Randy Chandler
Double cheddar cheese is a blend of two different types of cheddar cheese. The combination of a sharp cheddar and a mild cheddar creates a versatile and flavourful cheese. Sargento and Cracker Barrel are two brands that offer this variety of cheese, which can be used in recipes or enjoyed on its own as a snack. The cheese is often shredded and can be used to top dishes like baked potatoes or sprinkled over nachos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural, shredded cheese |
| Ingredients | Yellow Sharp Cheddar, Mild White Cheddar, Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Vegetable Color), Potato Starch, Powdered Cellulose, Natamycin |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, thick-cut shreds |
| Flavour | Rich, bold, balanced |
| Use | Versatile, can be used in appetizers, apple pie, nachos, mac and cheese, baked potato |
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What You'll Learn
- Double cheddar is a blend of sharp white cheddar and mild yellow cheddar
- It is available in shredded and thick-cut shredded varieties
- It is also available in light and gluten-free options
- It is used in dishes like mac and cheese, casseroles, and nachos
- It is made with natural ingredients and preservatives
Double cheddar is a blend of sharp white cheddar and mild yellow cheddar
The blend of the two cheddars creates a unique taste experience, with the sharp white cheddar providing a strong, tangy flavour and the mild yellow cheddar adding a creamy, subtle note. This combination results in a well-rounded, balanced cheese that can enhance a variety of dishes.
The sharp white cheddar in double cheddar is typically made with cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, while the mild yellow cheddar is made with cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto, a vegetable colour that gives it its yellow hue. The specific types of cheddar used in the blend can vary, with some brands using Wisconsin extra sharp cheddar and Vermont sharp white cheddar, while others may use different sources or varieties.
Double cheddar is often sold shredded, with brands like Sargento and Cracker Barrel offering shredded double cheddar cheese products. These shredded blends are designed to be versatile and convenient, allowing home cooks to easily sprinkle or melt the cheese into a variety of dishes. The shreds are typically thick-cut, adding a textural element to the cheese's overall sensory experience.
In addition to its flavour and versatility, double cheddar also offers a visual appeal. The contrast between the white and yellow cheddar creates a visually interesting dish, making it a popular choice for cheese boards or as a topping on crackers or pretzels. The smooth, creamy texture of the cheese further adds to its sensory experience, making it a favourite for snacking or elevating simple meals.
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It is available in shredded and thick-cut shredded varieties
Double cheddar cheese is available in shredded and thick-cut shredded varieties. Sargento, for example, offers an 8-ounce package of shredded double cheddar cheese, which is shredded fresh from blocks of real, natural cheese. The thick-cut shredded variety is offered by Cracker Barrel, which is made with a mix of Wisconsin extra sharp cheddar and Vermont sharp white cheddar. The thick-cut shreds are said to be great in a pot of mac and cheese, or on top of a hot baked potato. Cracker Barrel also offers a shredded blend of mild cheddar white cheese and cheddar-coloured cheese, which is said to be great for nachos. Tillamook offers a fine cut shredded double cheddar blend, which is a blend of medium yellow cheddar cheese and sharp white cheddar cheese.
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It is also available in light and gluten-free options
Double cheddar cheese is a blend of two types of cheddar cheese: sharp white cheddar and mild yellow cheddar. This combination creates a versatile and delicious flavour that can enhance a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. While traditional double cheddar cheese may not be gluten-free or considered a light food, there are ways to enjoy this tasty cheese while adhering to dietary restrictions or preferences.
For those seeking gluten-free options, it is important to understand that gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. While pure cheese, including cheddar, is naturally gluten-free, some cheese products may contain added ingredients that introduce gluten. To ensure your double cheddar cheese experience is gluten-free, always check the ingredient list and look for products that explicitly state they are gluten-free.
One option for enjoying gluten-free double cheddar cheese is to create your own blend by purchasing separate blocks of sharp white cheddar and mild yellow cheddar. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid any potential gluten-containing additives. You can shred or grate the cheeses yourself and combine them in equal parts to create your own custom double cheddar blend.
Additionally, for those interested in a lighter option, portion control and mindful consumption can be key. Double cheddar cheese, while flavourful, can be high in fat and calories. By enjoying this cheese in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, you can still savour its taste while adhering to your dietary goals. Consider using smaller amounts of double cheddar to add a punch of flavour to your dishes without overindulging.
There are also recipes available for light and gluten-free cheddar biscuits that can be enjoyed with soups or as a side. These biscuits can be loaded with cheddar flavour while still accommodating dietary needs. It is important to note that when seeking light or gluten-free options, reading labels, understanding ingredients, and, if cooking from scratch, measuring and controlling portions are essential steps to enjoying double cheddar cheese in a way that aligns with your dietary preferences or requirements.
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It is used in dishes like mac and cheese, casseroles, and nachos
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese, casseroles, and nachos. When used in these dishes, cheddar adds a rich and creamy texture with a sharp and tangy flavour.
In mac and cheese, cheddar is a key ingredient, providing the characteristic cheese flavour and texture. The dish typically involves cooking macaroni until it is al dente, preparing a roux with butter, flour, salt, and pepper, adding milk to create a creamy sauce, and finally, stirring in shredded cheddar until it melts. Customisations to this classic dish can include adding different types of cheese, such as white cheddar or a Mexican blend, or incorporating additional ingredients like diced ham, peas, chicken, broccoli, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, or cayenne pepper.
Cheddar is also a popular choice for casseroles due to its ability to melt and combine well with other ingredients. Casseroles often include a variety of vegetables, meats, and starches, and cheddar adds a creamy texture and robust flavour to the dish.
For nachos, a common approach is to prepare a cheese sauce using cheddar. This involves creating a roux with butter and flour, adding milk to form a creamy base, and then mixing in shredded cheddar until a smooth and tangy nacho cheese sauce is achieved. This sauce can then be poured over nacho chips and served as a delicious appetiser or snack.
Double cheddar cheese, a blend of medium yellow cheddar and sharp white cheddar, can be an excellent option for these dishes. The combination of the two types of cheddar enhances the flavour and texture, making it a versatile choice for mac and cheese, casseroles, or nachos.
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It is made with natural ingredients and preservatives
Double cheddar cheese is a blend of two types of cheddar cheese: a yellow sharp cheddar and a white mild cheddar. The combination of these two cheeses creates a versatile and delicious flavour that can enhance a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
The natural ingredients used in double cheddar cheese include milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. The milk is pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria and ensure the safety of the cheese. Cheese culture, also known as starter culture, is added to initiate the cheese-making process and give the cheese its characteristic flavour. Salt is added as a preservative and to enhance the flavour, while enzymes are included to promote the development of the cheese's texture and flavour.
One of the key natural ingredients in double cheddar cheese is annatto, which is added as a colouring agent. Annatto is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is commonly used to give cheddar cheese its distinctive yellow or orange hue. It not only enhances the appearance of the cheese but also contributes to its overall flavour profile.
In addition to these natural ingredients, double cheddar cheese also contains a natural preservative called natamycin. Natamycin is produced by fermentation using certain strains of Streptomyces bacteria. It effectively inhibits the growth of mould and helps to extend the shelf life of the cheese. By preventing mould growth, natamycin plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and freshness of the cheese over a longer period.
Overall, the natural ingredients and preservatives in double cheddar cheese work together to create a delicious and versatile product that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. The combination of sharp and mild cheddars, along with the addition of natural colour and flavour enhancers, results in a cheese that is not only tasty but also visually appealing.
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Frequently asked questions
Double cheddar cheese is a blend of two types of cheddar cheese: a yellow sharp cheddar and a white mild cheddar.
Double cheddar cheese can be used to elevate any meal, whether it is added to a recipe or simply sprinkled on top. It is commonly used in dishes such as nachos, mac and cheese, and baked potatoes.
Double cheddar cheese is known for its bold, creamy, and rich flavor. It is also described as smooth and versatile.
Double cheddar cheese can be purchased from various retailers, including Cracker Barrel, Sargento, and Tillamook. It is available in shredded, thick-cut shredded, and fine-cut shredded varieties.
