White cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to macaroni and cheese. When it comes to pairing cheese with white cheddar, there are several options that complement its sharp and tangy flavour. One popular combination is to pair white cheddar with Gruyère, a semi-hard cheese with a nutty flavour that balances the sharpness of the cheddar. Another option is to pair it with Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese with a mild taste that can tone down the intensity of sharp cheddar. For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, smoked gouda, with its creamy, smoky flavour, pairs well with the sharpness of white cheddar. Additionally, for a classic combination, white cheddar can be paired with its orange counterpart, with the only difference between the two being the addition of food colouring.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Texture | Semifirm but creamy |
Flavor | Mild to increasing sharpness as it ages |
Uses | Melting cheese for burgers, casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches |
Wine Pairing | Mild cheddar goes great with Merlot or a dry white wine such as Chardonnay |
Storage | Opened blocks of cheddar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month |
Substitutes | Edam, Cantal, Aged Gouda |
Cheese Combinations | Parmesan, Gruyère, Smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Pepper Jack, American Cheese |
What You'll Learn
White cheddar with Gruyère
White cheddar and Gruyère are a match made in heaven. Both are cow's milk cheeses, with the former being semifirm but creamy and the latter semi-hard. White cheddar's mild to sharp taste and Gruyère's nutty flavour complement each other beautifully. The mild notes of Gruyère counterbalance the sharpness of white cheddar when they are melted together.
White cheddar and Gruyère are a popular combination in mac and cheese. The two cheeses create an incredibly creamy and flavourful dish. The cheeses melt together seamlessly, resulting in a smooth and decadent sauce that coats each macaroni perfectly. The nuttiness of the Gruyère adds depth to the dish, while the sharpness of the white cheddar provides a satisfying tang.
To make the ultimate white cheddar and Gruyère mac and cheese, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, tossing it with a small amount of butter to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overcooked.
Next, it's time to make the cheese sauce. Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan to create a roux. Add flour and whisk until well combined. Slowly stir in milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in your shredded cheeses until melted. You can adjust the seasoning to taste before adding the sauce to the pasta.
Finally, combine the sauce and pasta, stirring to coat the macaroni evenly. If you prefer your mac and cheese straight from the stove, simply warm the mixture over medium-low heat and serve. For those who crave a crispy topping, transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
The beauty of this combination is its versatility. You can customise your mac and cheese by adding spices like mustard and paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce, to elevate the flavours. For an extra crunchy topping, opt for panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. The possibilities are endless!
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White cheddar with Monterey Jack
White cheddar and Monterey Jack are a classic combination, often used in Mexican dishes and salads. This blend of mild, creamy cheeses is also a popular choice for mac and cheese.
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is named after the Monterey Peninsula in California, where it was first made by David Jacks. Jacks is said to have conned his way into ownership of the land, and with a surplus of milk, he began to make cheese. This cheese became known as "Jack's Cheese" or "Monterey Jack". White in appearance, it has a mild flavour and is often mixed with white cheddar to create a blend.
White cheddar is a versatile cheese that melts easily, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, casseroles, and, of course, mac and cheese. It has a sharp taste and a distinctive crumbly texture. The sharpness of white cheddar depends on the length of aging, with mild varieties ageing for around two to three months, and premium extra sharp cheddars left to mature for up to five years.
When paired together, the sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the mildness of the Monterey Jack. This combination creates a blend that is both creamy and mild, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dishes.
The two cheeses can be shredded and blended to create a unique flavour and texture that enhances the taste of any dish. This blend can be purchased pre-shredded, or you can buy blocks of each cheese and shred them yourself for a fresher taste.
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White cheddar with Parmesan
White cheddar and Parmesan are both hard cheeses with sharp, rich flavours. White cheddar is a cow's milk cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is aged for at least 12-16 months and has a crumbly texture and a colour ranging from pale yellow to off-white. Parmesan is also made from cow's milk and is a dry, hard Italian cheese. It is typically aged for 12 to 16 months, although it can be aged for as little as 3 months or up to 18 months. It has a straw-coloured appearance and a granular texture.
Both cheeses are popular in different types of dishes. White cheddar is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, while Parmesan is commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups and risottos, or eaten on its own. Parmesan is also a popular topping for pizza in the US. When it comes to pairing these two cheeses, they can work well together in certain recipes. For example, both white cheddar and Parmesan are commonly used in mac and cheese, where the sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the milder flavour of Parmesan.
In terms of nutritional value, both white cheddar and Parmesan are good sources of calcium and iron, and they are both very high in saturated fat and sodium. The calories in each cheese can vary based on the type of milk used to make it. For example, mild cheddar has fewer calories than extra-sharp cheddar, which has been aged for a longer period. Similarly, the intensity of Parmesan can vary depending on the length of aging, with a stronger flavour developing in cheeses aged for longer periods.
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White cheddar with smoked gouda
White cheddar and smoked gouda are a match made in heaven, especially in mac and cheese. The smokiness of the gouda interacts and complements the creamy, sharp texture of the cheddar. Smoked gouda is made from cow's milk and is a semi-hard cheese that originated in Holland. It is placed in ovens and smoked over hickory chips after being pressed, infusing it with a creamy, smoky flavour. The smoking process causes the cheese to turn yellow and its rind to turn a deep brown.
White cheddar, on the other hand, is a hard, sharp-tasting natural cow's milk cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. The colour of milk used can vary from white to deep yellow, depending on the cows' diet, breed, and the ratio of cream remaining in it. White cheddar is a versatile refrigerator staple that melts well, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, and burgers.
When combined, these two cheeses create a decadent and indulgent flavour profile. The addition of white cheddar balances out the strong, pungent taste of smoked gouda, resulting in a smooth and creamy mac and cheese with a slight bite. This combination is a favourite among many and is sure to elevate your next get-together or holiday feast.
To make smoked gouda mac and cheese even more indulgent, try adding some extra sharp white cheddar. This will balance out the strong flavour of the smoked gouda while still allowing its unique taste to shine through. Preparing the dish is simple: cook the pasta according to the package directions, and then set it aside. In a separate pot, create a cheese sauce by melting butter and adding flour and milk. Finally, stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and combined, add the cooked pasta, and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. For an extra cheesy touch, top with additional smoked gouda before baking.
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White cheddar with cream cheese
White cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to macaroni and cheese. When it comes to pairing white cheddar with cream cheese, there are a few things to consider to create a harmonious flavour combination.
Firstly, both white cheddar and cream cheese have a creamy texture, so they can complement each other well in terms of mouthfeel. Cream cheese has a milder taste compared to white cheddar, so it can balance out the sharpness of the cheddar, creating a smooth and indulgent flavour profile.
When combining these two cheeses, it is important to consider the specific type of white cheddar used. White cheddars can range from mild to sharp or extra sharp, with the sharpness increasing as the cheese ages. A mild white cheddar will have a more subtle flavour, allowing the cream cheese to shine through, while a sharper variety will contribute a more intense, pungent taste.
One delicious way to pair white cheddar and cream cheese is in a classic macaroni and cheese dish. The sharpness of the white cheddar adds depth to the creamy texture of the cream cheese, resulting in a rich and indulgent bite. To elevate this comfort food even further, you can incorporate additional ingredients such as breadcrumbs, herbs, or spices. For instance, creating a crunchy herbed breadcrumb topping to sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese adds a delightful textural contrast.
Another option is to use white cheddar and cream cheese as a topping or sauce for vegetables. The smooth and creamy combination of these two cheeses pairs exceptionally well with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. The mildness of cream cheese allows the flavours of the vegetables to shine through while the sharpness of white cheddar adds a delightful tanginess.
Additionally, white cheddar and cream cheese can be used together as a spread or dip. The cream cheese provides a smooth and mild base, while the white cheddar contributes a sharp and savoury kick. This combination can be enhanced with various additives such as herbs, spices, or even chopped nuts, resulting in a versatile and flavourful spread.
In conclusion, white cheddar and cream cheese can be successfully paired to create a range of dishes, from comforting macaroni and cheese to tasty vegetable toppings and spreads. By considering the sharpness of the white cheddar and the versatility of cream cheese, you can create delicious flavour profiles that will tantalise the taste buds.
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Frequently asked questions
White cheddar is a great base for mac and cheese, and you can add gruyère, gouda, or smoked gouda to your recipe for a unique flavour profile.
If you don't have white cheddar, you can use yellow/orange cheddar, which only differs in the addition of food colouring.
White cheddar pairs well with parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella.