Cheddar Cheese

A Guide to Cheddar Cheese: What It Is and How to Enjoy It

Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It has a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture that makes it a favorite ingredient in many dishes. Cheddar is also the most widely-available type of cheese, and it’s easy to find in nearly any supermarket. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at cheddar cheese — from its history and production to how to enjoy it.

History of Cheddar Cheese

The first recorded reference to "cheddar cheese" dates back to 12th-century England. By the 15th century, this type of cheese had become particularly popular in the southwest portion of the country, particularly in Somerset, a county of the United Kingdom near Wales. This cheddar cheese was made from a combination of milk from cows and ewes, then aged in dark caves (Merlot Caves to be precise) for several months to help bring out the characteristic flavors and texture. This aging process also helped prevent bacterial contamination and spoilage.

Today, cheddar cheese is most commonly made with cow’s milk, although other milk sources can be used. Cheddar also remains a key ingredient in some classic dishes, particularly in British cuisine, such as Welsh rarebit, bubble and squeak, and shepherd’s pie.

How Cheddar Cheese Is Made

Production of cheddar cheese typically starts with a large tub of milk that is heated and inoculated with a starter culture. This culture develops during the process by consuming lactose (or milk sugar) in the milk and producing lactic acid, which gives the cheddar cheese its distinctive tart flavor.

The lactic acid also helps coagulate the milk proteins, which can then be cut into curds and separated from the whey. The curds are heated to regulation temperatures, strained, and stirred to further reduce their moisture content. (This is the point when any additional ingredients—such as salt, herbs, and spices—are typically added.) Afterward, the mixture is allowed to rest for a few minutes before it’s cut for the final time and placed into molds.

The cheddar cheese is pressed into shape over a period of eight hours, with the amount of pressure used depending on the desired density of the final product. The pressing time can be extended to up to 24 hours in order to create extra-firm cheddar cheese like extra sharp.

After the cheese is pressed, it’s moved to a curing room and salted before being waxed and wrapped. The cheese is then placed in aging warehouses, where it can spend anywhere from 9 months to 6 years aging, depending on the brand and variety.

Types of Cheddar Cheese

There are many different types of cheddar cheese, ranging from milder styles to extra sharp varieties. White cheddar is probably the most well-known, with its creamy texture and mild flavor. It tends to have a softer consistency than other types of cheddar.

Medium-aged cheddar is usually slightly sharper than white cheddar but still fairly mild. Extra-sharp cheddar is aged longer and has a stronger flavor. There are also Specialty cheddar varieties, such as flavored cheddar (e.g., garlic or jalapeno), extra-extra sharp cheddar, and processed cheddar (which is often grated or sliced).

How to Enjoy Cheddar Cheese

Regardless of the variety, cheddar cheese is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a wide range of dishes. It’s a key ingredient in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, egg dishes, and more. Cheddar cheese can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack — some folks simply enjoy it sliced with a glass of wine.

Cheddar cheese is also a popular addition to pizza and burgers, as well as in quiches, casseroles, and other types of hot dishes. A unique way to enjoy cheddar cheese is to make Welsh rarebit, in which slices of the cheese are melted with a few other ingredients and served over toast.

Conclusion

Cheddar cheese is a beloved cheese around the world, and it’s the foundation of many classic dishes. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that add a welcome flavor to any dish. With its long and varied history, it’s no wonder that cheddar cheese has remained a key part of many cultures’ cuisines. From white cheddar to extra-sharp varieties, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it.