Hoop Cheese: A Southern Favorite, Explained

Hoop cheese is a traditional Southern American cheese made with cow's milk. It is mild, semi-soft, and has a creamy texture. Hoop cheese is typically shaped into a hoop or cylindrical mould, which is where it gets its name from. It is a highly perishable cheese with a short shelf life, which is why it is difficult to find commercially.

History and origins

Hoop cheese is a traditional cow's milk cheese that was once common in the Southern United States, particularly in states like Tennessee and Georgia, from the 19th century until the mid-1900s. It is a simple, mild, semi-soft to semi-firm cheese produced without the addition of salt or cream. The name 'hoop cheese' comes from the hoop-shaped moulds or cylindrical wooden hoops used to drain and shape the curds during the cheese-making process.

Hoop cheese is made by heating raw milk in a large vat and then adding cultures (beneficial bacteria) and sometimes rennet to coagulate the milk. The curds are then cut into small pieces, heated, and stirred to remove moisture. Once the curds are springy and rubbery, they are drained into wide, round cheese moulds lined with cheesecloth and pressed firmly to remove any remaining whey. The resulting wheels of cheese are then coated in red or black wax and cut into pieces to be sold.

Hoop cheese was typically displayed for sale at small-town general stores, where the proprietor would cut wedges to order using a special cheese cutter. As hoop cheese is highly perishable, with a shelf life of only one to two weeks, it was usually made by the store owner or a nearby cheesemaker or farmer, rather than being mass-produced or transported for sale outside the local area.

Today, hoop cheese is much less common and can be difficult to find commercially, although it is still produced and sold by some cheesemakers in Wisconsin and the American South. It is often found at farmers' markets, specialty cheese shops, or directly from the farms where it is made.

Taste and texture

Hoop cheese is a mild, semi-soft to semi-firm cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture. It has a neutral, unpretentious flavour profile and is cherished for its simplicity. It is often described as having a "robust, full-bodied, and rich" taste, with a slightly tangy and buttery flavour. The cheese is aged for a short period, resulting in a mild and creamy taste. Its texture can range from firm and crumbly to smooth to slightly granular.

Hoop cheese is similar to simple, fresh cheeses such as farmer's cheese, which is made with milk, cream, and salt, or dry-curd cottage cheese, which is typically salted. However, traditional hoop cheese is made from cow's milk only, with no salt or cream added. This gives it a very mild, neutral flavour and a rubbery texture when young.

The name 'hoop cheese' comes from the traditional method of pressing the cheese into round, hoop-shaped moulds. The cheese is pressed into rounds and then wrapped in cheesecloth or parchment paper, or sealed in wax, typically with a coating of red wax.

Hoop cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It melts well, making it a great addition to sandwiches, sauces, casseroles, and pasta. It is also a traditional ingredient in pimento cheese spread. Hoop cheese can be paired with fruits, included in vegetable dishes, or used in baked goods such as cakes and pies.

Substitutes

Hoop cheese is a mild, semi-soft cow's milk cheese that originated in the American South. It is similar to simple, fresh cheeses such as farmer's cheese or dry-curd cottage cheese. Hoop cheese is also known as red ring cheese or baker's cheese.

If you're looking for substitutes for hoop cheese, here are some options:

For Hard Hoop Cheese:

Cheddar: This is the most common substitute for hard hoop cheese. Look for medium to sharp cheddar labelled as "hoop cheddar cheese" from Wisconsin.

For Soft Hoop Cheese:

• Pressed Dry Cottage Cheese: This is the best substitute for soft hoop cheese. If you can't find it, try regular cottage cheese or ricotta, but make sure to drain them well first. These cheeses have higher moisture content than soft hoop cheese, so you may need to reduce the moisture in your recipe.
• Farmer's Cheese: Hoop cheese is a type of farmer's cheese, so this can be a suitable substitute. Farmer's cheese is made with milk, cream, and salt, resulting in a softer and fresher cheese.
• Monterey Jack: Mild, semi-soft cheeses like young Monterey Jack can be used in recipes calling for hoop cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese: This can be used as a substitute for baker's cheese, a softer and fresher version of hoop cheese.

When choosing a substitute, consider the intended use of the cheese. Hoop cheese is versatile and can be sliced, grated, melted, or used as a table cheese. It is also a traditional ingredient in pimento cheese spread and pairs well with fruits.

Recipes

Hoop cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some recipes to try:

Squash Casserole

Hoop cheese can be a great ingredient to add to a summer squash casserole. Combine the cheese and eggs with fresh squash, and serve alongside sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and other garden vegetables, with a slice of homemade cornbread.

Sandwiches

Hoop cheese is a delicious addition to sandwiches. It can be enjoyed on its own between two slices of rye bread with mayonnaise or grilled. For a more substantial sandwich, add some ham, turkey, or other cold cuts.

Dessert Cheese Plate

Hoop cheese also makes for a wonderful dessert cheese, pairing well with melons, berries, and various wines. Its mild and creamy flavour complements the sweetness of the fruits, making for a delightful end to a meal.

Apple Cheese Casserole

Hoop cheese can add a creamy texture to a traditional apple and cheddar cheese casserole. Combine grated hoop cheese with grated cheddar cheese, peeled and sliced apples, crumbled Ritz crackers, and melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

Macaroni and Cheese

Hoop cheese is the perfect cheese for baked macaroni and cheese. Its melting properties ensure an even, creamy texture without any clumps or oiliness. Simply grate the hoop cheese and combine it with your favourite pasta and baking ingredients.

Cheese Cake

Hoop cheese was a popular ingredient in traditional cheesecake recipes. For a simple hoop cheese cheesecake, blend together hoop cheese, egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, flour, and vanilla. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold them into the cheese mixture. Pour the mixture over a graham cracker crust and sprinkle with additional graham cracker crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for half an hour, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees and bake for another half hour.

Availability

Hoop cheese is a traditional Southern United States cheese that was common from the early to mid-1900s. Today, it is much less common and can be difficult to find commercially in some areas of the United States. This is due to the difficulty of automating its manufacturing process and its short shelf life.

Hoop cheese can still be found in some parts of the Southern United States, including roadside stands, small restaurants, grocers, farmers' markets, and independent gas stations. It is also available for purchase online from select retailers, such as the Ashe County Cheese Factory in North Carolina.

In the past, hoop cheese was typically made by store owners, local cheesemakers, or farmers, and sold at small-town general stores. Today, it is often produced in smaller quantities by local cheesemakers and sold at farmers' markets, specialty cheese shops, or directly from the farms where it is made.

Some people have reported finding hoop cheese at local supermarkets, particularly in the Southern United States. However, its availability can vary by region and it may be harder to find outside of its traditional areas.

Frequently asked questions