Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From sandwiches to soups to scones, there are endless possibilities for incorporating cheddar cheese into your meals. If you find yourself with a large quantity of cheddar cheese, there are numerous recipes to consider that will help you make the most of it.
What to do with a lot of cheddar cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge or freezer |
| Grate and Freeze | Grate the cheese and freeze it for later use |
| Savoury Baked Goods | Can be used in baked goods such as biscuits, scones, crackers, and pies |
| Sandwiches | Use cheddar in sandwiches with ham, French bread, and red wine |
| Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas | Use cheddar in Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas |
| Soups | Make soup, such as French onion soup, beer cheese soup, or a carrot-based soup |
| Mac and Cheese | Create a classic mac and cheese with extra-sharp cheddar for more flavour |
| Grilled Cheese | Make grilled cheese sandwiches or grilled cheese hot dogs |
| Salads | Prepare a potato salad with cheddar, bacon, and ranch dressing |
| Quiche | Bake a quiche with spinach, or broccoli and cheese |
| Burgers | Use cheddar as a filling in burgers, such as "Juicy Lucy" burgers |
| Desserts | Include cheddar in desserts, such as pound cake or biscuits |
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What You'll Learn
Savoury bakes, pizzas and sandwiches
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate a variety of savoury bakes, pizzas, and sandwiches. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:
Savoury Bakes
- Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food is a perfect way to showcase cheddar's gooey, creamy goodness. Spice it up with some jalapeños or ground mustard, or add baby kale for a unique twist.
- Quiche: Try a spinach and cheddar quiche, featuring a warm, flaky crust and a thick, hearty filling. It's a delicious option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Biscuits: Cheddar biscuits are a savoury treat, with the cheese mixed into the dough and baked on top for a crispy, caramelized flavour.
- Potato Dishes: For a crowd-pleaser, try a cheddar, bacon, and ranch potato salad. Or, for a heartier option, bake loaded potatoes with all the fixings, including generous amounts of melted cheddar.
- Soups: Cheddar is excellent for adding depth of flavour to soups. Try a French onion soup with a cheesy toast topping, or a white cheddar beer cheese soup, pairing the cheese with dark beer for a fondue-like experience.
Pizzas
- Classic Cheese Pizza: Keep it simple with a traditional pizza topped with generous amounts of melted cheddar.
- Zucchini Pizza: For a unique twist, try a zucchini pizza, combining the freshness of zucchini with the sharpness of cheddar.
Sandwiches
- Grilled Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, a grilled cheese sandwich is made even better with the addition of sharp cheddar. For an extra indulgent experience, pair it with ham and a glass of red wine.
- Cheese and Beetroot: This colourful combination is a tasty and unique sandwich filling.
- Open-Faced Cheese Toasts: Top a slice of sourdough toast with cheddar and a tangy broccoli rabe relish for a simple yet elegant option.
With these ideas as a starting point, the possibilities for creating savoury bakes, pizzas, and sandwiches with cheddar cheese are endless!
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Soups and salads
If you're looking to make a hearty meal with a lot of cheddar cheese, soups and salads are a great option. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Soups
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a rich, creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavour to soups. For a classic comfort food option, you can make a grilled cheese soup by combining melted cheddar with a variety of ingredients such as bacon, garlic, and jalapeños. For a heartier option, you can add in a grilled hot dog for a smoky, cheesy treat.
If you're looking for something with a kick, a spicy Saint Patrick's Day soup made with carrots and extra-sharp cheddar is a unique and delicious option. You can also make a beer cheese soup by melting cheddar into a mixture of dark beer, flour, and butter, which can be served as a fondue with cubed bread for dipping.
For a more sophisticated option, try a French onion soup. Simply top a bowl of French onion soup with shredded cheddar cheese and a piece of toast, then broil until the cheese is melted.
Salads
Cheddar cheese also works well in salads, adding a salty, savoury element. For a crowd-pleasing option, a potato salad with cheddar, bacon, and ranch dressing is a refreshing and tasty choice. Spinach salad with a warm, flaky crust and gooey cheddar cheese is another excellent option that can be served hot or cold.
You can also incorporate cheddar into a variety of side salads, such as a broccoli salad with a tangy, bitter twist, or a simple cheese and beetroot salad.
With its sharp flavour and melting texture, cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and creaminess of soups and salads.
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Mexican food
Cheddar is one of the cheeses used in a 3-blend Mexican cheese mix, along with queso asadero and Monterey Jack. Queso asadero is a Mexican melting cheese with a creamy, smooth texture, and a mild flavour. It is often used in quesadillas and can be substituted with cheddar, which has a similar consistency and taste. Similarly, Monterey Jack is a common ingredient in Tex-Mex recipes and has a similar profile to cheddar, so the two can be used interchangeably.
Cheddar can also be used in place of queso Chihuahua, a firm, light yellow, aged cheese with a strong flavour and a sharp tang, similar to an American cheddar. Queso Chihuahua is often used to make queso fundido, a dish of melted cheese eaten with chips or other dippers.
In addition, cheddar can be used in Mexican dishes that call for melting cheese, such as quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas. It can also be sprinkled on top of beans, enchiladas, or salads, in place of queso fresco, a soft, salty, fresh cheese, or queso añejo, the aged version of this cheese.
Finally, while not a substitute, cheddar is often included in Mexican blends sold in the United States, so it can be used as part of such a blend, along with more authentic Mexican cheeses, to add a sharp, tangy flavour.
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Burgers and hot dogs
If you're looking for a creative way to use up a lot of cheddar cheese, why not try making some delicious burgers and hot dogs? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Burgers
Cheddar cheese is a fantastic addition to any burger. You can simply slice or grate the cheese and place it on top of your burger patty, allowing it to melt slightly and add a burst of flavour. For an extra indulgent option, you could make a homemade cheddar cheese sauce to smother your burger. This sauce typically includes milk, butter, flour, and of course, cheddar cheese. It's a versatile topping that can be used on burgers, veggies, and even baked potatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try the famous Uncle D's Chili and Cheddar Burger, which combines the cheese sauce with chili for an extra kick.
Hot Dogs
When it comes to hot dogs, cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in multiple ways. A classic option is to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of your hot dog, allowing it to melt slightly and create a gooey, delicious topping. You can also try making grilled cheese hot dogs, a brilliant combination of two classics. Simply roll your hot dog bun flat, spread the outside with butter, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Grill the bun and a lengthwise-sliced hot dog until they start to brown, then assemble and sprinkle with more cheese. This creates a buttery, crispy, cheese-filled delight.
Sides
If you're looking for side dishes to accompany your cheddar-filled burgers and hot dogs, there are plenty of options. Classic choices include French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots. You can even make carrot fries or zucchini fries in an air fryer for a healthier option. For a more substantial side, baked beans, macaroni salad, or coleslaw are always popular choices. If you want to include more cheese in your sides, try making a jalapeno popper potato salad with crispy bacon, jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese, or top your grilled corn on the cob with cheddar, bacon, and ranch.
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Freezing and storing
Cheddar cheese can be frozen, although it is best enjoyed fresh to maximise its flavour and texture. Freezing and thawing cheddar cheese can affect its texture, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. It may also be harder to slice. Therefore, previously frozen cheddar cheese is better used in recipes where it can be shredded, crumbled, or melted, rather than eaten fresh.
To freeze a block of cheddar cheese, wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap to retain its moisture. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. If you plan on using the cheese grated or melted in recipes, grate the cheese into a bowl and toss it with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to prevent clumping. Place the shredded cheese in a freezer bag and distribute it evenly so the bag can lay flat in the freezer.
For large blocks of cheese like cheddar, it is recommended to not freeze more than one pound (500 grams) per portion. Frozen cheese can be stored indefinitely but is best used within 6–9 months for optimal quality. To thaw, place the frozen cheese in the refrigerator for 7–8 hours per pound (500 grams) of cheese. Do not thaw cheese on the counter.
In addition to freezing, cheddar cheese can be stored in the refrigerator. When stored in the fridge, cheddar cheese can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the type of cheddar and its original packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some quick and easy recipes that use a lot of cheddar cheese:
- Mac and cheese
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Cheese and crackers
- Cheese toasts
- Cheese quesadillas
- Cheese pizza
- Cheese scones
Some party-friendly recipes that use a lot of cheddar cheese include:
- Cheese crackers
- Cheese straws
- Cheese popovers
- Cheese dip
- Cheese quiche
- Cheese pies
- Cheese tacos
- Cheese burritos
- Cheese hot dogs
Some unique recipes that use a lot of cheddar cheese include:
- White cheddar beer cheese soup
- Cheddar cheese pound cake
- Cheddar cheese biscuits
- Cheddar cheese cookies
- Cheese soup with Saint Patrick's Day soup
