down, into the pan.
- Add your cheese. Stack the cheese on one slice of bread and cover it with the other slice.
- Cook the sandwich for 6-7 minutes over low to medium-low heat. For the perfect grilled cheese, keep the heat low to give the cheese time to melt fully while the bread gets golden and crisp.
- Flip the sandwich once during cooking to ensure even browning.
- Serve when the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut the sandwich diagonally and enjoy!
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your favourite combination. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best served fresh, so enjoy your creation immediately!
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Frequently asked questions
First, shred your cheese. Then, make a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about five minutes, or until the onions are translucent and soft. Next, use a whisk to stir in the flour and continue whisking until smooth. Keep cooking and stirring for another two to three minutes. Stir in milk and reduce the heat to medium-low. It's important to watch your sauce carefully at this stage to prevent the milk from burning. Once the milk has thickened, stir in dry mustard and salt, then slowly add your shredded cheese a little at a time. Finally, allow the sauce to cook on low for another five minutes before removing it from the heat.
You can make cheese spreads, mixed grilled cheese sandwiches, or get creative with cheese-filled options like mac and cheese, casseroles, or quiche. If you have different types of leftover cheese, you can combine them to make a fromage fort.
You can shred it and freeze it in handful-size batches, then add it to your cooking. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that goes well with eggs, burgers, biscuits, tacos, apple, ham, soups, and more.
To prevent a block of cheese from spoiling, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or cheese paper, followed by aluminium foil or parchment paper. Then, store it in the warmest part of your refrigerator, usually the vegetable drawer or the top shelf.
