Frederic Melton
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar cheese has become a viral sensation, with many fans raving about its unique flavour and texture. The name Unexpected Cheddar hints at the surprise of experiencing a sharp cheddar taste with a hint of nuttiness and a finish reminiscent of Parmesan. It has a slightly crumbly, Parmesan-like texture and is a versatile addition to any meal, whether spread on toast or melted into pasta. The spreadable version combines the Unexpected Cheddar with salted butter and whey, creating an ultra-creamy texture. The popularity of this cheese is evident in its seven consecutive wins as the best cheese at Trader Joe's Annual Customer Choice Awards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Spread |
| Price | $3.99 for 7 ounces |
| Type | Soft cheese |
| Taste | Sharp, tangy, sweet, buttery, nutty, savory |
| Texture | Crumbly, creamy, spreadable |
| Best with | Crackers, ham, turkey, sprouts, apple slices, honey, thyme leaves, crostini |
| Awards | Trader Joe's 12th Annual Customer Choice Awards |
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What You'll Learn
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Spread
The spread has a rich, sharp cheddar flavour with a tangy, almost sweet finish reminiscent of Parmesan. It has been described as buttery and unctuous, pairing well with tart green apples, crackers, sandwiches, or a cheeseboard. The spread is a must-buy for snack lovers and has received rave reviews from food critics and Trader Joe's employees alike.
The original Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, introduced in 2011, is a sharp, aged cheddar with a slightly crumbly, Parmesan-like texture. It has a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from traditional cheddars used in grilled cheese sandwiches or baked macaroni. This cheese is versatile, melting well and adding a hint of nuttiness to dishes. It can be used in pastas, quesadillas, or simply grated over toast.
The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese has a dedicated fan base, having won best cheese for seven years in a row at Trader Joe's Annual Customer Choice Awards. It is a favourite among cheese enthusiasts and has gained recognition for its complex flavour profile, combining the boldness of aged cheddar with the nutty nuances of rich, Italian Parmesan. The cheese is available in blocks, shredded, or spreadable form, offering convenience and versatility to consumers.
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Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Crostini
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Spread is a viral sensation on TikTok, with people claiming it to be a "new keto essential". It is a spreadable version of the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, which is a combination of aged parmesan and cheddar. The spread is made by combining the cheese with salted butter and whey, making it ultra-creamy. It is described as having a rich, cheesy cheddar flavor with tangy, almost sweet flavors of parmesan and a buttery finish.
The original Unexpected Cheddar Cheese block has been described as having a sharp bite with a bold, cheddar flavor and notes of parmesan, providing a layer of nuttiness. It is said to have a slightly crumbly, parmesan-like texture. The cheese has a complex flavor profile, making it "unexpected". It is great on a cheese board or melted on pasta or toast.
The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese also comes in a shredded version, which is convenient for use in pastas and quesadillas.
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Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Block
The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Block is available in a 7-ounce package for $3.99, offering a delicious and affordable option for cheese lovers. The cheese has a sharp bite that instantly hits the palate, followed by a creamy texture and a savoury finish. It is a great option for charcuterie boards, adding a unique flavour and texture that sets it apart from other cheddars.
Trader Joe's also offers a shredded version of the Unexpected Cheddar, which is convenient for melting and adding to dishes like pasta and quesadillas. However, some people prefer grating the original block themselves to avoid the addition of anti-caking ingredients in shredded cheese. The brand also has an Unexpected Cheddar Spread, a spreadable version of the cheese combined with salted butter and whey, which has gained popularity on TikTok as a keto-friendly option.
The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Block is a favourite among many, with some describing it as a must-buy and a staple in their kitchens. It is versatile, delicious, and offers an unexpected twist to traditional cheddar, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts and foodies alike.
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Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar in pasta and quesadillas
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese is a unique and popular product with a sharp, yet not bitter taste and a crumbly, Parmesan-like texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta and quesadillas.
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar in Pasta
One of the most popular ways to use Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese is in pasta dishes. The cheese melts beautifully and adds a sharp, creamy flavour to any pasta sauce. For a simple, yet delicious meal, try making a cheesy Alfredo sauce by melting the Unexpected Cheddar in milk and garlic, then pouring it over your favourite pasta. You can also stir the cheese directly into freshly cooked pasta for a quick and easy mac and cheese. To elevate this dish, you can add pasta water, butter, or grated cheese. For those who enjoy a kick of spice, Trader Joe's offers seasonal flavours of the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread, such as the Hatch Chile variety, which makes for a tasty green chile mac and cheese.
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar in Quesadillas
The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread is also a fantastic addition to quesadillas. A little goes a long way, and it adds a creamy, cheesy flavour to this Mexican favourite. You can experiment with different combinations by adding veggies, meat, or other cheeses to create your ultimate quesadilla.
Beyond Pasta and Quesadillas
The versatility of Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese extends beyond just pasta and quesadillas. It is a wonderful addition to charcuterie boards, pairing well with crackers, fruits, and meats. You can also get creative and use it in grilled cheese sandwiches, baked dishes, or simply melted on a piece of buttery toast. The shredded or grated versions of the cheese are convenient options for melting and incorporating into various recipes.
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Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar in combination with other foods
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar cheese is a unique variety of cheddar with a flavour profile and texture that differs from regular cheddars. It is sharp but not bitter, with a slightly crumbly, Parmesan-like texture. The cheese gets its name from its unexpected taste, which is reminiscent of Parmesan cheese with a cheddar aftertaste. It is excellent on its own, but it also pairs well with other foods and can be used in various recipes.
For cheese lovers, Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar is a delightful addition to any charcuterie board, pairing well with crackers, fruits, and meats. It adds a nice contrast of flavours and textures to the board. The cheese's sharp and crumbly nature makes it a perfect match for sweet and salty combinations. A popular pairing is Trader Joe's fig and olive crisp, raspberry preserves, and thinly sliced salami.
Unexpected Cheddar is also a versatile cooking ingredient. It melts beautifully and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, or as a topping for pasta dishes. Its nutty flavour and creamy texture make it an excellent addition to creamy pasta sauces, such as an Alfredo sauce with chicken. The cheese can also be folded into eggs or melted on toast for a simple yet indulgent snack.
For a hearty meal, the Unexpected Cheddar can be incorporated into a batch of broccoli and cheddar soup or baked into savoury scones. Its unique flavour and texture can elevate familiar dishes, making it a popular choice for home cooks. The cheese is also affordable, usually priced at $3.99 for a 7-ounce block, making it a great value for those looking to experiment with new flavours in the kitchen.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a type of cheese that combines the boldness of aged cheddar with the nutty nuance of rich, Italian parmesan.
It is sharp but not bitter, with a slightly crumbly, Parmesan-like texture. It has a complex flavour profile with a tangy, almost sweet finish.
It is a versatile cheese that can be served on a cheeseboard, melted on toast, added to creamy pasta sauces, or folded into eggs. It is also available in shredded and spreadable forms.
The 7-ounce block of cheese costs $3.99.
Yes, it has won best cheese at Trader Joe's 12th Annual Customer Choice Awards for seven years in a row. It has also been featured in taste tests and reviews by various publications, including Bon Appétit, The Kitchn, and Business Insider.
