Frederic Melton
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese used in a variety of dishes. It is made from sharp cheddar cheese that has been grated, resulting in a shredded, fluffy texture. This type of cheese is often sold in shredded form by various brands, such as Borden®, Land O Lakes®, and Sargento®. Grated sharp cheddar cheese can be used as a topping for salads, a filling for Mexican dishes, or melted on nachos, casseroles, and skillets. It adds a rich, full-bodied flavour to any dish it is added to.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (color), Potato Starch, Powdered Cellulose, Natamycin |
| Texture | Finely Shredded |
| Flavor | Rich, Full-Bodied |
| Storage | Refrigerate |
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What You'll Learn
Recipes using grated sharp cheddar cheese
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious recipes that use grated sharp cheddar cheese:
Cheddar Cheese Soup
For a comforting and creamy soup, grated sharp cheddar cheese is a perfect choice. The sharp cheddar adds a zingy flavour to the soup base and pairs well with other ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. Top the soup with some extra grated cheddar for a garnish.
Omelette
An omelette is a quick and easy meal that can be elevated with the addition of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Simply add the cheese to the egg mixture before cooking, or sprinkle it on top of the omelette just before serving. The sharp cheddar will add a bold, tangy flavour to the omelette, making it a satisfying and tasty dish.
Nachos
For a classic, crowd-pleasing snack, use grated sharp cheddar cheese on nachos. The cheese can be melted on top of the nachos, or it can be used as a dip. The sharp cheddar will add a nice kick of flavour to the nachos, and it pairs well with other toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Mexican Dishes
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a great filling for Mexican dishes such as burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish. It also works well with other common Mexican ingredients such as beans, rice, and meat.
Salads
For a more indulgent salad, use grated sharp cheddar cheese as a topping. The cheese will add a nice salty, savoury element to the salad, and it pairs well with a variety of greens and vegetables. Try a sharp cheddar on a classic Caesar salad, or experiment with adding it to a fruit-based salad for a sweet and savoury contrast.
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How to store grated sharp cheddar cheese
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a variety of cheese that has been shredded or grated from a block of sharp cheddar. It is often sold in packages, with some brands advertising their product as freshly grated from blocks of natural cheese.
Now, when it comes to storing grated sharp cheddar cheese, there are several steps you can take to ensure it remains fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some detailed instructions:
Wrapping and Storing:
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. While plastic wrap can be used for storage, it is not ideal for direct contact with the cheese, as it may negatively impact the flavor. Instead, start by wrapping the cheese in a layer of paper. This can be specialty cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Ensure the cheese is completely covered by the paper, using a large enough sheet and folding the paper against the cheese.
Next, as an additional protective layer, wrap the paper-covered cheese in plastic wrap. This will help prevent the cheese from absorbing flavors from the fridge. Finally, store the wrapped cheese in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable.
Maintaining Freshness:
To maintain the freshness of grated sharp cheddar cheese, there are a few additional steps you can take. Firstly, label the cheese with the date of purchase. This will help you keep track of its freshness and know when it needs to be consumed or discarded.
Additionally, if using plastic wrap, it is recommended to "face" the cheese before each use. This involves using a cheese knife to cut off a thin slice of cheese that has been in direct contact with the plastic and then discarding it. This step can improve the taste of the cheese and prevent any plastic flavor from affecting it.
Storage Duration:
The length of time grated sharp cheddar cheese can be stored depends on various factors, including the storage method and the cheese's texture. Semi-hard cheeses, like sharp cheddar, can generally be stored for 7 to 10 days when properly wrapped and refrigerated. However, it is always important to examine the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, unusual texture, or altered taste. If the cheese develops a slimy, wet, or soft surface texture, discard it immediately.
By following these instructions, you can effectively store your grated sharp cheddar cheese, maximizing its freshness and flavor.
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The nutritional value of grated sharp cheddar cheese
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a convenient and versatile ingredient used to enhance the flavour and texture of various dishes. It is made from sharp cheddar cheese, which has been grated into thin shreds, resulting in a product that melts easily and blends well with other ingredients. In terms of nutritional value, grated sharp cheddar cheese offers a range of benefits and drawbacks.
Firstly, it is an excellent source of protein, providing 25 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. This makes it a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as those seeking to increase their protein intake. The cheese also contains a significant amount of calcium, providing 55% of the recommended daily value in a single serving. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, making grated sharp cheddar cheese a nutritious option for those conscious of their bone health.
However, it is important to note that grated sharp cheddar cheese is high in total fat and saturated fat. A 100-gram serving contains 32 grams of total fat, of which 21 grams is saturated fat. While fat is a necessary component of a balanced diet, excessive consumption of saturated fat can have negative health implications. Therefore, it is advisable to consume grated sharp cheddar cheese in moderation, particularly for those watching their fat intake.
In addition to the aforementioned nutrients, grated sharp cheddar cheese also contains a range of vitamins and minerals, although in smaller quantities. It provides a good source of Vitamin A, with 36% of the recommended daily value, as well as smaller amounts of Vitamin C, iron, and potassium. The cheese also contains natural mould inhibitors, such as natamycin, which is produced during the cheese-making process and helps to extend the shelf life of the product.
Overall, grated sharp cheddar cheese can be a nutritious addition to one's diet when consumed in moderation. It offers a good source of protein and calcium, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals. However, due to its high fat and saturated fat content, it should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other nutritious foods. As always, referring to the product label and nutritional information is essential to make an informed decision about one's dietary choices.
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The ingredients in grated sharp cheddar cheese
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile and flavorful ingredient used in a variety of dishes. The process of grating cheddar cheese involves shredding or shaving the cheese into small, thin pieces, which can then be melted, sprinkled, or mixed into various recipes. The primary ingredient in grated sharp cheddar cheese is, of course, cheese, specifically, cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese is a type of cheese that originates from the English village of Cheddar in Somerset and has a rich, sharp, and tangy flavor.
- Pasteurized Milk: Cheddar cheese is primarily made from pasteurized milk, which has been heated to a specific temperature to kill any harmful bacteria and prevent spoilage.
- Cheese Culture: This refers to the specific bacteria cultures added to milk during the cheesemaking process, which aid in the development of flavor, texture, and aroma.
- Salt: Salt is added to cheddar cheese to enhance flavor and act as a preservative, helping to inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria.
- Enzymes: Enzymes, such as rennet, are used in cheesemaking to coagulate the milk, separating the curds (solid milk proteins) from the whey (liquid).
- Annatto (Color): Annatto is a natural coloring additive derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, which gives cheddar cheese its characteristic yellow or orange hue.
Additionally, when purchasing grated sharp cheddar cheese, you may find the following ingredients added to prevent caking and mold formation:
- Potato Starch: This is added to absorb moisture and keep the grated cheese from caking or clumping together.
- Powdered Cellulose: Also used as an anti-caking agent, powdered cellulose helps to keep the cheese free-flowing and prevents moisture retention.
- Natamycin: Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor that helps prevent the growth of mold and extends the shelf life of the grated cheese.
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The taste of grated sharp cheddar cheese
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, dips, appetizers, and more. The sharp variety of cheddar has a distinct taste and texture due to the aging process, which causes the cheese to lose moisture and form salt-like crystals. These crystals are a result of lactose in the cheese breaking down into lactic acid, which binds with calcium ions to create calcium lactate crystals. The longer a cheddar cheese is aged, the sharper its flavor becomes, resulting in a tangy and nutty taste.
The flavor of grated sharp cheddar cheese can vary depending on the brand and the thickness of the shreds. Some brands, like Kraft, offer finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese that melts easily and spreads savory, salty flavors across the palate. On the other hand, thicker shreds of sharp cheddar cheese, such as those offered by Sargento, provide a fuller-bodied taste that can hold its own when combined with other strong-flavored ingredients.
The color of cheddar cheese, whether it is white or yellow, does not affect its taste. The difference in color is due to the diet of the cows, with American cows producing milk that does not have the same orange tint as their 12th-century English counterparts. The orange tint was historically preserved by adding annatto, a coloring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.
When choosing between sharp and mild cheddar cheese, it is important to consider how the cheese will be used. Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for adding a strong cheese flavor to dishes like cheesy soups, while mild cheddar is better suited for dips or snacks where a smoother texture and less intense flavor are preferred. Personal preference also plays a role, as some individuals may favor the tanginess and nuttiness of sharp cheddar, while others prefer the milder, creamier taste of mild cheddar.
In terms of culinary applications, grated sharp cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used as a topping for tacos, salads, chili, and nachos, adding a boost of flavor and eye appeal. It can also be used as a filling for Mexican dishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and omelets, or melted into a luxurious cheese sauce for homemade mac and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Grated sharp cheddar cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a vegetable colour).
You can buy grated sharp cheddar cheese from Walmart or Land O'Lakes Foodservice.
Grated sharp cheddar cheese should be kept refrigerated.
