Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to quesadillas and tacos. It is a firm, natural cow's milk cheese that ranges from white to yellow or orange in colour, with a nutty finish. When creating a cheese platter, it is important to choose cheeses with different textures and flavours. Cheddar is a great option for a firmer-style cheese, and can be served with softer cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, and harder cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano. On a charcuterie board, cheddar can be cut into bite-sized cubes or wedges and paired with sliced apples, grapes, or meats like salami.
What to serve with Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Grilled cheese sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Potatoes au gratin, Quesadillas, Cheese and scallion biscuits, Cheese platter, Charcuterie board |
| Texture | Firm, smooth, filled with tiny crystals, crumbly, dry, earthy |
| Taste | Sharp, tangy, complex, nutty, salty, stringy, melty, mild, bold, sweet |
| Colour | White, yellow, orange |
| Accompaniments | Bread, apples, grapes, meats, olives, nuts, honey, jam, crackers, baguette, walnuts, dried fruit, marinated olives, marcona almonds |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to serve cheddar cheese on a charcuterie board
Charcuterie boards are a delightful way to serve a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, spreads, and sauces. They are a great option for entertaining and can be easily adapted to suit your taste and the number of guests. Here is a guide on how to serve cheddar cheese on a charcuterie board:
Choosing the Right Cheddar Cheese:
Select a firm-style cheddar cheese, preferably farmhouse cheddar. Look for options like farmhouse cheddar, Applewood smoked cheddar, or aged cheddars for a more intense flavour. You can also include other cheeses to complement the cheddar, such as soft cheeses like brie, burrata, or goat cheese, and firmer options like gouda, gruyere, or manchego.
Amount of Cheddar Cheese:
As a guideline, plan for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. If you are serving the charcuterie board as a starter, aim for 1 to 2 ounces of cheddar cheese per person. If it is being served as an after-dinner course, 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per person will suffice.
Accompaniments for Cheddar Cheese:
Cheddar cheese pairs well with both savory and sweet accompaniments. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Cured meats: Cheddar goes well with any cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, or soppressata.
- Fruits: Try pairing cheddar with apples, grapes, or figs.
- Nuts: Cashews or candied pecans can complement the flavour of cheddar nicely.
- Condiments: Honey or jams can add a sweet touch to the savoury cheddar.
- Crackers: Include crackers to fill any gaps on the board and to provide a neutral base for the cheddar and accompaniments.
Presentation Tips:
When assembling your charcuterie board, aim for a visually appealing layout:
- Separate colours to allow the brightest colours to stand out.
- Place foods together that pair well. For example, you can place mustard, briny foods, and nuts near the cured meats.
- Fill any extra space with crackers, and then fill smaller gaps with nuts or dried fruit.
- Provide knives for slicing the cheddar and other cheeses, as well as small dishes or bowls for accompaniments like jams or honey.
- If your charcuterie board will be sitting out for an extended period, use a marble slab board and refrigerate it overnight to keep the cheddar and other cheeses fresh.
How Much Cheddar Cheese is 30g?
You may want to see also
What to eat with cheddar cheese on a cheeseboard
When it comes to a cheeseboard, cheddar is a firm favourite – and for good reason. This versatile cheese can be sharp, mild, or white, with a flavour that ranges from nutty to tangy and earthy. It's a great option for a cheeseboard as it ages well and offers a variety of textures, from smooth and creamy to firm and crumbly.
To make the most of cheddar on your cheeseboard, consider including a mix of other cheeses with different textures and flavours. This could include a soft and creamy cheese like Brie, a semi-soft cheese like Havarti, and a hard grating-style cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano. Offering a variety of cheeses will ensure there's something for everyone and will create a well-rounded and sophisticated tasting experience.
In terms of what to eat with cheddar cheese on your cheeseboard, there are plenty of options. Cheddar pairs well with sweet and salty flavours, so consider serving it with honey, jam, or peppered jelly. You can also serve it with fresh fruit like apples or grapes, and nuts such as walnuts or almonds. If you're looking for a more substantial option, cheddar goes well with breads, especially those that include walnuts, dried fruit, or olives.
For a full cheeseboard experience, you'll also want to include some cured meats. Salami, in particular, is a great option as it's easy to grab and eat in one bite. Other favourites include soppressata, which is similar to salami but made from leaner cuts, and saucisson sec, a classic French dried salami. If you're serving meat and cheese together, consider rolling or folding the meat and providing toothpicks to make it easier for your guests to pick up and eat.
The Mystery of White Streaks in Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Recipes that use cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for dishes that use cheddar cheese:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect option for a quick and easy meal. The sharpness of cheddar adds a nice tang to the sandwich, and its melting properties make it ideal for creating a gooey, stringy texture. To elevate your grilled cheese, consider adding some herbs or spices, such as chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika.
Mac & Cheese
Creamy and comforting, macaroni and cheese is a dish that is loved by people of all ages. To make it, cheddar cheese is incorporated into a Béchamel sauce, creating a Mornay sauce base that is then mixed with cooked pasta. For an extra cheesy kick, top the mac & cheese with some additional shredded cheddar and bake until golden brown.
Potatoes au Gratin
This classic French dish is a delicious way to incorporate cheddar into a side dish. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes, creating a flavorful and indulgent side.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a Mexican dish that uses tortillas filled with shredded cheese. Cheddar is a common choice for quesadillas, often combined with other cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack. You can also add various fillings, such as vegetables or meats, to create a heartier meal.
Cheese and Scallion Biscuits
Adding cheddar cheese to your favourite biscuit recipe is a great way to elevate a simple side dish. Mix in some grated cheddar and chopped scallions to the dough for a savoury twist. These biscuits can be served alongside a variety of meals, such as soups, salads, or grilled meats.
Charcuterie Board
Cheddar cheese is also excellent on its own or as part of a charcuterie board. When creating a cheese platter, it's important to offer a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Cheddar, with its firm texture and nutty finish, pairs well with softer cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. Serve it with sliced apples, grapes, or bread, and some nuts or olives for a well-rounded board.
Best Cheddar Cheese Melts: Secrets to Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The history of cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese has a long history dating back to the 12th century in the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England. The village is characterised by its gorges and caves, which farmers used to store milk in cool temperatures. According to a popular myth, a milkmaid once forgot about a pail of milk in one of these caves, and upon her return, she discovered that the milk had transformed into cheese.
The earliest references to cheddar cheese date back to 1170, when King Henry II purchased 10,240 pounds of the cheese, declaring it the best in England. The monarch's son, King John, continued the tradition of buying cheddar for royal banquets. In the early 17th century, King Charles I pre-ordered wheels of cheddar, and Queen Victoria received a 1,000-pound wheel as a wedding gift.
During the 19th century, cheddar production underwent significant modernisation. Joseph Harding, often referred to as the "father of cheddar cheese", introduced scientific principles and innovative equipment to the cheese-making process. Harding's methods, such as the revolving breaker for curd cutting and the improved cheese mill, revolutionised cheddar production.
In the mid-19th century, the world's first cheese factory opened in upstate New York, specialising in cheddar cheese. Large-scale production of cheddar proved highly successful, and much of the output was exported back to Britain. By the late 19th century, British colonists in America had also begun exporting cheddar to their home country.
During World War II, milk production in Britain came under government control, and cheese production became standardised as "Government Cheddar". This period marked the decline of traditional cheddar-making in the regions, with most other cheese production in the country being wiped out. In modern times, industrialised cheddar has become the norm, and the taste of genuine, artisan cheddar has been somewhat lost. However, the rise of artisan cheese makers, such as the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, is leading a resurgence in the production of traditional, authentic cheddar cheese.
Hoop Cheddar Cheese: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Different types of cheddar cheese
Cheddar is a traditional English cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, as early as the 12th century. It is one of the most famous cheeses in England and the most well-known in the Western world. It is also Australia's most popular cheese and the second most popular in America.
Cheddar is made from cow's milk, either whole or high-fat, and its colour is bright orange. The process of making cheddar involves pressing whey out of the cheese by stacking blocks of curd on top of each other, which makes the blocks knit together. These are re-stacked until the cheese becomes acidified and stringy. It is then cut into chips (milled), salted, and pressed into hoops.
The different types of cheddar cheese are determined by the length of the aging process. Mild cheddar, also known as young cheddar, has a soft, smooth, and creamy texture with a buttery flavour. It is typically aged between 1 to 3 months and has a high moisture content, making it perfect for melting. Medium cheddar, or semi-sharp cheddar, is aged between 3 to 6 months and has a firmer texture and a slightly stronger flavour profile. Sharp cheddar is generally aged for 6 to 9 months, but the term "sharp" is not regulated. Extra-sharp or "vintage" cheddar is typically aged for at least 15 months, but 2-year and 4-year cheddars are common in Wisconsin. At this age, the cheese has a flaky texture and an intensely piquant taste with small crystals of naturally occurring calcium lactate, adding a delicately salty crunch.
In addition to the aging process, cheddar can also be differentiated by its rind. Rindless cheddar, also known as block cheddar, is the most common type and is typically vacuum-sealed in plastic. Cloth-wrapped cheddar is wrapped in cloth, allowing the cheese to breathe and protecting the rind, which also develops different flavour and textural components.
There is also a subset of flavoured cheddars, where the cheese is infused with various ingredients such as herbs, spices, or even unexpected flavours like espresso or Earl Grey tea.
Cheddar Cheese Fat Content: How Much is Too Much?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some recipes that use cheddar cheese include grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, potatoes au gratin, quesadillas, and cheese and scallion biscuits.
On a charcuterie board, cheddar cheese can be served with sliced apples or grapes. It can also be served with bread, marinated olives, and nuts.
It is recommended to have a mix of different cheeses with varying textures and flavours on a cheese platter. Cheddar is a firmer style of cheese, so it can be served alongside softer cheeses like brie or goat cheese, and harder cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is also important to offer a different knife for each cheese and to serve plain bread or crackers on the side.
If serving cheddar cheese as a hors d'oeuvre, plan for 1 to 2 ounces of cheese per person. If serving it as an after-dinner cheese course, plan for 1 to 1.5 ounces per person.
Cheddar cheese can be young and mild, or sharper in taste if it has been aged longer. It can also be white or yellow/orange in colour, with the orange hue coming from the Annatto seed.
