Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you have a block of cheddar or shredded cheddar, there are numerous ways to incorporate it into your meals. From savoury to sweet, there are endless recipes to choose from. If you're looking to use up a lot of cheddar cheese, consider dishes such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, casseroles, soups, or even apple pie with cheese baked into the crust. With its sharp, salty, and tangy flavour, cheddar adds a delicious kick to any dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Freeze the cheese |
| Vacuum seal it | |
| Store in the refrigerator | |
| Recipes | Macaroni and cheese |
| Grilled cheese | |
| Soups | |
| Salads | |
| Sandwiches | |
| Omelettes | |
| Burgers | |
| Pizza | |
| Fondue | |
| Biscuits | |
| Pasties | |
| Quiche | |
| Welsh rarebit | |
| Pies |
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What You'll Learn
How to use up cheddar in a main course
If you're looking to use up a lot of cheddar cheese in a main course, there are several delicious options to consider. Here are some ideas:
Macaroni and Cheese
A classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese is a perfect choice for using up a lot of cheddar. You can make it even more indulgent by adding aged cheddar, Parmesan, and a crunchy topping of garlic breadcrumbs. For an extra kick of flavour, try adding some ground mustard and hot pepper sauce to your dish.
Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers
Take your burger game to the next level by using cheddar cheese as a filling. Create a juicy Lucy burger by adding extra-sharp cheddar cheese to the patty, allowing it to ooze out with each bite. Pair it with pickled slaw and fried shallots for a delicious contrast of textures and flavours.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a versatile option that can be adapted to your taste. Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, and feel free to combine cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Boursin for an extra decadent treat.
Cheese Quiche
Quiche is an excellent choice for a main course, and it freezes well too. You can add shredded cheddar cheese to the quiche along with other ingredients like bacon and onions. For a more indulgent option, try a cheese pie with mashed potatoes, loads of cheddar, cream, and milk, topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown.
Cheddar-Topped Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes with cheddar cheese are a hearty option that can be served as a main course. Simply bake potatoes, cut them into wedges, top them with shredded cheddar and bacon, and roast until the cheese melts. You can also try cheesy twice-baked potatoes with a crunchy topping for added texture.
With these ideas, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious main courses that will help you use up all that cheddar cheese!
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How to use up cheddar in a side dish
If you have a lot of cheddar cheese to use up, there are plenty of side dishes you can make. Here are some ideas for using up cheddar in a side dish:
Cheesy Potato Cakes
Make a big batch of mashed potatoes and blend them with bits of cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, garlic, and diced onion. Form the mixture into little potato cakes and fry them up. These can be served as a side with dinner or breakfast.
Cheddar-Topped Baked Potatoes
Bake some potatoes and top them with sour cream and grated cheddar cheese. You can also add some chopped green onions or chives for extra flavour.
Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
Mix cooked broccoli and cheddar cheese with milk, an egg, and a bit of mustard. Top the dish with crumbled crackers and bake in the oven until melted and bubbly. This casserole can be served as a side dish or turned into a full meal by adding some pre-cooked chicken.
Cheddar-Walnut Scones
Make a batch of savoury scones with grated cheddar cheese and chopped walnuts. These scones can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Make a homemade cheddar cheese sauce to pour over vegetables, nachos, or macaroni. Simply melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and salt to form a paste, and then add milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
With these recipes, you'll be well on your way to using up that extra cheddar cheese in delicious and creative ways!
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How to use up cheddar in a dessert
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts. Here are some ideas for how to use up a lot of cheddar cheese in a dessert:
Cheddar Cheesecake
Create a sweet and savoury dessert by making a cheesecake with a mature, nutty cheddar. This dessert has a rich, luxurious, and deep flavour, with a crisp, buttery biscuit base. It's easy to make and is sure to impress your guests.
Cheddar Pound Cake
Try making a pound cake with a mellow cheddar cheese mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top while baking. Serve it with tea or coffee, or take it a step further and pair it with brandy caramel apples and a scoop of ice cream for a true dessert experience.
Cheddar-Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic dessert, but you can give it a savoury twist by adding cheddar cheese to the crust. The sharp, salty undertones of the cheddar complement the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese Puffs
For a lighter dessert option, try making cheddar cheese puffs, also known as gougères. These light and airy savoury treats are made with a pâte à choux dough and are flavoured with cheddar cheese and thyme. You can experiment with adding other ingredients like crumbled bacon, sage, or rosemary.
Cheddar in Baked Goods
Cheddar cheese can be incorporated into various baked goods, adding a savoury twist to sweet desserts. Try mixing grated cheddar into biscuit or scone dough, or use it as a topping for pies or cakes. You can also use it in quick bread recipes, such as cornbread or buttermilk biscuits, for a savoury kick.
With these ideas, you can create delicious desserts that showcase the versatility of cheddar cheese.
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How to use up cheddar in a snack
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of snacks. Here are some ideas to help you use up a large quantity of cheddar cheese:
Cheddar Cheese Crisps
Cheddar cheese crisps, also known as cheese crisps or chips, are a delicious and easy-to-make snack. Simply preheat your oven to 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange small mounds of shredded cheddar cheese on the sheet. You can also add seasonings like Tajin or everything bagel seasoning. Bake for about 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the cheese crisps to cool before removing them from the baking sheet. These crisps are a great crunchy, low-carb, and keto-friendly snack option.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic way to use up cheddar cheese. You can make a simple grilled cheese by melting shredded or sliced cheddar cheese between two slices of bread. For added flavour, try using sourdough bread or adding ingredients like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or ham.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, also known as mac and cheese, is a comforting dish that is perfect for using up a large amount of cheddar. You can make a basic mac and cheese by combining cooked macaroni with shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and butter. For extra flavour, add seasonings like mustard powder or paprika. You can also include other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for a more complex taste.
Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers
For a heartier snack option, consider making cheddar-stuffed burgers. Form ground beef into patties and create a pocket in the centre of each patty. Fill the pocket with shredded or cubed cheddar cheese and seal the burger. Cook the burgers on a grill or in a pan until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness. Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and enjoy the cheesy surprise inside.
Other Snack Ideas
In addition to the above suggestions, here are some more quick snack ideas to use up your cheddar cheese:
- Nachos: Melt shredded cheddar cheese over tortilla chips and top with your favourite nacho toppings like beans, salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.
- Quesadillas: Fill a flour tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese and fold it in half. Cook the quesadilla on a pan until the tortilla is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Cheese Straws: Mix grated cheddar cheese with flour, butter, and seasonings to create a dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into strips. Bake the strips until crispy and enjoy as a savoury snack.
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How to store cheddar for later use
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese, which means it has been placed in moulds for months or years. When storing cheddar, it's important to note that a wheel of cheese stops ripening and begins to deteriorate as soon as it's cut, so it's best to buy only as much as you need for the week.
If you have bought a large block of cheddar, the best way to store it is to wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap and place it in the vegetable crisper drawer of your fridge. Make sure to use a fresh piece of plastic wrap each time you use it. This should keep a block of hard, aged cheese good for three to four weeks.
If you want to keep the cheese for longer, you can also vacuum seal it. This should keep it fresh for months. Alternatively, you can use a cheese vault—a silicone box with a ridged bottom that allows for some air circulation. If you're planning on keeping the cheese stored for a long time, you can add a sprinkling of water to the bottom of the container to keep the cheese humid and stop it from drying out.
If you're storing cheese for cooking, it can also be frozen, although this will affect the taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Recipes that use a lot of cheddar cheese include mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, pizza, lasagna, and French onion soup.
Yes, you can freeze cheddar cheese, especially if it is shredded. Block cheese tends to get crumbly when frozen and thawed.
You can add shredded raw cheddar cheese to a pasta salad, an omelette, or a quesadilla. You can also sprinkle it over a baked potato with sour cream or use it in a quiche.
Yes, cheddar cheese can be used in dessert recipes such as apple pie, where the cheese is baked into the crust. You can also try making a cheddar cheese pound cake.
Cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of side dishes, including twice-baked potatoes, broccoli soup, and cheese fries.
