Andy Montoya
Cheese is a beloved food for many, and its versatility in form, texture, and flavour means that there is no one-size-fits-all variety. While some prefer the runny funkiness of Camembert, others opt for the crumbly nature of Stilton or the creaminess of cheddar. With so many types of cheese available, it is hard to determine a favourite, but polls have been conducted to find the best cheese. One poll of 29,000 people worldwide found that 31% chose American cheese as their favourite, while other popular options included Swiss, pepper jack, and cheddar. Another survey of 8,815 US adults found that cheddar was the most popular, with American cheese coming in second.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people surveyed | 29,000+ |
| Cheese with the most votes | American cheese |
| Percentage of votes for the most popular cheese | 31% |
| Second most popular cheese | "Other" |
| Percentage of votes for the second most popular cheese | 28% |
| Third most popular cheese | Pepper jack |
| Percentage of votes for the third most popular cheese | 21% |
| Fourth most popular cheese | Swiss |
| Percentage of votes for the fourth most popular cheese | 18% |
| Most popular cheese in the U.S. | Cheddar |
| Percentage of votes for the most popular cheese in the U.S. | 19% |
| Second most popular cheese in the U.S. | American cheese |
| Percentage of votes for the second most popular cheese in the U.S. | 13% |
| Third most popular cheese in the U.S. | Mozzarella |
| Percentage of votes for the third most popular cheese in the U.S. | 9% |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar: the most popular cheese in the UK and the US
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK and the US. In the UK, it accounts for more than 55% of the country's annual cheese market. In the US, it is the most consumed cheese after mozzarella, which is likely due to its presence on pizza.
Cheddar is a versatile semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a creamy flavour and a good melting texture. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from cheese boards to burgers, pasta, and everyday snacks. Its versatility also extends to its ability to be mild or strong, depending on how long it is matured. The longer the cheese matures, the richer and drier it becomes.
Cheddar is also a convenient cheese, as it can be consumed straight from the refrigerator, unlike other cheeses that need to be at room temperature. It is also relatively cheap compared to other cheeses, although good-quality cheddar can be expensive.
Cheddar has a long history in both the UK and the US. In the UK, it was first made in the English county of Somerset, according to legend by a village milkmaid who left a pail of milk in the Cheddar Gorge caves. In the the US, early English settlers brought the cheese with them, and it has been a staple ever since.
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American cheese: a blend of different cheeses, commonly cheddar and Colby
American cheese is a blend of different cheeses, most commonly cheddar and Colby. It is a processed cheese known for its mild, creamy flavour and superior melting compared to other cheeses. Its meltability is due to its specific formulation. American cheese is commonly sold in individually wrapped cheese slices, small pre-sliced blocks, and large blocks.
Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is a hard, natural cheese with a sharper taste and crumbly texture. It is made traditionally using heat, milk, microorganisms, salt, and enzymes. Cheddar is semi-hard, making it great for melting. It has a fully creamy flavour with no funk whatsoever.
Colby is another hard cheese, similar to cheddar, but with a softer texture and less tangy taste. It is often blended with other cheeses like Monterey Jack to make Colby Jack. This orange and white cheese is a popular choice for grilled sandwiches due to its excellent melting properties.
According to a poll by Mashed, 31% of people worldwide chose American cheese as their favourite, surpassing other options like Swiss, pepper jack, and "other". This preference may be influenced by the versatility and accessibility of American cheese, as it is commonly available in slices or blocks and can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to burgers.
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Swiss cheese: with a nutty and sweet flavour
Swiss cheese is a popular choice of cheese, especially when it comes to sandwiches. In a poll by Mashed, Swiss cheese came fifth, receiving 18% of the votes. In another survey by YouGov, Swiss cheese was the fourth most popular cheese in America, receiving 8% of the votes. Swiss cheese was also chosen as the most popular cheese for a sandwich in a survey by Tasting Table, receiving 137 votes.
Swiss cheese is known for its nutty and sweet flavour. It is also famous for its uniquely perforated pattern. The melting Swiss cheese in a Reuben sandwich is a classic example of its use in sandwiches. Swiss cheese is a variety based on the Swiss style known as Emmental.
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Feta: a Finnish baked feta pasta recipe went viral on TikTok
While there are many types of cheese that are popular around the world, such as cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss cheese, and American cheese, a baked feta pasta recipe from Finland went viral on TikTok. The original recipe was posted by Finnish blogger Tiiu Piret on her blog in 2018, and it was later shared by Jenni Hayrinen on TikTok and her blog in 2019. This recipe is known as "uunifetapasta" in Finnish, which translates to "oven-baked feta pasta".
The recipe is simple and easy to make. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a baking dish, combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. You can use cherry or grape tomatoes, or even butternut squash for a twist. Place a block of feta in the centre and drizzle with more olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes, then increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes and cheese are slightly browned. Meanwhile, cook your pasta until al dente, and add spinach or another vegetable of your choice to the pasta water just before draining. Finally, toss the pasta and vegetables with the baked feta and tomatoes, and serve garnished with basil.
The dish is hearty and flavourful, with the saltiness of the baked feta complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes. The feta is creamy and lightly tangy, and the pasta is cooked al dente. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes to give it more flavour. The recipe is versatile and can be customised to your taste.
The popularity of this recipe led to a trend of baked feta pasta variations, with people adding their own twists, such as using different types of cheese or adding proteins and other vegetables. It also sparked a wave of other viral TikTok recipes, with people sharing their own unique creations and twists on traditional dishes. This phenomenon showcases the power of social media, particularly TikTok, in influencing food trends and inspiring home cooks to experiment and share their culinary creations with a global audience.
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Monterey Jack: a mild, semi-soft cow's milk cheese
While the concept of the "best" cheese is highly subjective, with many people agreeing it is a tough choice, there are several cheeses that are consistently mentioned in polls and surveys. Cheddar is often deemed the most popular cheese in the world, especially in its native United Kingdom. It is also the most popular in the United States, according to a YouGov poll of over 8,000 US adults.
One cheese that is often mentioned in polls is Monterey Jack. This mild, semi-soft cow's milk cheese dates back to the 1700s and Spanish colonialists in Central and Northern California. It is a fast cheese, requiring only a month of aging before use, and is an excellent melter. It works well in burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and on top of burgers. Oregon's Tillamook Monterey Jack is often considered the best in the country, known for its mild, melty, and accessible nature.
Monterey Jack is also mentioned in a tie for fifth place in the aforementioned YouGov poll, receiving 7% of the votes. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other cheeses on the list, such as cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, Swiss, and pepper jack, it still holds its own as a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
The versatility of cheese in terms of form, texture, flavours, and function adds to the challenge of determining the "best" cheese. While some may prefer the mild and melty nature of Monterey Jack, others may opt for the nuttiness of Swiss cheese or the sharpness of cheddar. Ultimately, the best cheese is a matter of personal preference, and with so many varieties to choose from, there is surely a cheese out there for everyone's taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the world, especially in its native United Kingdom.
According to a YouGov poll, America's favorite cheese is cheddar, with American cheese coming in second.
Swiss cheese is the most popular cheese for a sandwich, closely followed by American and cheddar cheeses.
Oregon's Tillamook Monterey Jack is often called the best in the country and is very accessible at $3.43 for an 8-oz brick.
Cabot Farms cheddar is consistently awarded as some of the best mainstream cheddar in the U.S.
