Cheddar

How to Choose the Best

Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a color that ranges from pale yellow to deep orange. It is commonly labeled according to its degree sharpness: mild, sharp or extra sharp. Higher price often correlates with higher quality for Cheddar as more expensive and artisan cheeses are often aged longer and develop more complex flavors.

Shelf Life and Storage

Always check the expiration date when buying cheese to make sure it is as fresh as possible and won’t spoil before it’s all eaten. Store cheese well wrapped in the refrigerator, either in a deli drawer or on a tray away from air vents. The expiration date on the package is the best indicator for how long it will remain fresh. Even so, many cheeses will develop some signs of mold on the outside of the skin. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can still be used even if they do have a little mold on them. Cut off at least one inch around and below the mold spot. Make sure to keep the knife out of the mold itself to avoid spreading the mold spores. After trimming the cheese, wrap it in fresh plastic wrap.

Freezing

Freeze Cheddar cheese either grated or in blocks smaller than one pound. Thaw frozen cheese in the refrigerator overnight to safely defrost it.

Preparation Suggestions

Cheddar is essential for southwestern and Tex-Mex specialties like enchiladas, nachos and quesadillas. Fold grated Cheddar into bread and biscuit dough or muffin batter for a tangy melted bite. Cheddar can also be used as a condiment in soups and stews or on baked potatoes. Cheddar has excellent melting properties for a hard cheese and is essential for the comfort classic macaroni and cheese.