Cheddar Cheese: Delicious, Melty, And Versatile Cooking Options

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Whether you're looking for a simple snack or a hearty meal, cheddar cheese can be the star of the show. Some popular recipes that feature cheddar cheese include sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and even desserts like pound cake. Cheddar cheese can also be used as a topping or filling, adding a creamy and savoury kick to dishes like soup, biscuits, and quesadillas. With its sharp and nutty flavour, cheddar cheese is a staple in many recipes and a favourite among cheese lovers.

What to cook with cheddar cheese

Explore related products

Oh! Top 50 Cheddar Cheese Recipes Volume 1: Cheddar Cheese Cookbook - Your Best Friend Forever

$9.99

200 Easy Homemade Cheese Recipes: From Cheddar and Brie to Butter and Yogurt

$23.75 $27.95

One-Hour Dairy-Free Cheese: Make Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, and Brie-Style Cheeses―Using Nuts, Seeds, and Vegetables

$19.99 $19.99

Grain Free Cheddar Cheese Recipe Dog Treats, 15 lb

$120.38

King Arthur Better Cheddar Cheese Powder: Premium Sharp Cheddar Flavor for Popcorn, Pasta, and More - Versatile Cooking Ingredient in 8 oz Reusable Jar - Elevate Your Dishes with Rich, Authentic Taste

$12.95

Amazon Grocery, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded, 8 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

$1.74

Savoury scones, muffins, biscuits and cookies

Scones

Add a mature, punchy cheddar to your scones for a savoury kick. Yeast extract will give your scones a deep, savoury flavour, and you can add mustard and buttermilk to the mix for extra tang.

Muffins

Individual muffins are a great party appetiser. Fill them with cheddar and bake until the cheese is melted and the exterior is golden brown.

Biscuits

Biscuits are a great way to use cheddar. You can mix grated cheddar into the dough, and/or bake the biscuits on top of a pile of grated cheddar – this will give them crispy, lacy 'feet'.

Cookies

For a savoury twist on the classic sweet treat, swap shortbread for a cocktail cookie with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Macaroni and cheese

To start, you'll need to cook the macaroni. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and add elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni until it's firm to the bite, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. This ensures the macaroni doesn't get overcooked as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Next, you'll make a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour that serves as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter can be salted or unsalted, but if you use salted butter, be sure to adjust the amount of salt added later. Add flour, salt, and pepper to the melted butter and stir until you have a smooth mixture, cooking for about 5 minutes.

Now it's time to make the cheese sauce. Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of both for a creamy sauce. Avoid using low-fat milk as it won't give you the desired rich flavour and texture. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and bubbly, being careful not to let the milk burn. Add in your shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it's completely melted, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes. You can also add other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a more luxurious touch. For a stronger flavour and smoother texture, opt for high-quality aged cheddar cheese. If you want to add some spice, include a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Finally, it's time to combine the macaroni and cheese sauce. In a prepared baking dish, add half of the cooked macaroni and toss it with the sauce to coat. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the macaroni, then add the remaining pasta and cheese, creating layers. You can also sprinkle some paprika over the top for a pop of colour. Bake the mac and cheese at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

This recipe is a great base that you can customise with various add-ins. You can include diced ham, peas, chicken, broccoli, or even crushed crackers on top. It's a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to six months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat when you're ready to serve.

Sandwiches, bagels and toasts

Sandwiches, Bagels, and Toasts

Ham, Cheese, and Egg Bagel

A classic ham and cheese bagel can be made more exciting by adding an egg. This sandwich is perfect for lunch and can be served with chilli jam or red onion chutney.

Welsh Rarebit

This traditional English dish is made by covering a slice of toast with a mixture of melted cheese, mustard, and other ingredients. Give it a tangy twist by adding lime pickle or spicy mango chutney.

Chicken in Cheddar-Chive Waffle Cones

A fun and creative way to enjoy a sandwich is by using waffle cones. Fill the cones with chicken, cheddar cheese, and chives for a tasty treat.

Open-Faced Cheese Toasts

For a simple yet delicious option, try open-faced cheese toasts. Top a slice of sourdough toast with cheddar cheese and a tangy broccoli rabe relish for added flavour.

Cheddar Cheese Sandwiches

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sandwiches. Combine it with ingredients like tomatoes, spring onions, or chorizo to make a tasty and satisfying meal.

Savory Popovers

For a unique twist on a classic, try making popovers with cheddar cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar balances out the sweetness of the popover, resulting in a delicious treat.

Explore related products

The Farmer's Kitchen Handbook: More Than 200 Recipes for Making Cheese, Curing Meat, Preserving, Fermenting, and More (Handbook Series)

$13.9 $14.95

Amazon Grocery, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 8 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

$1.88

Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder, 1LB (Pack of 1)

$14.99

Olive & Vine Cheddar Cheese Powder, Savory Flavor, For Popcorn & Sauces, Rich Tradition, Authentic Taste, For Global Recipes (4.8 Ounce)

$7.12 $11.99

The Cheese Life: Recipes, Cheeseboards and Pairings

$1.99 $29.99

Hoosier Hill Farm White Cheddar Cheese Powder, 1LB (Pack of 1)

$17.99

Soups

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious soups. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheddar Beer Soup

For a savoury and hearty option, try a cheddar beer soup. The sharp flavour of cheddar pairs well with the malty notes of beer, creating a robust and satisfying dish. This soup is perfect for a cold day and can be served with a crusty bread roll or a side of crispy bacon for added texture and flavour.

Cheddar and Vegetable Soup

For a healthier option, you can create a low-calorie soup with cheddar cheese and seasonal vegetables. Try using courgettes, leeks, or celery as a base and blending them with vegetable stock and a generous amount of shredded cheddar. This soup is both nutritious and flavourful, and you can add your favourite herbs and spices to give it an extra kick.

Cheddar and Sausage Soup

Take your soup to the next level by adding some protein. Seared kielbasa sausage pairs well with cheddar, adding a smoky flavour to the dish. You can also experiment with other types of sausage, such as chorizo, to give your soup a spicy twist. This option is perfect for a heartier meal and can be served with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the flavours.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli and cheddar is a classic combination that works well in a soup. The slight bitterness of the broccoli is balanced by the creamy, sharp flavour of the cheddar. You can add milk or cream to make it extra creamy and season it with black pepper for a bit of spice. Serve this soup with a side of garlic bread for a comforting and tasty meal.

Quesadillas, burritos and tacos

Quesadillas, burritos, and tacos

Quesadillas, burritos, and tacos are all Mexican dishes that can be cooked with cheddar cheese.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are made by heating a tortilla with melted cheese inside. You can use a corn or flour tortilla, depending on your preference. First, heat a cast-iron frying pan on medium-high heat. While the pan is heating, prepare your ingredients. You can cut up some slices of cheese, get salsa, and slice up some apples, avocado, lettuce, and leftover meat. You can also add some cooked chicken, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, and onions. Butter one side of the tortilla and place it in the pan, butter side down. When pockets of air begin to form, sprinkle grated cheese over the tortilla, ensuring it doesn't land on the pan. Add your other ingredients, being careful not to layer them too thickly. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let the cheese melt. Once the cheese is melted, flip the quesadilla and cook the other side. Serve with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Burritos

Burritos are a cross between small burritos and a casserole. They are baked and topped with a homemade cheese sauce. For the filling, you can use ground chicken, tomatoes, diced chilies, black beans, and refried beans. To make the cheese sauce, you can use a sharp cheddar cheese like Cabot's Medium Yellow Cheddar, or experiment with different flavors like Habanero Cheddar or Vermont Extra Sharp. Mix some of the cheese sauce into the filling, and pour the rest on top before serving.

Tacos

Tacos can be made with corn tortillas and grated cheddar cheese, fried in butter. You can add sliced avocado, apple, chicken, and lettuce. Butter the tortillas and heat them in a pan until they bubble, or soften them in the microwave before adding the cheese and folding them over.

Frequently asked questions