Frederic Melton
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From savoury to sweet, cheddar cheese can be melted, shredded, or chunked to add flavour and texture to any meal. Whether it's a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a comforting mac and cheese, or a surprising addition to cookies, cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cooks and bakers alike. With its sharp, tangy, or creamy flavours, cheddar cheese can be used to create everything from a simple snack to a show-stopping main course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Classic British Cheese |
| Texture | Ooey-Gooey |
| Taste | Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Bitter, Creamy, Sweet |
| Recipes | Baked Goods (Muffins, Scones, Cookies, Crackers, Cobbler, Pie, Bread, Cake), Breakfast Casserole, Burgers, Sandwiches, Pizza, Pasta, Sauce, Dip, Soup, Frittata, Quiche, Samosas, Pinwheels |
| Pairings | Bread, Crackers, Vegetables, Fruits (Tart Apples), Meat (Bacon, Sausage, Chorizo, Ham, Chicken, Turkey), Herbs, Spices, Relishes, Chutney, Yogurt, Eggs |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese sauce
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour (gluten-free or AP flour)
- Milk (whole milk, or evaporated milk)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Optional Ingredients:
- Cornstarch or another thickening starch (for a smoother sauce)
- Spices (e.g. cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños)
Instructions:
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms, cooking for about a minute. Slowly add milk and whisk to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Continue cooking and stirring slowly until the milk has thickened. Be careful to adjust the heat so that the milk does not boil—it should only gently simmer.
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over your chosen dish.
This sauce can be kept warm in a slow cooker or served immediately. It is a great way to add a creamy, cheesy flavour to a variety of meals and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Cheddar in baking
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked dishes. Here are some ideas for using cheddar in baking:
Savoury Bakes
Cheddar can be used to make a variety of savoury baked goods, such as scones, pinwheel cheese scones, muffins, and loaves. For example, try combining mature cheddar with grated courgettes, oats, and thyme to create a simple yet flavourful loaf. Alternatively, swirl cheddar cheese into a loaf for an exquisite flavour.
Pies and Quiches
Cheddar is a key ingredient in many pies and quiches. Create a hearty pie with a mustard and fennel crust, or try a cheese and bacon quiche. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetarian cheeses.
Pasta Bakes
Macaroni and cheese is a classic pasta bake that can be made in an air fryer for a crispy topping. You can also toss cooked elbow macaroni in a cheddar cheese sauce and add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Snacks and Appetizers
Cheddar is perfect for a variety of snacks and appetizers, such as cheese crackers, cheesy potato wedges, cheese straws, and grilled cheese sandwiches. For a more substantial snack, try a ham, cheese, and egg bagel sandwich or a Polish pizza with mushroom base, caramelised onions, dill pickles, chives, and ketchup.
Sweet and Savoury Bakes
While cheddar is commonly used in savoury dishes, it can also be used in sweet bakes for a savoury edge. For example, chef Dawn Burrell creates a pound cake with a mellow cheddar cheese mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top during baking.
These are just a few ideas for using cheddar in baking, but the possibilities are endless. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite cheddar-based bakes!
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Savoury snacks
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savoury snacks. Here are some ideas for how to use cheddar cheese to create delicious and satisfying savoury treats:
Cheese Crackers and Cookies
- Cheddar cheese crackers are a tasty and easy-to-make snack option. You can make a large batch of the dough and freeze it to bake later.
- For a more indulgent treat, try making cheddar cheese cookies. Chef Dorie Greenspan's recipe includes sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a savoury kick.
Grilled Cheese
- Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic way to enjoy cheddar. Try using different types of bread, such as sourdough or garlic bread, to elevate your grilled cheese.
- For a South African twist, use white cheddar and serve it with a spiced vegetable relish called chakalaka.
Baked Goods
- Cheddar cheese scones are a delicious and savoury option for breakfast or afternoon tea. Try adding walnuts, mustard, or buttermilk to elevate the flavour.
- Cheddar cheese muffins are a convenient breakfast option that can be made ahead of time. Include ingredients like ham or bacon for a heartier snack.
Dips and Fondue
- A homemade cheddar cheese sauce can be used as a dip for pretzels, crackers, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for nachos or macaroni.
- For a more indulgent dip, try a creamy, cheesy dip spiced with cayenne and smoked paprika, served with pretzels or crackers.
Potato-Based Snacks
- Cheesy potatoes are a comforting and satisfying snack. Try baking potato wedges topped with shredded cheddar and bacon.
- Cheese straws made with puff pastry dough are another fun and crispy option.
Savoury Pies
- Cheddar cheese can be used to make a variety of savoury pies. Try a classic Welsh rarebit with a tangy twist, such as lime pickle or spicy mango chutney.
- For a heartier option, make a family-friendly batch pie with cheesy mashed potatoes atop hidden vegetables like broccoli, leeks, and celery.
With its sharp and creamy flavour, cheddar cheese adds depth and indulgence to a variety of savoury snacks.
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Breakfast recipes
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of breakfast recipes. Here are some ideas for breakfast dishes that feature cheddar cheese:
Cheddar Cheese Sandwiches
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a quick and easy option for breakfast. Simply grill some cheddar cheese between two slices of bread until melted and toasted. For added flavour, try using aged cheddar or a variety infused with bourbon whiskey. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or rye, to change up your sandwich.
Cheddar and Apple on Toast
For a simpler option, try spreading some sharp cheddar cheese on a slice of toast and topping it with thin slices of apple. This combination provides a nice contrast of sweet and savoury flavours. You can also sprinkle on some chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and flavour.
Cheddar Scones
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try making cheddar scones. These savoury scones are a delicious and flaky breakfast option. You can find recipes online that incorporate cheddar cheese into the scone dough, often with the addition of herbs like dill. Serve the scones warm with butter or jam for a tasty treat.
Cheddar Omelette or Frittata
Cheddar cheese is a great addition to egg dishes. Try making an omelette or frittata and adding some shredded cheddar cheese to the mix. You can also include other ingredients like vegetables or meats to create a heartier breakfast. The cheese will melt and become creamy, adding a delicious flavour to your egg dish.
Cheddar Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a fun and easy breakfast option. Simply sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese onto a flour tortilla, fold it in half, and cook it on a griddle or pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is toasted. You can also add other ingredients like beans, peppers, or onions to customise your quesadilla. Serve it with some salsa or sour cream on the side.
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Lunch and dinner meals
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of lunch and dinner meals. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate cheddar cheese into your lunch and dinner plans:
Lunch Ideas
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Cheddar cheese is a classic addition to sandwiches and wraps. Try a ham, cheese, and egg bagel sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich with garlic bread. For a twist on a classic, make a tuna melt by placing the bread in a skillet, topping it with cheddar slices, and covering the pan to melt the cheese.
- Salads: For a more substantial lunch salad, add some grated cheddar cheese. This will not only add flavour but also texture to your salad.
- Scones and Crackers: Cheddar cheese scones, either plain or with additions like walnuts or mustard, are a tasty lunch option. Alternatively, serve crackers with a cheddar cheese spread or dip.
Dinner Ideas
- Pasta: A classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese is a popular choice for dinner. You can make it in an air fryer for a crispy topping or bake it in the oven with additions like jalapeños or ground mustard.
- Burgers: Take your burger to the next level by adding a slice of cheddar cheese on top or even stuffing the patty with cheddar for an extra cheesy bite.
- Sides: Cheddar cheese can be a tasty addition to side dishes. Try mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, or roasted potatoes with cheddar and bacon. You can also make cheddar cheese-based sauces to serve with vegetables or as a topping for nachos or quesadillas.
- Pizza: While traditional pizzas use mozzarella, you can use cheddar cheese as a substitute or try a unique twist like a Polish pizza with a mushroom base, served with caramelised onions and dill pickles.
With its sharp, tangy flavour, cheddar cheese adds depth and richness to a variety of dishes, making it a popular choice for lunches and dinners alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes, including:
- Mac and cheese
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Burgers
- Frittatas
- Scones
- Crackers
- Pies
- Soups
- Salads
While cheddar cheese is commonly used in dishes like mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches, there are also some unique ways to use it. For example, you can try making:
- Cheddar cheese sauce to serve with chips, fries, or chili dogs
- Indian samosas with cheddar cheese
- Sweet and savoury dishes like a Dutch baby with tart apples and cheddar cheese
- Desserts like cheddar cheese cookies
When cooking with cheddar cheese, it is generally recommended to use a mature or extra sharp cheddar for maximum flavour. However, the type of cheddar cheese you use may vary depending on the recipe and your personal preference.
Yes, cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for other cheeses in many recipes. For example, it can be used in place of Velveeta in a cheese sauce or as a topping for dishes like nachos and quesadillas.
