Cheddar
A firm cow's milk cheese ranging from mild and creamy (young) to sharp and crumbly (aged) — the most common melting cheese in American kitchens. Recipes that just say 'cheddar' with no age specified usually mean a medium or sharp block.
Used for
- mac and cheese
- grilled cheese
- nachos
- burgers
In the kitchen
- grate for even melting
- let come to room temp before melting into sauce
- shred rather than buy pre-shredded when possible
Picking it at the store
- Pre-shredded bags are coated in anti-caking starch that can make melted sauces grainy — grate a block yourself for smoother results
- The longer it's aged, the sharper and crumblier it gets; check age if a recipe specifies mild vs sharp
Related terms
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