Frederic Melton
Longhorn cheddar is a type of American pressed cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a springy texture. It is made from pasteurised cow’s milk and its recipe is similar to that of cheddar and Colby cheese. Longhorn cheddar is cut from a cheddar wheel and has a more complex flavour than block cheddar. It is usually wrapped in cheesecloth and dipped in wax to preserve freshness. Longhorn cheddar can be found at the Watonga Cheese Factory in SoCal and in HEB in South Texas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or Gouda |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, springy, elastic |
| Taste | Mild, buttery, tangy, nutty |
| Flavour | From mild to sharp |
| Colour | Orange |
| Shape | Cylindrical, half-moon, log-shaped |
| Milk | Cow's milk |
| Manufacturing Process | Pressed cheese, wrapped in cheesecloth, dipped in wax |
| Availability | Select grocery stores in So Cal, HEB in South Texas |
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What You'll Learn
Longhorn cheddar in Texas
Longhorn cheddar is a style of American Colby cheese defined by its round, long, orange cylindrical shape. When cut for packaging, it resembles a half-moon. The taste and texture of Longhorn are similar to cheddar but more elastic and springy, with a sweet and mild flavour. It is a good melting cheese.
Longhorn cheddar can be found at the Watonga Cheese Factory, which has been manufacturing this cheese since 1940. The factory produces its Longhorn cheddar using a 70-year-old recipe, wrapping the cheese in cheesecloth and dipping it in wax to preserve freshness. The Watonga Cheese Factory does not ship during the hot summer months, so customers should call ahead for special arrangements if they wish to receive their cheese during this time.
In Texas, specifically South Texas, Longhorn-style cheddar can be found at H-E-B. This variety is described as not too mild and not too sharp, gluten-free, and made with no artificial growth hormones. It is available in 16-oz blocks.
Farmer's Fresh Meat, a full-service meat market in Texas, also offers block Longhorn cheese. This variety is described as having a softer texture and milder taste than traditional cheddar cheese.
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Longhorn's history
Longhorn cheddar is a variety of cheese that is manufactured by wrapping smooth cheddar in cheesecloth and dipping it in wax to preserve freshness. The Watonga Cheese Factory, which has been producing its famous 14-pound horn-shaped longhorn cheddar since 1940, describes its product as "premium cheddar" that is "all natural with no preservatives". The factory also claims that its cheese is made using a recipe that dates back to when it was founded in 1940, with Grade-A whole raw milk from the family's dairy and the freshest ingredients.
The term "longhorn" is also used to refer to a variety of Colby cheese, which is defined by its round, long, orange, cylindrical shape. When cut for packaging, it resembles a moon or half-moon. It is made from cow's milk and can be anything from mild to sharp in flavour, but it is usually a Colby or Jack cheese. The taste and texture of Longhorn Colby cheese is similar to Cheddar but more elastic and springy, with a sweet and mild flavour. It is good as a melting cheese and is available in a variety of flavours, such as Colby Longhorn, Colby Jack Longhorn, Pepper Jack Longhorn, and Low Sodium Colby Longhorn.
Colby cheese was developed by Ambrose and Susan Steinwand's son, Joseph, in 1885. Joseph Steinwand was handling a batch of cheddar cheese and washed the curd with cold water, resulting in a moister and softer cheese than traditional cheddar. Accounts differ on whether the creation was intentional. Some sources claim that Joseph had attended a cheesemaking course and was specifically interested in developing a new type of cheese, while others suggest that he accidentally added cold water before draining the excess moisture. The cheese was named after the nearby city of Colby, Wisconsin, and quickly became popular because it did not involve the complicated cheddaring process used in making cheddar cheese. By 1896, the Steinwand family was producing $3000 worth of cheese each year, and in 1898, the Colby Phonograph reported that a merchant in Phillips sold "the genuine Steinwand Colby Cheese".
The city of Colby has organised an annual festival in July, "Colby Cheese Days", to promote the cheese since 1965. Several proposals have been made to make Colby the official state cheese of Wisconsin and to add the designation to the Wisconsin Blue Book published by the state government. In 1998, the city of Colby adopted a resolution supporting the measure, and the Wisconsin State Assembly voted 81-15 in favour. However, the bill was never voted on by the Senate. Similar measures were introduced in 2019 and 2021 but did not receive a vote.
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Similar cheeses to Longhorn
Longhorn cheese is a pressed, mild, buttery American cheese with a slightly tangy aftertaste. It is popular in the United States and is often used in sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. Its recipe is similar to that of Cheddar and Colby cheese, and it is also similar to these cheeses in terms of texture and flavour.
Colby cheese is an American cheese that is dyed orange. It is softer than Cheddar, with a more open texture and higher moisture content. Colby cheese is always mild, whereas Cheddar can be sharp or mild. Colby is a good melting cheese and is often used in sandwiches, burgers, and snacks.
Monterey Jack is another American cheese similar to Longhorn. It is mild and creamy, with a slightly nutty flavour. It is often used in Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos and is also great for melting.
Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a similar texture to Longhorn but a nuttier flavour. It is often aged for several months, which gives it a firmer texture and a more complex flavour. Gouda is a popular snacking cheese and is also used in sandwiches and burgers.
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Longhorn's taste and texture
Longhorn cheddar is a variety of cheese that is defined by its round, long, orange cylindrical shape. It is made from cow's milk and can be cut from a cheddar wheel, which gives it a more complex flavour than block cheddar. The taste and texture of Longhorn is similar to cheddar but more elastic and springy, with a sweet and mild flavour. It is a good melting cheese and can be used in recipes such as grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers. It is also a good choice for fondue and pairs well with fruit, especially pears, and white wines such as Zinfandels.
Colby Longhorn, also known as Colby cheese, is a variety of Longhorn cheddar that is always mild in flavour because it is softer than cheddar and has a more open texture. It is also moister than cheddar, with a moisture content of 40% or less and a solids content of at least 50% milk fat, resulting in a minimum of 30% total fat content. The younger the Colby cheese is, the better it is, so it should be consumed as quickly as possible if a creamy cheese is desired.
Longhorn cheddar can be found at the Watonga Cheese Factory, which manufactures this cheese by wrapping its smooth cheddar in cheesecloth and dipping it in wax to preserve freshness. It is also available at HEB in south Texas, as well as some grocery stores in So Cal. However, it is not available at Walmart in the same area.
The unique shape of Longhorn cheese is believed to be inspired by the long horns of a Texas Longhorn steer. It is a distinctly American cheese, with a manufacturing process similar to that of cheddar, except that it does not undergo the cheddaring process. This makes it a popular alternative to cheddar as it is less complicated to produce.
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Longhorn's uses
Longhorn cheddar is a popular cheese variety, manufactured by wrapping smooth cheddar in cheesecloth and dipping it in wax to preserve freshness. It is made with Grade-A whole raw milk and the freshest ingredients, with no preservatives. Longhorn cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
As a Snack
The mild flavour of Longhorn cheddar makes it a great snack on its own or as part of a cheese platter. Pair it with some fruit, especially pears, and enjoy it with a glass of white wine, such as Zinfandel, or even a rosé.
In Recipes
Longhorn cheddar is an excellent melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers, or even fondue. It can also be grated and used on pizza or tossed into a salad. Its complex flavour can enhance many dishes, and it is a popular choice for those who want a cheese that goes well with many different foods.
In Cooking
Longhorn cheddar can be used in various cooked dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, or melted on top of a burger. Its creamy texture and unique flavour can elevate the taste of your favourite meals.
On a Cheese Board
The distinctive horn-shaped Longhorn cheddar makes for an impressive centrepiece on a cheese board or platter. Its eye-catching shape, coupled with its rich, mild flavour, is sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
Longhorn cheddar is a versatile and delicious cheese that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you're looking for a snack, a cooking ingredient, or a show-stopping addition to your next party, Longhorn cheddar is a great choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Longhorn cheddar cheese can be purchased from the Watonga Cheese Factory, which manufactures Longhorn cheddar by wrapping the cheese in cheesecloth and dipping it in wax to preserve freshness. It is also available at HEB stores in south Texas, as well as certain stores in So Cal.
Longhorn cheddar cheese is a type of American pressed cheese known for its mild, buttery flavour and springy texture. It is made from pasteurised cow’s milk and has a similar recipe to Colby and Cheddar cheese.
Longhorn cheddar is made by heating pasteurised cow's milk and mixing it with rennet to separate the curds from the whey. Natural dye, annatto, is added to give the cheese its bright orange colour.
