Delicious Pairings For Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a popular American cheese known for its bold taste and creamy texture. It has been a favourite in the Northeast since 1893 and is commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks and other dishes such as mac and cheese, burgers, and sandwiches. With its perfect meltability and rich flavour, Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese adds a creamy touch to charcuterie creations and pairs well with various foods.

Burgers

Cooper Sharp Cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used to elevate the flavour of your burger. Its creamy texture and bold taste make it a perfect addition to your burger. Here are some tips on how to use Cooper Sharp Cheese to enhance your burger-making experience:

Choosing the Right Cheese

Cooper Sharp Cheese comes in two main varieties: White and Yellow. Both types offer a bold and delicious taste, but the White variety is the original and classic choice, known for its creamy, indulgent, and perfectly melty texture. It is carefully crafted with milk and aged cheeses, ensuring a burst of flavour in every bite.

Preparing the Cheese

The beauty of Cooper Sharp Cheese lies in its versatility. You can slice or cube it to create a delightful cheeseboard experience or grate it to sprinkle over your burger for a gooey, melted cheese topping. If you're feeling creative, you can even try melting the cheese to make a mouth-watering cheese sauce to drizzle over your burger.

Building Your Burger

When using Cooper Sharp Cheese in your burger, consider the following steps:

• Start with a high-quality beef patty, preferably grilled to your desired doneness.
• Place the patty on a toasted bun and top it with a slice of Cooper Sharp Cheese while it's still hot so that the cheese begins to melt.
• Add your choice of fresh vegetables, such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sliced onions.
• For an extra flavour boost, consider adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a fried egg to take your burger to the next level.
• Finally, choose a complementary sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or a tangy barbecue sauce, to tie all the flavours together.

Customization

The beauty of creating burgers with Cooper Sharp Cheese is that you can customize them to your heart's content. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your perfect combination. Here are some additional tips for customization:

• If you're a fan of spicy food, try incorporating jalapeños or other chilli peppers into your burger.
• For a more indulgent option, use Cooper Sharp Cheese to create a cheesy bacon jam as a topping.
• Explore different types of buns, such as brioche or pretzel buns, to add a unique twist to your burger.

In conclusion, Cooper Sharp Cheese is an ideal choice for burgers, offering a creamy texture, bold flavour, and exceptional melting capabilities. Whether you're a burger connoisseur or simply looking to elevate your cooking game, incorporating Cooper Sharp Cheese into your burger creations will surely impress your taste buds and those of your guests.

Deli sandwiches

Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a versatile cheese that can elevate any deli sandwich. Here are some ideas for delicious deli sandwiches featuring Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese as the star ingredient:

Classic Cheddar Deli Sandwich

A classic choice is to pair Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese with sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Layer these ingredients between two slices of toasted multigrain bread spread with a thin layer of mayonnaise. The creaminess of the cheese will be accentuated by the crunch of the vegetables and the toast, while the black pepper will add a subtle kick.

Cheddar and Apple Deli Sandwich

For a sweet and savoury combination, pair Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese with thin slices of crisp apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Add a handful of arugula or spinach, and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing. This combination is refreshing and flavourful, with the sharpness of the cheese balancing the sweetness of the apples and honey mustard.

Cheddar BLT Deli Sandwich

Take a classic BLT sandwich to the next level by adding a few slices of Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese. The salty, savoury flavour of the bacon will be complemented by the bold and creamy texture of the cheese. Add some sliced avocado for a creamy texture and a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Cheddar and Roasted Vegetable Deli Sandwich

Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, pair beautifully with Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese. You can also add a spread of hummus or baba ganoush to add a creamy texture and a touch of garlicky flavour. The roasted vegetables will bring out the depth of flavour in the cheese, creating a satisfying and hearty sandwich.

Cheddar and Turkey Deli Club

For a heartier option, create a deli club sandwich with layers of Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese, sliced turkey breast, crisp bacon, and sliced tomatoes. Add some shredded lettuce and a spread of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. The sharpness of the cheese will cut through the richness of the turkey and bacon, creating a delicious and indulgent sandwich.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious deli sandwiches with Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your perfect match!

Steak

When preparing steak with Cooper Sharp, consider the following tips:

Cooking the Steak

First, select a cut of steak that suits your taste and budget. Options may include ribeye, strip loin, sirloin, or filet mignon. Season the steak simply with salt and pepper, or use a steak rub for added flavour. Cook the steak to your desired doneness, whether rare, medium-rare, or well-done. Resting the steak after cooking is essential to retain its juices and keep it tender.

Adding the Cheese

There are several ways to incorporate Cooper Sharp into your steak dish:

• Slice the steak thinly and serve it with melted Cooper Sharp on top, allowing the cheese to drape over the meat.
• Create a steak sandwich by slicing the steak and placing it on a roll or baguette with melted Cooper Sharp, perhaps with some sliced onions, mushrooms, or peppers.
• For a heartier dish, make a steak and Cooper Sharp pot pie, with chunks of steak and melted cheese in a rich gravy, topped with a flaky pastry crust.
• For a simpler option, serve your steak with a side of Cooper Sharp macaroni and cheese. This can be a tasty way to elevate your meal, especially if you use a more robust steak cut like ribeye or strip loin.

Side Dishes

When serving steak and Cooper Sharp, consider side dishes that will complement the rich flavours:

• Sautéed mushrooms and onions are a classic pairing with steak, and their savoury notes will enhance the flavour of the cheese.
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli can add a healthy, crunchy contrast to the dish.
• For a starch, consider garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes, which can soak up the juices from the steak and any melted cheese.
• A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help balance the richness of the dish.

In conclusion, Cooper Sharp is a versatile cheese that can elevate a steak dish in many ways. Whether melted on top, incorporated into a sandwich, or served as a side, its bold flavour and creamy texture make it a delicious pairing with steak.

Grilled cheese sandwiches

Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a sturdy, thick-sliced bread that can stand up to the weight of the cheese and grilling process. Sourdough, rye, or a crusty white bread are all excellent choices.

Butter is Better: Generously butter the outside of each slice of bread. This will not only help the sandwich to brown evenly, but it will also add a rich, buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of Cooper's Cheddar.

Cheese Selection: For the perfect grilled cheese, a combination of cheeses is key. Cooper's Sharp Cheddar is an excellent choice for one of your cheeses, as its bold, sharp flavour and creamy texture will melt beautifully. Try pairing it with a milder cheese, such as Monterey Jack, or another cheese with a similar texture, like Colby or Fontina.

Add-Ins: Don't be afraid to experiment with add-ins! Sliced tomatoes, avocados, or green chilies can add a nice touch of freshness and flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try a thin layer of Dijon mustard or a smear of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread for an extra kick.

Grilling Technique: Heat your pan over medium heat and cook your sandwich slowly to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread. If you're grilling your sandwich in a skillet, consider weighting it down with a heavy skillet or lid to ensure even cooking and help the sandwich hold its shape.

Serve with a Side: Grilled cheese sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides. Try serving them with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping, or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, showcasing the delicious Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Cheese sauces

Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used to make delicious cheese sauces. Here are some ideas for cheese sauces using Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce

This is a simple and classic cheese sauce that can be served with vegetables, nachos, or poured over baked potatoes. Start by melting butter in a saucepan and adding an equal amount of flour to form a roux. Cook this for a couple of minutes, then slowly whisk in milk until you have a smooth sauce. Add grated Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder if you like a little kick.

Sriracha Mac & Cheese Sauce

For a spicy kick, try a sriracha mac and cheese sauce. Melt butter in a pan and add flour, cooking for a couple of minutes. Whisk in milk, then add grated Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese, stirring until melted. Add a good squeeze of sriracha sauce (or as much as you dare!) and stir through. Toss with cooked macaroni and top with more grated cheese.

Creamy Cheese Sauce

For an extra creamy sauce, try this recipe. Melt butter in a pan and add flour, cooking until bubbling. Slowly add in milk, whisking continuously, then add double cream. Stir through grated Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper. This sauce is delicious served with vegetables, poured over baked potatoes, or used as a base for a cauliflower cheese.

Cheesesteak Sauce

For a more indulgent, bold sauce, try this cheesesteak-inspired sauce. Melt butter in a pan and add sliced onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened. Add flour and cook for a couple of minutes, then slowly whisk in beef stock and milk. Stir through grated Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper. Serve this sauce with steak, or use it as a filling for a steak and cheese sandwich.

These are just a few ideas, but the versatility of Cooper's Sharp Cheddar Cheese means it can be adapted to suit your taste. Why not experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique cheese sauce?

Frequently asked questions