Kamil Perry
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom and the second most popular in the United States. It is made from milk, usually from a cow, which is added to cultures and rennet to curdle. The curds are then cut, stacked, and flipped in a process called cheddaring, which removes excess moisture until the cheese reaches a semi-firm texture. Cheddar is available in a variety of ages, colours, and shapes, and there are many brands to choose from. Some popular brands include Kerrygold, Cracker Barrel, and Cabot. However, Tillamook, a farmer-owned cooperative, has received numerous awards for its cheddar cheese, including the World Cheese Awards for its Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar. Other well-known brands include Wyke's Ivy Reserve, Renards, Deer Creek, and Old Croc.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tillamook |
| Awards | World Cheese Awards, World Champion Cheese Contest |
| Type | Sharp Cheddar, Extra Sharp Cheddar, Smoked Hard Cheeses, Cream Cheese |
| Flavour | Bright, Buttery, Zesty, Salty, Tangy, Complex, Nutty, Sweet |
| Texture | Soft, Crumbly |
| Colour | White, Orange |
| Age | 6 months to 1 year, 10 years, 11 years |
| Price | $4-5 for 2 pounds |
| Availability | Most major grocery stores, Walmart, Target |
| Best for | Baked potato, Broccoli soup, Apple pie, Grilled cheese |
| Other mentions | Kerrygold, Cracker Barrel, Cabot, Old Croc, Deer Creek, Renards, McCadam, Costco Coastal Cheddar, Wyke's Ivy Reserve, Jasper Hill Farm, Beecher's Flagship, Sartori, Trader Joe's |
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What You'll Learn
Best overall cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom and the second most popular in the United States. It is made from milk, usually from a cow, which is added to cultures and rennet to curdle. The curds are then cut, stacked, and flipped in a process called cheddaring, which removes excess moisture until the cheese reaches a semi-firm texture. Cheddar is often associated with the colour orange due to the addition of annatto, a food-safe colouring agent. However, this does not affect the taste.
The World Cheese Awards named the Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar from the Tillamook County Creamery Association as the best cheddar cheese in the world. This ten-year-aged cheese is nutty, complex, and bright, with notes of brown butter, caramel, and mascarpone. Tillamook's cheddar received a score of 99.85 out of 100 at the 2024 World Champion Cheese Contest, beating another popular brand, Cabot. Tillamook's cheddar is also accessible, priced at around $4-5 and sold at most national retailers.
Other popular cheddar cheese brands include Kerrygold, Cracker Barrel, Cabot, and Renards. When choosing a cheddar cheese, look for a well-balanced sharpness that complements the natural creaminess of the cheese. A good cheddar should have a bright, tangy note of lactic sourness without tasting like spoiled milk or funky yogurt.
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Best mild cheddar cheese
Mild cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to macaroni and cheese. When choosing a mild cheddar, it is important to consider how you plan to use it, as older cheddars tend to have a more robust flavour and are less meltable, making them better suited for salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards.
Some popular brands that offer mild cheddar cheese include Kerrygold, Cracker Barrel, Cabot, and Trader Joe's. Cracker Barrel's sharp cheddar cheese, launched by Kraft in 1954, is a classic choice known for its distinctive shape that makes it perfect for piling on crackers. Cabot's cheddar cheese is also worth considering, especially if you're looking for something spicy. Their habanero-infused cheddar is a award-winning choice that delivers on heat while offering a nice, fruity flavour.
If you're looking for a milder option, Tillamook's Medium White Cheddar Cheese is a great choice. It is made without artificial colouring and provides 15% of your daily calcium needs per serving. For those who follow a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, Miyoko's Creamery offers a delicious plant-based Roadhouse Cheddar Cheese Spread that is perfect for crackers. Sargento Sharp Cheddar is another mildly nutty option that is conveniently available in slices or shreds, making it a good choice for cheeseburgers.
When choosing a mild cheddar cheese, it's important to consider your personal preferences for flavour and texture, as well as how you plan to use it in your recipes. Some cheddars may be too mild or too sharp for certain dishes, so it's always a good idea to taste a few different options to find the one that suits your taste and culinary needs.
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Best sharp cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom and a close second to mozzarella in the United States. It is made from milk, usually from a cow, which is added to cultures and rennet to curdle. The curds are then cut, stacked, and flipped in a process called cheddaring, which removes excess moisture until the cheese reaches a semi-firm texture. Cheddar gets sharper, tangier, and more pleasantly sour the longer it is aged.
When it comes to choosing the best sharp cheddar cheese, there are several factors to consider, including flavor, texture, and meltability. Some people prefer a nuttier flavor, while others might prioritize a crumbly or creamy texture. The best sharp cheddar cheese should also be versatile, tasting delicious on its own, melted into a sauce, or cooked into dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, or nachos.
Several taste tests have been conducted to find the best sharp cheddar cheese, and while preferences may vary, here are some of the top contenders:
- Cabot's Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese is known for its crumbly, firm texture and luscious nuttiness. It is made with four simple ingredients: milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. Cabot's cheddar received high marks in taste tests for its sharpness and flavor.
- Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese: This cheddar stands out for its resemblance to aged cheddar, with a tangy, crumbly texture reminiscent of Parmesan cheese. It offers a good balance of flavor and dryness without feeling too crumbly.
- Whole Foods house brand: In a taste test, the Whole Foods cheddar scored highly for its flavor, texture, and ideal level of saltiness.
- Sargento Sharp Cheddar: This pre-sliced or shredded cheddar surprised tasters with its sharp and tangy flavor. It was described as "mild but nutty in a good way."
- Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar: This well-known brand delivers a complex flavor profile that evolves from creamy to sharp to nutty and even a bit sweet. It has a soft texture and is widely accessible.
- Tillamook Medium White Cheddar Cheese: While this option is on the milder side, it has a smooth and delightful flavor. It is made without artificial coloring and provides a good source of calcium.
These options represent some of the best sharp cheddar cheeses available, but ultimately, taste preferences may vary, and the "best" choice may depend on individual flavor and texture preferences.
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Best imported cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom and the second most popular in the United States. The process of making cheddar involves removing excess moisture from curdled milk until it reaches a semi-firm texture and then ageing it. The longer a cheddar is aged, the sharper its flavour will be. Mild cheddars are generally aged for less than a year, sharp cheddars for about a year, and extra sharp cheddars for two years. Anything beyond that is often labelled as some kind of reserve.
When it comes to brands, there is a huge variety to choose from. While small-batch, locally-sourced cheddars are desirable, some nationally available brands can be just as good. The defining characteristic of any good cheddar is its flavour. A well-balanced cheddar should have a bright, tangy note of lactic sourness without tasting like spoiled milk or funky yoghurt. This sharpness should complement the natural creaminess of the cheese.
One source claims that the best cheddars are European imports, particularly from Britain and Ireland. Two recommended brands are Wyke's Ivy Reserve Cheddar from the UK and Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar from Ireland. Another source recommends Keen's from the UK for those who enjoy farmhouse-style cheddar.
If you're looking for an imported cheddar cheese with a long ageing process, you might want to try the award-winning Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar by the Tillamook County Creamery Association. This cheese is aged for a decade and has a bright, buttery, nutty, complex, and sweet flavour. It is made by a farmer-owned cooperative that ensures its cows are healthy and its milk is of high quality.
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Best US-made cheddar cheese
While cheddar cheese is thought to have originated in the UK, there are many US-made cheddars that have gained recognition in recent years.
Tillamook
One of the most well-known US-made cheddars is from Oregon-based Tillamook County Creamery Association. Tillamook's Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar was named the "Best Cheddar in the World" at the annual World Cheese Awards. This ten-year-aged cheese is described as nutty, bright, buttery, and complex, with notes of brown butter, caramel, and mascarpone. Tillamook's other cheddars have also received awards, including the Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar and the Farmers' Collection English-Style Sweet Cheddar. Tillamook's cheddars are widely available at most major grocery stores and are known for their accessibility and affordability.
Jasper Hill Farm
Jasper Hill Farm, located in Vermont, received the title of "Best American Cheese" at the World Cheese Awards for its Bayley Hazen Blue. This cheese is made with raw milk from the farm's own herd of cows and offers a unique taste profile that combines the typical peppery character of blue cheese with grassy, nutty flavors. Jasper Hill Farm also received medals for several other cheeses, including gold medals for its Harbison cheese and Vault No. 5 cheddar.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel cheddar cheese, launched by Kraft in 1954, is a classic Vermont sharp cheddar that is widely available in grocery stores. Its unique shape makes it ideal for piling on top of crackers, and it is known for its buttery notes and soft texture.
Other Notable US-Made Cheddars
- Cabot: A close second to Tillamook in the World Cheese Awards, with its clothbound cheddar receiving a silver medal.
- Deer Creek: Wisconsin-based brand with a Rattlesnake variety that has gained recognition.
- Renards: A Wisconsin-based brand that offers a highly regarded 15-year-aged cheddar.
- McCadam: Based in NYS, their extra sharp cheddars are worth trying, according to cheese enthusiasts.
- Old Croc: Offers a sharp cheddar variety with a strong savory flavor.
- Beecher's: Known for its flagship cheese, which is perfect for mac and cheese, with a deeply savory and complex flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
The World Cheese Awards named the Tillamook County Creamery Association's Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar as the best cheddar cheese in the world. It is nutty, aged, and complex, with notes of brown butter and caramel.
Other good cheddar cheese brands include Cracker Barrel, Kerrygold, Cabot, Jasper Hill Farm, Old Croc, Deer Creek, and Renards.
If you're looking for a small-batch, locally-sourced cheddar, Wyke's Ivy Reserve Cheddar from the UK and Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar from Ireland are great options.
When choosing the best brand of cheddar cheese, consider the flavor, texture, and aroma. A good cheddar should have a well-balanced sharpness and creaminess, with a tangy note of lactic sourness. The aging process also plays a crucial role in developing the flavor and texture of the cheese.
