Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese. It is known for its smooth flavour and melting powers. When it comes to pairing cheeses with sharp cheddar, there are several options to consider. Gruyere, a semi-hard cheese with a nutty flavour, is often paired with cheddar in mac and cheese recipes. Another option is Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that is known for its mild taste and melting abilities. Smoked gouda, with its creamy, smoky flavour, also pairs well with sharp cheddar. For those who enjoy blue cheese, adding a small amount to sharp cheddar can enhance the flavour of traditional mac and cheese. Parmesan, with its rich, biting flavour, can also be paired with sharp cheddar, especially in dishes like mac and cheese or cheese grits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Smoked Gouda, White Cheddar, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Raclette, Feta, Brie |
| Flavor | Earthy, Nutty, Mild, Salty, Fruity, Tangy, Spicy, Smoky |
| Texture | Semi-hard, Dry, Hard, Semi-soft, Soft, Creamy, Smooth, Fudgy, Buttery |
| Origin | Switzerland, California, Italy, Holland, France |
| Milk | Cow's milk, Sheep's milk, Goat's milk |
What You'll Learn
Gruyere
- Make a classic mac and cheese with a mix of shredded Gruyere and cheddar.
- Make a grilled cheese sandwich with a mix of Gruyere and cheddar.
- Create a quesadilla with slices of Gruyere and cheddar.
- Create a cheesy dip by combining cream cheese, shredded Gruyere, and shredded cheddar.
- Create a baked pasta dish by combining cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, cubed cottage cheese, and shredded Gruyere.
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Monterey Jack
When choosing Monterey Jack, look for a cheese that is ivory or pale yellow in colour, with a slightly open texture and a creamy mouthfeel. The flavour should be mild, buttery, and slightly tangy, with a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with fruits such as apples and pears, as well as nuts and crackers. It can also be melted and used as a dip for bread or vegetables.
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Parmesan
When it comes to pairing Parmesan with sharp cheddar, the two cheeses can complement each other well in dishes like macaroni and cheese. The sharper flavour of aged cheddar goes well with salty Parmesan. The smooth, creamy texture and milder taste of cheddar balance the granular texture and stronger flavour of Parmesan.
In a dish like macaroni and cheese, the creaminess of cheddar provides a nice contrast to the grittier texture of Parmesan. The salty, nutty notes of Parmesan also add depth of flavour to the dish. If you're using a mild cheddar, the more intense flavour of Parmesan will shine through, while sharper cheddars will create a bold, rich flavour profile when paired with Parmesan.
In addition to macaroni and cheese, Parmesan and cheddar can also work well together in grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of the two cheeses can add a nice flavour dimension to the sandwich, with the sharpness of cheddar and the salty, fruity notes of Parmesan.
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Smoked gouda
If you're making a smoked gouda mac and cheese, it's recommended to use block cheese and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from getting ultra-creamy. You can also add extras like bacon, panko breadcrumbs, or butter to your mac and cheese for a delicious, indulgent dish.
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Blue cheese
When creating a cheese board with blue cheese and sharp cheddar, consider adding some fresh produce such as apples or pears, as well as nuts like walnuts or pistachios. These flavours and textures will complement the cheeses and create a well-rounded and delicious spread.
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Frequently asked questions
Some cheeses that go well with sharp cheddar include Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and Smoked Gouda.
When creating a cheese spread, it is best to look for complementary rather than similar flavors. Sharp cheddar is a strong flavor with a bold, rich taste. Therefore, it is best to pair it with milder cheeses such as Monterey Jack, or cheeses with different but complementary flavors such as nutty Gruyere or earthy Parmesan.
A classic dish that uses a combination of these cheeses is macaroni and cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar is counterbalanced by the mild nature of Monterey Jack, and the nutty flavor of Gruyere complements the sharpness of the cheddar. Parmesan and cheddar can also be used together in dishes such as macaroni and cheese or cheese grits.
Yes, other cheeses that can be paired with sharp cheddar include Brie, blue cheese, and goat cheese.
