Bushra Griffith
Leftover cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. From omelettes to mac 'n' cheese, and from soups to sandwiches, leftover cheddar cheese can be a versatile ingredient. In addition, leftover cheddar cheese can be combined with other types of cheese to create unique flavours and textures. To maintain freshness, it is recommended to wrap leftover cheddar cheese in foil or grease-proof paper and store it in an airtight container at the bottom of the fridge. With proper storage, leftover cheddar cheese can be used to enhance the taste of many meals and reduce food waste.
What to do with leftover cheddar cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation | Wrap in foil, grease-proof paper, baking parchment or cling film; store in an airtight container at the bottom of the fridge |
| Freezing | Cheddar can be frozen for up to three months |
| Recipes | Toasted sandwiches, omelettes, fondues, mac 'n' cheese, tarts, puff pastry turnovers, cheese and garlic loaf, potted cheddar, dips, soups, quesadillas, shepherd's pie, loaded Hasselback potatoes, pasta |
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What You'll Learn
Make a cheese dip
If you're looking for a way to use up leftover cheddar cheese, why not make a delicious cheese dip? This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a topping for your favourite foods. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to making a mouth-watering cheese dip with leftover cheddar:
Ingredients:
- Leftover cheddar cheese, shredded (medium or sharp)
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (preferably whole milk)
- Salt
- Mustard (optional)
- Chili powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by melting butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter can vary, but aim for a few tablespoons to create a base for your roux.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in flour and salt to form a paste. This mixture is called a "roux" and will help thicken your cheese dip. Adjust the amount of flour and salt to your preference, but typically, you'd use about a teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add milk to the roux, stirring continuously. The milk will combine with the roux to create a creamy, smooth base for your cheese dip. Whole milk is recommended for the best texture and flavour, but you can use any type of milk you prefer.
- Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it thickens and comes together. This should take a few minutes, and you'll notice the sauce becoming thicker and more cohesive.
- Now, it's time to add the cheese! Gradually add your shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy dip. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference, but typically, you'd use around 6 ounces (about 1.5 cups) of shredded cheddar.
- If needed, return the saucepan to low heat to help melt the cheese completely. However, the residual heat from the previous steps should be enough to melt the cheese.
- For some extra flavour, consider adding a teaspoon of mustard to the mixture. You can also add a small amount of chili powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) for a subtle kick. These additional ingredients are optional, but they can enhance the flavour of your cheese dip.
- Finally, season your cheese dip with salt and pepper to taste. You can also adjust the seasonings and add more chili powder if you prefer a spicier dip.
Your leftover cheddar cheese dip is now ready to serve! It's perfect for dipping chips, vegetables, or even using as a topping for nachos, macaroni, or pizza. Enjoy your homemade, delicious, and cheesy creation!
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Create a fondue
If you have leftover cheddar cheese, creating a fondue is a great way to use it up. Fondue is a fun and indulgent sharing dish, perfect for a celebration or a cosy night in. Here's how to create a delicious cheddar fondue:
Ingredients:
- Leftover cheddar cheese (grated)
- Cornflour
- Dry white wine
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (to taste)
Optional ingredients:
- Other cheeses such as Gruyere, Emmental, or Blue Cheese
- Kirsch or Port
- Accompaniments: crusty bread, crunchy fruits or vegetables (e.g. apples, carrots, celery), cured meats, pickles
Method:
- Start by rubbing a garlic clove on the inside of a large, heavy-based saucepan. This will infuse the fondue with a subtle garlic flavour.
- Next, add the dry white wine and lemon juice to the pan and simmer over a medium to high heat.
- In a separate bowl, combine your grated cheddar with cornflour. The cornflour will help to thicken the fondue and prevent it from becoming too runny. You can also add other grated cheeses to the mixture if desired.
- Slowly add the cheese and cornflour mixture to the simmering wine and lemon juice, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and you have a smooth, creamy fondue.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
- Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or serving dish and keep it warm.
- If you're using optional ingredients like Kirsch or Port, add them to the fondue now and stir through.
- Finally, serve your fondue with an assortment of accompaniments for dipping.
Creating a fondue is a delicious way to use up leftover cheddar cheese, and it's a fun and interactive dish to enjoy with family or friends.
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Add to scrambled eggs
If you have leftover cheddar cheese, one great way to use it up is to add it to scrambled eggs. Here are some ideas to elevate your scrambled eggs with leftover cheddar:
- Keep it simple: Shred or grate your leftover cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over your scrambled eggs while they are still hot. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly and create a creamy, cheesy texture. Season with black pepper or your favourite spice blend for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Scrambled Eggs: For a more indulgent option, incorporate the cheddar cheese directly into your scrambled eggs as you cook them. Start by whisking a few eggs in a bowl and then add in shredded or grated cheddar cheese. You can also add a splash of milk or cream for extra richness. Scramble the mixture in a pan until the eggs are cooked to your liking, and top with chopped herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh flavour.
- Breakfast Hash: Take your scrambled eggs with cheddar to the next level by making a breakfast hash. Simply add some diced potatoes, onions, and your favourite vegetables to a pan with the scrambled egg and cheese mixture. You can also include breakfast meats like bacon or sausage for a heartier dish.
- Omelette: Another option is to turn your scrambled eggs into an omelette. Beat a few eggs and pour them into a hot, oiled pan. Once the eggs start to cook, lift the edges with a spatula and tilt the pan to allow the uncooked portion to run underneath. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on one half of the omelette, and then carefully fold the other half over. Cook until the cheese is melted, and serve with a side of toast or salad.
Remember, when storing leftover cheese, wrap it in foil, grease-proof paper, or baking parchment to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Leftover cheddar cheese can also be frozen for up to three months, so you can always save it for later if you don't want to use it right away.
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Make a toasted sandwich
Toasted sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover cheddar cheese and make a delicious and thrifty lunch. Here's a recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- Leftover cheddar cheese
- Bread of your choice
- Butter (optional)
- Additional fillings of your choice (such as ham, tomato, or onion)
Method:
- Start by gathering your ingredients and preheating a skillet, grill, or sandwich press to medium heat.
- Choose your bread—a sturdy variety that can hold up to the weight of the cheese and any additional fillings is ideal.
- Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread slices if desired—this will add flavour and help the bread toast evenly.
- Shred or slice your leftover cheddar cheese. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference, but a generous amount will ensure a gooey, cheesy sandwich.
- Place your cheese on the bread, along with any additional fillings you'd like. Toasted sandwiches are versatile, so feel free to experiment with different combinations. Some classic options include:
- Cheddar and ham
- Cheddar, tomato, and onion
- Cheddar and apple
- Close the sandwich by placing the second slice of bread on top.
- Place the sandwich on the preheated cooking surface and cook until the bread is toasted to your desired level of doneness. If using a skillet or grill, you may need to flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to toast both sides evenly.
- Once toasted, remove the sandwich from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your toasted cheddar sandwich as is, or serve it with a side of soup, salad, or crisps for a heartier meal.
Feel free to get creative with your toasted sandwich combinations and experiment with different types of bread and additional fillings to find your favourite flavour pairings!
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Bake into a puff pastry tart
If you have leftover cheddar cheese, one tasty option is to bake it into a puff pastry tart. This is a great way to use up any remnants of cheese lingering in your fridge. You can also add leftover cranberry sauce to the tart for a festive twist.
To make the tart, you will need:
- Puff pastry
- Leftover cheddar cheese
- Any other leftover cheese you want to use up (a mixture of blue, creamy, and cheddar works well)
- Optional: leftover cranberry sauce, apples, or other fruits and vegetables of your choice
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature suggested on the puff pastry packaging.
Next, roll out your puff pastry and cut it into the desired shape for your tart. You can get creative here and make individual-sized tarts or one large tart to share. Place the pastry on a baking sheet or in a tart pan.
Now it's time to add your toppings. Sprinkle your grated or crumbled cheddar cheese onto the pastry, covering the surface evenly. If you're using other types of cheese, layer them on top of the cheddar or mix them all together before adding to the pastry.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some sliced apples or other fruits and vegetables on top of the cheese. You can also add a dollop of leftover cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Finally, bake your tart in the oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your delicious creation as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal!
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a toasted sandwich, a puff pastry turnover, or a simple omelette with your leftover cheddar cheese.
You can make a toasted sandwich or a puff pastry turnover with leftover cheddar cheese for lunch.
You can make a fondue, mac 'n' cheese, or a vegetable soup with leftover cheddar cheese.
You can wrap cheddar cheese in foil, grease-proof paper, or baking parchment and store it in an airtight container at the bottom of the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
You can add cheddar cheese to scrambled eggs, a breakfast sandwich, or a skillet hash brown and eggs.
