Kamil Perry
Cooper cheese is a well-loved American cheese with a unique, sharp taste. It is known for its superior melting qualities and is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, on hamburgers, and on pizza. The cheese has been around since 1893 and is especially popular in the Northeastern US, where it is used in many delis, taverns, and restaurants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Unique, salty, sharp, creamy, bold |
| Texture | Melts well, thick/thin slices, can tear |
| Use cases | Grilled cheese, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, eggs, dip, cheesesteak |
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What You'll Learn
Cooper cheese is a blend of American and sharp cheese
Cooper cheese is a unique blend of American and sharp cheese. It is a processed cheese with a distinct, sharp taste and superior melting qualities. It is made by piping a liquified, pasteurised mix of whey, proteins and emulsifiers into moulds and letting it harden. This process gives Cooper its characteristic texture and flavour.
The cheese is a staple in many households and has been described as having a "sharpness of cheddar and a hint of salty parmesan". It is a versatile cheese, perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, burgers, and even eggs. Its melting properties make it ideal for creating that sought-after cheese pull in grilled cheese sandwiches.
Cooper cheese has a long history, dating back to 1893, when I.C. Cooper began ageing cheese curds, recognising the potential of this unique blend. Over the years, it has developed a dedicated following, particularly in the Northeastern United States, where it is a favourite among professional and home chefs.
The cheese is widely available in supermarkets and delis across the region, and its bold, creamy flavour has become synonymous with comfort and nostalgia. It is often used in cheesesteaks and other dishes, adding a creamy texture and a sharp, cheddar-like flavour. Cooper cheese's versatility and distinct taste make it a popular choice for those seeking a blend of American and sharp cheese.
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It's known for melting well
Cooper cheese is known for its superior melting qualities. It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, as it melts to a molten consistency without burning. It is also used in mac and cheese, eggs, burgers, and pizza. The cheese's melting properties have received mixed feedback from customers, with some saying it melts wonderfully, and others noting that it wasn't kept cold enough during shipping.
Cooper cheese is commonly used in Philadelphia, where it is a staple in many delis, taverns, and restaurants. It is a key ingredient in the city's famous cheesesteaks, as well as in other dishes such as pierogi, cheesesteak potato dumplings, and grilled cheese sandwiches made with smoked Swiss on rye.
The cheese's melting properties make it a versatile ingredient, suitable for a variety of dishes. It can be sliced thick or thin, depending on the desired application. When used in grilled cheese sandwiches, thicker slices are preferred to prevent tearing. Parchment paper can be used to separate slices and prevent them from sticking together.
Cooper cheese's melting abilities also make it a good choice for dishes that require a creamy or saucy cheese component, such as the cheese sauce used on pretzel buns or the long hot bagel with a schmear. Its meltability adds to the creaminess and flavour of these dishes, enhancing their overall appeal.
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It's commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches
Cooper cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its superior melting qualities. Its creamy, sharp flavour and smooth texture make it a favourite for many. The cheese is also used in sandwiches, burgers, and even on pizza.
Cooper cheese has a unique taste that is not entirely American, nor is it a sharp cheese, but it is a wonderful blend of both. It has the sharpness of a cheddar with a hint of salty Parmesan, without the odd plastic aftertaste that can come with pre-sliced cheeses. It is also described as having a more cheddar-forward flavour than other American cheeses.
The cheese's melting properties are ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it melts smoothly and evenly, resulting in a molten, gooey texture that spills out of every crack of the sandwich. This makes it perfect for creating a crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich with a delicious cheese pull.
To make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with Cooper cheese, it is recommended to use thicker slices of cheese, as thinner slices tend to tear more easily. Layering three to four slices of Cooper cheese between buttered bread and cooking it on low heat in a non-stick pan can create a decadent and indulgent grilled cheese sandwich.
The versatility of Cooper cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches is also evident in its ability to pair well with other ingredients. For example, in Philadelphia, it is commonly used in combination with smoked Swiss cheese on rye bread to create a Polish-inspired grilled cheese.
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It's been described as having a unique taste
Cooper cheese has been described as having a unique taste. It is a blend of American cheese and sharp cheese, with the sharpness of cheddar and a hint of salty parmesan. It has been said to melt in the mouth without any coaxing and is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and burgers.
One customer review describes it as having an "awesome flavor" and being great on pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches. Another review states that Cooper cheese has a unique taste and is excellent value for money. The reviewer also mentions that it works well with hamburgers and can be used with green chiles and tomatoes for a dip.
Some people have commented that Cooper cheese melts wonderfully, while others have noted that it didn't melt as expected, possibly due to issues with shipping and storage temperatures.
Cooper cheese has a long history, with the brand dating back to the 1940s and the cheese-making process remaining largely unchanged since 1893. It is a popular choice in the Northeastern US, especially in Philadelphia, where it is a staple in many delis, taverns, and restaurants.
The unique taste and melting properties of Cooper cheese make it a favorite for many, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to dips, adding a creamy, sharp, and salty flavor.
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It's been compared to cheddar and Parmesan
Cooper cheese has been described as having a unique taste. It is neither totally American nor totally sharp, but a blend of both. It has been likened to cheddar and Parmesan, with a sharpness and a hint of saltiness. It is also said to be the "meltiest" American cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and cheeseburgers.
Cooper cheese is a popular choice for those seeking a comforting taste of home. Its creamy, bold, and gooey texture and flavour make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a well-loved staple, especially in the Northeastern U.S., where it is a common feature in delis, restaurants, and taverns.
The cheese's melting properties have received mixed reviews, with some claiming it melts wonderfully, while others have had less success. However, it is generally agreed upon that Cooper cheese has superior melting qualities compared to other American cheeses. Its ability to melt without that odd aftertaste of plastic that can come with wrapped slices is notable.
The cheese is also praised for its versatility. It can be used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, on pizzas, in dips, or even as a topping for burgers. Its bold flavour and creamy texture make it a popular choice for those seeking a tasty and comforting cheese experience.
Cooper cheese's unique flavour and texture have made it a beloved staple for many, and it continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and versatile American cheese. Its sharpness and saltiness, reminiscent of cheddar and Parmesan, give it a distinct character that has won over the hearts (and taste buds) of many.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooper cheese has a unique taste, with a blend of sharpness and a hint of saltiness. It is also known for its superior melting qualities.
Cooper cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, cheesesteaks, hamburgers, and pizza. It can also be melted into eggs or used as a topping for pretzel buns.
Cooper cheese can be found in the deli case at grocery stores across the East Coast of the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Philadelphia. It is also available for purchase online.
Cooper cheese is made by piping a liquified, pasteurized mix of whey, proteins, and emulsifiers into molds and letting it harden.
