Patrick Oconnell
Cheese jerky is a combination of meat and cheese, which has been a popular snack for many years. It is a tasty and convenient snack option, but is it actually good for you? Some people have tried making their own cheese jerky at home, while others opt for store-bought options. Cheese jerky has gained popularity and is now available at various retailers, including Costco, Kwik Trip, and Holiday Stationstores. So, is cheese jerky a healthy snack option, or is it just an indulgent treat?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty, smoky, tangy, bold, savory, sweet |
| Texture | Stringy, braided, chewy |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized milk, vinegar, enzymes, salt, hickory woodchips, award-winning farmstead mozzarella, premium shredded jerky, beef, cheese powder, garlic powder, chili powder, Kosher salt, pepper |
| Health | High protein, high calcium, low carb, low sugar |
| Storage | Refrigerated, vacuum-sealed |
| Pairing | Beer, bourbon, barley wine |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese jerky is a tasty snack
Cheese jerky is a convenient, portable snack that can be taken anywhere and enjoyed at any time. It is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into recipes. For instance, it can be added to a hot dip with pepperoni and cream cheese or used as an ingredient in a soup.
Cheese jerky also pairs well with alcoholic beverages, making it a great snack for parties, picnics, tailgates, boat days, birthdays, or a chill night in. It is especially popular among beer lovers, with its salty and smoky flavours complementing the hoppy notes of beer.
In addition to its great taste, cheese jerky can also be a reasonably healthy snack option. It is high in protein and calcium, while being low in carbs and sugar. With only 110 calories per stick, it can be a guilt-free indulgence.
Cheese jerky is a unique and delicious snack that combines the best of both worlds—the savoury, salty goodness of jerky with the creamy, tangy flavours of cheese. It is a perfect match made in heaven for all snack enthusiasts.
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It's a good addition to recipes
Cheese jerky is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of recipes and dishes. While it is a delicious snack on its own, incorporating cheese jerky into your cooking adds a unique flavour profile and texture that will impress your guests or customers.
Cheese jerky can be used in recipes as a topping, a mix-in, or a garnish. For example, sprinkling cheese jerky bits on top of a salad or a bowl of soup adds a savoury, crunchy element that complements the other ingredients. It can also be chopped and mixed into dishes like pasta, rice, or quinoa bowls to provide a creamy, chewy texture and a burst of flavour. If you're feeling creative, try using cheese jerky as a garnish on appetisers or entrees. For instance, a cheese jerky strip wrapped around a stuffed mushroom or a slice of tomato creates a beautiful and tasty presentation.
When it comes to flavour combinations, cheese jerky pairs exceptionally well with a variety of ingredients. Its salty, smoky taste is a perfect match for recipes that feature spices, herbs, and other savoury elements. Think of dishes like a smoky barbecue sauce, a creamy cheese sauce, or a hearty stew with robust flavours. The saltiness of the cheese jerky will enhance and balance the other flavours in the dish.
Additionally, cheese jerky can be a fantastic way to add protein and calcium to your recipes. It is a nutrient-dense ingredient, providing a good amount of protein and calcium per serving, making it a healthier option compared to some other snacks or toppings. This aspect makes cheese jerky an excellent choice for those seeking more nutritious options without compromising on taste.
Cheese jerky is a versatile and flavourful ingredient that can enhance a wide range of recipes. Its savoury taste, chewy texture, and nutritional benefits make it a valuable addition to any chef's repertoire, whether cooking at home or in a professional kitchen.
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It's a unique snack
Cheese jerky is a unique snack that combines cheese and meat, two of America's favourite foods. While people have been trying to combine these ingredients for years, it was only in 2007 that Segel, the founder of Snack Patrol, figured out how to make it last on store shelves. Cheese jerky is now a staple in several national retailers' refrigerators, such as Sheetz, Travel Centers of America, and Holiday Stationstores.
Cheese jerky is a portable snack that can also be used in recipes. For example, it can be added to a hot dip with all the flavours of your favourite pizza or to a soup with beer, cheese, and butter. It is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes.
Cheese jerky sticks, such as Chechil™, are also available as a fun, hands-on snacking experience. Each stick is braided string cheese that can be unbraided and peeled for a playful and satisfying eating experience. Chechil™ is lightly smoked over hickory woodchips and perfectly salted, making it a favourite among beer lovers and cheese fans from Europe to Central Asia and now, across the US.
In addition to the classic combination of meat and cheese, unique pairings of cheese and jerky can be explored. For example, wild game jerky can be matched with cheese crafted from more pungent milks like goat, sheep, or buffalo. Poultry-based jerkies, which are tender and naturally sweet, can be paired with cheeses like spruce-wrapped Harbison, enhancing the Asian influences in the meat.
Cheese jerky is a novel and versatile snack that offers a range of flavours and textures, making it a fun and satisfying eating experience. Whether enjoyed on its own, with a beer, or incorporated into recipes, cheese jerky is a unique treat that has gained popularity across the globe.
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It's a healthy snack
Cheese jerky is a healthy snack option, offering a range of nutritional benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. With 110 calories per stick, it is a filling and satisfying snack that can help curb cravings and support weight management.
Cheese jerky is also a low-carb and low-sugar option, making it suitable for those watching their carbohydrate or sugar intake. The process of drying and salting meat, which dates back to the beginning of human history, helps preserve the snack and extends its shelf life. This makes cheese jerky a convenient and portable snack option, perfect for on-the-go or outdoor activities.
Additionally, cheese jerky can be a tasty and nutritious addition to various recipes. It can be chopped up and added to ground beef jerky for a bolder flavor or included in dips and soups for a unique twist. The versatility of cheese jerky allows individuals to get creative with their favorite foods while still enjoying a healthy treat.
The combination of cheese and meat in cheese jerky is a match made in heaven, especially when paired correctly. For example, wild game jerky goes well with pungent cheeses made from goat, sheep, or buffalo milk. The sharpness of the cheese complements the gamey flavors of the meat. When it comes to poultry-based jerkies, the natural sweetness pairs well with creamy and rich cheeses like Fruition Farms Shepherd's Halo.
Cheese jerky has gained recognition, winning awards and finding its way into national retailers' refrigerators. Its popularity has grown beyond a local snack, and it is now enjoyed by individuals across the United States and beyond. With its nutritional benefits, convenience, and delicious taste, cheese jerky is indeed a healthy snack option.
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It's a good pairing with beer
There are many types of cheese jerky, and they can be paired with different types of beer. For example, the Chechil cheese jerky stick is a salty and smoked braided string cheese, handcrafted as the ultimate beer and cheese pairing. It is lightly smoked over hickory woodchips and perfectly salted, making it a chewy and savoury snack. The bold, smoky flavour of Chechil is complemented by the hoppy notes of beer. It is a great snack for parties, picnics, boat days, and birthdays.
Another example of a cheese jerky is the Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, which can be paired with blue cheese and a light Belgian beer with citrusy undertones. The pungent and sharp flavour of the blue cheese is balanced by the light and citrusy notes of the beer. This pairing can be enjoyed with classic charcuterie sides such as dried apricots, fresh figs, or a handful of nuts.
If you are looking for a pairing with original flavour beef jerky, a well-made American lager or pilsner is a good choice. The simplicity of these beers can be highly sophisticated and pairs well with the original jerky flavour. For spicy jerky, a dry, roasty stout is recommended. The medium-bodied maltiness of these beers coats the tongue but finishes dry, allowing the chilli heat of the jerky to shine through.
For those who enjoy fish jerky, a light pilsner is a great pairing. Whether you choose salmon, tuna, or trout, a light pilsner will complement the flavour of the fish jerky. So, whether you're enjoying a sunny day by the lake or a cosy evening by the fire, pairing cheese jerky with the right beer can elevate your snacking experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese jerky is a snack made by combining cheese and meat. It is a popular snack and has been awarded by several platforms.
Cheese jerky is made by blending all the ingredients, including meat, cheese, and spices, until well combined. This mixture is then baked in an oven.
Cheese jerky has been described as salty, smoky, and chewy. It is often paired with beer and enjoyed as a snack.
Cheese jerky can be found at various retailers, including Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Travel Centers of America, and Holiday Stationstores. It can also be purchased online from specialty websites.
