Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese that can last three to four weeks after opening when stored properly. However, if not stored correctly, cheddar cheese will dry out in the refrigerator. This happens when the cheese's moisture is removed, and the fat and protein are preserved by fermentation, salt, and acidity. Luckily, there are several ways to restore dried-out cheddar cheese. One method is to trim off the dry outer layer to reveal a softer interior. The cheese can then be blended and used as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad. Another option is to make a French dip called Fromage Fort by blending the dried-out cheese with other ingredients such as wine, butter, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Additionally, applying a thin layer of butter to the cut side of the cheese can help prevent it from drying out in the first place by creating a protective barrier that discourages mould growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to prevent drying out | Wrap tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place in a plastic bag or airtight container |
| What to do with dried-out cheese | Trim the dry outsides to reveal a softer interior, blend in a food processor and store in a plastic bag in the fridge for topping rice, roasted veggies, beans or salad |
| Make a Fromage fort, a French dip that uses up cheese scraps | |
| Put in a blender with other leftover cheese to make a cheese dip | |
| Use in a stew or to make pesto | |
| Spread over slices of bread and broil for richer, toastier flavors | |
| Use butter to prevent drying out |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent cheddar cheese from drying out
Cheddar cheese is a sharp, tangy delight, but it can quickly dry out and become unpalatable. Properly storing cheese can help it last for several months and prevent it from drying out. Here are some tips to keep your cheddar cheese from drying out:
Store it in the right place
The best place to store cheese is as far from the freezer as possible, in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is consistent but not too cold. The vegetable drawer is the perfect spot, as it has higher humidity.
Wrap it properly
Avoid using plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and promote mold growth. Instead, opt for cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Wax paper is generally better than paper towels, as it allows the cheese to breathe while protecting it from excess moisture. If you can't find or don't want to use cheese paper, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then put it in a partially sealed plastic bag. The paper creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, preventing it from drying out.
Use a protective coating
A light coating of olive oil can help prevent moisture loss in hard cheeses. Alternatively, you can rub the cut faces of the cheese with a thin layer of butter. Butter creates a protective layer that keeps air from oxidizing the cheese and discourages mold growth due to its high fat content. If you prefer a different approach, you can add a bit of vinegar to your cheese storage method by soaking a paper towel in vinegar and adding it to the sealed bag or container with your cheese.
Allow it to breathe
Many cheeses need to "breathe" to maintain their flavor and texture. Use containers with some ventilation, and avoid airtight containers, as they can trap moisture and promote mold growth. For soft cheeses, keep them in their original packaging or airtight containers.
Check for spoilage
Regularly check your stored cheese for signs of spoilage or mold. When in doubt, especially with soft cheeses, it's safer to discard the cheese.
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What to do with dried-out cheddar cheese
Dried-out cheddar cheese can be disappointing, but all is not lost! Here are some tips to salvage your cheese:
Prevention is better than cure
Firstly, to prevent your cheddar from drying out, it is recommended to wrap it gently in parchment paper, wax paper, or cheese paper before placing it in the fridge. You can also apply a thin layer of butter to the cut side of the cheese, acting as a protective barrier against air and mould. This trick has been used for a long time and is even mentioned in Maria Eliza Ketelby Rundell's "A New System of Domestic Cookery", published in 1824. Margarine can be used similarly, but it is less effective at slowing mould growth due to its lower fat content.
Grate it
If your cheddar has already dried out, one option is to grate it. Grated dried cheddar can be added to sauces, salads, side dishes, or anything else that could benefit from some extra cheese and flavour. You can also use a coffee grinder to blitz the dried cheddar into a fine powder, which can then be used to make delicious crackers or biscuits.
Melt it
Dried-out cheddar can often be melted, especially if it is grated or sliced thinly first. Try melting it in the microwave or adding it to a soup or stew. You can also blend dried-out cheese in a food processor and then store it in the fridge for later use as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad.
Make a Fromage Fort
Even the driest cheddar can be transformed into a delicious French dip called Fromage Fort, which translates to "strong cheese". Simply mix the dried cheese with any combination of olives, artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes, caramelised onions, bacon bits, and herbs such as parsley, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, or chives. Spread the mixture on slices of bread and broil for a tasty appetizer.
Remember, as long as there is no red or black mould and the cheese smells okay, it is usually safe to eat. However, it is essential to use your senses and best judgement to determine if the cheese has gone bad.
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How to store cheddar cheese to prevent drying out
Storing cheddar cheese correctly is essential to prevent it from drying out. Cheddar is a semi-hard to semi-soft cheese, so it should be wrapped loosely in paper and then loosely in plastic wrap.
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Leaving cheese in its vacuum-sealed plastic wrap can give it a plastic flavour. Then, wrap it in a sheet of wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper, folding the paper up around the cheese. The paper creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, and the plastic keeps the cheese from drying out. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap for additional protection so your cheese doesn't absorb the flavours of the fridge. Label the cheese with the type and date of purchase.
Store cheddar in the drawers of your refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent and the humidity is higher. The drawers closest to the bottom of the fridge are best, and the ideal temperature range for cheese storage is between 34°F and 45°F (2°C and 7°C).
To prevent mould, you can apply a thin layer of butter to the cut side of the cheese each time you open and cut into it. Alternatively, you can add a bit of vinegar to your cheese storage method by soaking a paper towel in vinegar and adding it to the sealed bag or container with your cheese. Olive oil can also be used as a protective coat.
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How to identify if dried-out cheddar cheese is safe to eat
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese, and as such, it can last up to four weeks in the fridge. Freezing hard cheeses like cheddar is also an option—just place them in a ziplock bag.
If your cheddar cheese has dried out, there are several ways to identify if it is still safe to eat. Firstly, check the expiration date and do not eat cheese past this date. While cheese will usually become unpalatable far before it becomes dangerous, it is still important to check for any visual cues that indicate spoilage. For example, hard cheese like cheddar turning dark in colour is a sign that it has gone bad.
Mould is another factor to consider. If you notice any red or black mould on your cheese, it is unsafe to eat, and your fridge will need sanitising. On the other hand, if you see blue, grey, or green mould on the surface of a hard cheese, you can cut away that mouldy part and safely eat the rest.
Other ways to identify if dried-out cheddar cheese is safe to eat include smelling it and tasting it. Your senses will be the best red flag when cheese has gone bad. If the smell is ok and there is no mould, you can try grating the cheese into a sauce or soup, or melting it in the microwave.
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Recipes to use up dried-out cheddar cheese
Dried-out cheddar cheese can be disappointing to come across, but it doesn't have to go to waste. Here are some recipes and tips to make the most of it:
Fromage Fort
A French recipe that translates to "strong cheese", Fromage Fort is a versatile dip that can be used for bread, crackers, or even as a topping for rice, roasted veggies, beans, or salad. To make it, simply blend your dried-out cheddar cheese scraps in a food processor, adding a tablespoon of butter for a smoother texture if desired. You can also mix in other cheeses, such as cream cheese, mayonnaise, mascarpone, crème Fraiche, sour cream, or Neufchatel. For extra flavour, throw in some olives, artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, or bacon bits.
Cheese Biscuits
Cheddar cheese is a common ingredient in cheese biscuits, and dried-out cheddar can be shredded or blended and added to biscuit dough. Adding a pinch of pepper or some herbs can enhance the flavour. For a sweet and savoury combination, consider pairing the biscuits with jam, chutney, or even some white wine.
Soups and Stocks
Hard cheese rinds, including those from cheddar, can be tossed into a soup pot to add a savoury, umami flavour. Alternatively, you can simmer the rinds in water to create a rind stock that can be cooled, frozen, and added to other dishes.
Macaroni and Cheese
A classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese can be made with freeze-dried cheddar cheese. Rehydrate the cheese according to the directions and combine it with cooked macaroni noodles in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the noodles are coated.
Pizza
Pizza is another popular dish that can be made with freeze-dried cheddar cheese. Use a tortilla as the crust and top it with your desired ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and the rehydrated cheese.
Other Tips
If your dried-out cheddar still has some moisture, you can try trimming the dry outsides to reveal a softer interior. Additionally, to prevent your cheddar from drying out in the future, you can apply a thin layer of butter to the cut side, creating a protective barrier that discourages mould growth. Alternatively, you can add a bit of vinegar to your cheese storage container or use olive oil as a protective coat.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent cheddar cheese from drying out, wrap it tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container.
Some signs that cheddar cheese has dried out include a hard, plastic-like texture, mold growth, and a dry appearance.
Yes, dried-out cheddar cheese can still be eaten as long as there is no red or black mold and it smells okay. You can trim the dry outsides to reveal a softer interior, or grate/shred it and use it in recipes like pesto, dips, or cheese sauces.
To prevent cheddar cheese from drying out, you can apply a thin layer of butter to the cut sides of the cheese. This creates a protective layer that keeps air from oxidizing the cheese and discourages mold growth.
