Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is considered sharp when it reaches a minimum of 9 months of age, although some say it must be matured for at least 6 months to be considered sharp. The term sharp is used to describe a stronger flavour of cheddar, which is tangier, nuttier, and more savoury. The sharpness of cheddar cheese is determined by the aging process, with older cheddars having a stronger and more complex flavour. Cheddar cheese is extremely popular in the United States, and there are many ways to use sharp cheddar cheese in cooking, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, queso, or mac and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Stronger, tangier, more savoury, nutty, complex |
| Texture | Crumbly, less moisture, firm |
| Age | Minimum of 60 days to a few years |
| Selection | Squeeze the package to check firmness |
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What You'll Learn
Sharp cheddar cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches
Sharp cheddar cheese is a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. The sharpness of cheddar refers to the amount of time it has been aged, with a sharp cheddar being aged longer and thus having a tangier, nuttier, and more intense flavour. When making a grilled cheese sandwich, you can use airy, white bread, or rye bread, and butter the outside of the sandwich to get it browned and crisp. You can also spread the inside of the bread with mayonnaise, which will also help the bread brown and add a unique taste. For the cheese, you can grate sharp cheddar and place it inside the sandwich. You can also add other cheeses, such as gouda or gruyere, or even sprinkle in some blue cheese. To cook the sandwich, melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium to medium-low heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip the sandwich, replace the lid, and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Using sharp cheddar in mac and cheese
Sharp cheddar is a great way to add a robust flavour to your mac and cheese. The sharpness of cheddar is a result of the aging process, with older cheddars having a stronger, tangier, and more savoury flavour. When making mac and cheese, it is recommended to use freshly grated sharp cheddar as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. For a quick and easy meal, simply cook your pasta, grate your sharp cheddar, and mix the two together.
For a more indulgent dish, you can make a cheese sauce to mix with your pasta. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then add milk to create a béchamel sauce. Next, add your freshly grated sharp cheddar and stir until melted. For added flavour, you can include spices such as nutmeg and mustard, or even mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, white cheddar, or Parmesan. Just be mindful of the saltiness of the cheese, as you may need to adjust the seasoning in your sauce.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add proteins like bacon, chicken, or sausage to your mac and cheese. Simply cook your desired protein and mix it in with your pasta and cheese sauce. You can even add vegetables, like poached chicken with a smokey Thai chilli sauce and fresh scallions.
While extra-sharp cheddar offers an even stronger flavour, it may not be the best option for mac and cheese as it doesn't melt as well due to its low moisture content. However, if you're a fan of the robust flavour, you can always add a small amount of extra-sharp cheddar to your mix of cheeses to create a unique and complex flavour profile.
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Pairing sharp cheddar with spicy foods
Sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with spicy foods to create a range of delicious dishes. The sharpness of cheddar cheese generally refers to the amount of time it has been aged, with older cheddars having a stronger, tangier, and more complex flavour profile. When paired with spicy foods, sharp cheddar can add a depth of flavour and a creamy texture that balances out the heat.
One classic pairing of sharp cheddar and spicy foods is in a grilled cheese sandwich. To make this sandwich, start by selecting a good-quality sharp cheddar with a rich, tangy flavour and a firm texture. You can then experiment with adding different ingredients to complement the cheese. For a spicy kick, try adding jalapeños or other spicy peppers. If you want to balance out the heat, you can also add avocado for a creamy texture or tomatoes for a refreshing touch. Crispy bacon and caramelised onions can also be added to enhance the savoury notes of the sandwich.
Sharp cheddar can also be used to make a spicy mac and cheese. For a quick and easy recipe, combine sharp cheddar with pumpkin to create a sweet and savoury dish. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as spicy peppers, to give the dish an extra kick.
For a unique pairing, try making a hummus with a spicy kick. Jalapeno peppers and sharp cheddar cheese are a perfect match, creating a healthy and delicious treat. Simply combine chickpeas, jalapeno pepper, olive oil, water, cumin, and salt in a food processor, then add the cheddar cheese and process until well combined. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
When pairing sharp cheddar with spicy foods, it's important to consider the balance of flavours. The sharpness of the cheese can help to enhance the spiciness of the dish, so it's important to choose complementary ingredients that can balance out the heat. By experimenting with different combinations of sharp cheddar and spicy foods, you can create a range of delicious and flavourful dishes.
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How to identify truly sharp cheddar
The sharpness of cheddar is associated with the levels of bitter peptides in the cheese. This bitterness is significant to the overall perception of the aged cheddar flavour. The sharpness of cheddar cheese is determined by the amount of time it has been aged, with a minimum of 6 to 9 months needed for it to be considered sharp. The older the cheddar, the sharper the flavour. The texture also changes as the cheese matures, going from smooth and creamy to firm and crumbly, with hard, salt-like crystals called calcium lactate. These crystals develop when lactose in the cheese breaks down into lactic acid.
The best way to understand the age and sharpness of cheddar is to taste two different ages of cheddar side by side. Choose two products of the same brand to ensure that both products were made with the same ingredients and processes, making it easier to compare them based on their taste and texture.
The sharpness of cheddar is indicated by the following labels: mild, sharp, and extra sharp. Mild cheddars are aged 2 to 3 months, sharp cheddars 6 to 9 months, and extra-sharp cheddars 1 1/2 to 2 years. The flavour of sharp cheddar is described as tangy, nutty, and complex, with a slight crumble due to its lower moisture content.
When purchasing sharp cheddar, it is important to note that the term "sharp" is a loose label that is not regulated, so designations can be inconsistent across brands. Therefore, it is recommended to taste different cheddars and compare their sharpness to determine your preference.
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Sharp cheddar cheese with smoked meats
Sharp cheddar cheese is a type of cheddar that has been aged for at least nine months, with some being matured for 18-24 months. The ageing process results in a stronger, tangier, and more complex flavour profile, with a hint of nuttiness and a crumbly texture due to the loss of moisture.
When it comes to pairing sharp cheddar cheese with smoked meats, there are several options to consider. Firstly, creating a charcuterie board with sliced sharp cheddar and an assortment of smoked meats, such as salami or sausage, can be a delicious and visually appealing option. The salty, smoky flavours of the meats will complement the sharpness of the cheddar, creating a harmonious flavour combination.
Additionally, sharp cheddar can be melted over smoked meats in various dishes. For example, you could top a juicy burger patty with a slice of sharp cheddar, allowing the cheese to drape over the sides and slightly char, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the burger. Alternatively, you could create a smoked meat sandwich, such as a patty melt, and incorporate sharp cheddar as the melting cheese component, binding the sandwich together and adding a flavourful kick.
For those who enjoy cooking, experimenting with sharp cheddar in recipes featuring smoked meats can elevate the dish. For instance, you could create a smoked meat pasta bake and sprinkle sharp cheddar on top before baking, or mix it into the sauce for a creamier, more indulgent texture and a flavour boost. The sharpness of the cheddar will complement the smokiness of the meat, creating a satisfying and flavourful dining experience.
When pairing sharp cheddar with smoked meats, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The sharpness and tanginess of the cheddar can cut through the richness of smoked meats, providing a pleasing contrast. The crumbly texture of the cheese can also add a pleasing mouthfeel when paired with the tenderness of smoked meats.
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Frequently asked questions
Sharp cheddar cheese is a type of cheddar cheese that has been aged for a long time, typically at least 9 months. The longer the aging process, the sharper and stronger the flavour.
The sharpness of cheddar cheese is subjective and varies across brands. However, a good sharp cheddar cheese should be almost as hard and solid as a brick.
Sharp cheddar cheese has a tangy, nutty taste. The flavour is stronger and more complex than mild cheddar, with a hint of sourness.
Sharp cheddar cheese is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, queso, mac and cheese, or simply enjoyed on its own.
