Why Cheddar Cheese Is Britain’s Favourite Hard Cheese
Cheddar cheese is nearly always the first type of cheese that comes to mind when we think of classic British favourites. From sandwiches at picnics to bubbling cheese atop shepherd’s pie, cheddar is part of our daily lives. It has been made throughout the UK for hundreds of years and continues to be treasured by families, foodies, and chefs.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’re proud to offer some of the country’s finest hard cheeses, including cheddar and other British varieties. Let’s explore why cheddar cheese holds such a special place in British hearts, what gives it its taste, how to store it, and how you can enjoy it at its best.
What Makes Cheddar Cheese So Special?
Cheddar cheese comes from a long history that reaches back to the 12th century in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. Originally stored in caves to mature, it soon spread far beyond its origins. Today, cheddar is the most popular hard cheese in Britain by a wide margin.
The flavour of cheddar can range depending on how long it’s aged. Young cheddar is mild and creamy, while mature cheddar develops a sharper, tangier taste. Vintage or extra mature cheddars introduce a crumbly texture and deeper flavour. Whether you love it smooth or punchy, cheddar always delivers something satisfying.
It’s also a sturdy cheese. Unlike soft cheeses that spoil quickly, cheddar keeps well and melts beautifully. These qualities make it perfect for cooking, snacking, and even grilling.
Cheddar’s Distinctive Taste and Texture
Cheddar has a slightly crumbly feel but can also be smooth and sliceable. The flavour develops over time and depends on the milk used, the cheesemaker’s process, and how it’s aged.
Young cheddar can be dense and creamy, sometimes with a hint of butteriness. As it ages, it turns sharper, with a rich, nutty or earthy finish. You might even taste tiny crystals in older cheddar; they’re a natural result of the aging process and give a lovely crunch.
This range of textures and tastes is part of cheddar’s charm. Whether added to a sandwich, melted over chips, or eaten alone, cheddar never fails to please.
Delicious Recipes Using Cheddar
Cheddar cheese fits beautifully into simple dishes as well as more hearty meals. Here are a few ideas that have become favourites in our homes:
Cheddar & Onion Toasties
Thick slices of mature cheddar, a spoonful of caramelized onion chutney, and some artisan bread make for a warm, satisfying snack.
Macaroni Cheese with Extra Mature Cheddar
Boil pasta shells, mix them with a creamy roux sauce and strong cheddar. Bake it until golden and bubbling. Add bacon or breadcrumbs for texture.
Cheddar and Leek Quiche
Combine chopped leeks, strong cheddar, eggs, and cream in a pastry case for a flavour-packed lunch or dinner.
Cheddar Potato Bake
Slices of potato layered with cheddar and cream, baked with garlic and thyme. Serve beside a roast or on its own.
If cheddar is your go-to, you might enjoy exploring other rich and crumbly cheeses too, like Appleby’s Cheshire or Crumbly Lancashire, both steeped in British tradition and packed with character.
Storing Cheddar Cheese the Right Way
To keep your cheddar fresh and full of flavour, always wrap it properly. Use cheese paper, waxed paper, or baking parchment instead of plastic wrap. This lets it breathe and prevents unwanted moisture that can make it spoil.
Once wrapped, place the cheese in a sealed container or wrap it again with foil and store it in the cheese or vegetable drawer of your fridge. For mature cheddars, if a bit of mould forms around the edges, simply trim it off. The rest is still good to eat.
Avoid freezing cheddar unless it’s already shredded for cooking. Freezing changes the texture, making it crumbly or rubbery. If you want to enjoy similar cheeses that store well, try hard cheeses like Bourne’s Wax Bound Cheshire or Bourne’s Cloth Bound Cheshire from our shop.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cheddar
Cheddar pairs well with many foods and drinks, making it a joy to bring out for platters or meals.
With Bread and Crackers
Try cheddar with seeded crackers, oatcakes, or a thick slice of crusty sourdough. Add a bit of chutney or red onion marmalade for contrast.
With Fruit
Apples and pears go nicely with cheddar, adding sweetness to balance the saltiness. Grapes and figs also make a good match.
With Chutneys and Pickles
Branston pickle, caramelized onion, and piccalilli are all traditional favourites served with ploughman’s platters.
With Drinks
Try cheddar with a proper English ale or a dry cider. For wine lovers, go for a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a mellow white like Chardonnay.
How Cheddar Compares to Other Hard Cheeses
Cheddar might be famous across Britain, but there are other wonderful hard cheeses to explore. Some of these make great alternatives or companions to cheddar.
- Crabtree: A nutty hard cheese with bold savoury notes, great on crackers or grainy bread.
- Fowlers Sage Derby: Flavoured with sage, it adds a herby twist to any cheese board.
- Cornish Yarg with Nettles: Wrapped in nettle leaves, it’s mild but tangy and an eye-catcher on the table.
- Gjetost: A unique, sweet and caramel-tasting brown cheese from Norway, unlike anything else on your board.
Whether you’re loading up a cheeseboard for guests or just treating yourself to something new, these cheeses showcase the variety we stock at Cheese Shop Nantwich.
How to Choose the Right Cheddar for You
Not all cheddar is the same. So, how do you choose the one that suits your taste best?
Mild Cheddar
Great for kids or anyone who prefers a light flavour, mild cheddar works well in sandwiches, omelettes, and wraps.
Mature or Strong Cheddar
If you want bold flavour, mature cheddar adds a kick. It’s better for gratins, cheese sauces, or pairing with strong chutneys.
Farmhouse and Clothbound Cheddar
These are often handmade and aged longer, giving them a crumbly texture and a deeper, more developed taste. Perfect for a special treat or gift.
We often recommend pairing cheddar with another cheese to discover the range of flavours available. For a creamier option, give Burts Blue a try; it adds a smooth and tangy blue cheese kick alongside firm cheddar.
FAQs
Can cheddar cheese be left out of the fridge?
Yes, but only for short periods. It’s best served at room temperature, so remove it from the fridge 30–60 minutes before eating.
Is cheddar cheese vegetarian?
Some cheddars are made using animal rennet, but many use vegetarian rennet instead. Always check the label or ask us at Cheese Shop Nantwich.
What’s the white stuff on mature cheddar?
That’s likely calcium lactate crystals, a sign of aging and flavour development. It’s perfectly safe and adds to the experience.
Can I cook with mild cheddar?
Absolutely. It melts smoothly and gives dishes a mellow base. For a sharper flavour, go with mature cheddar.
How long does cheddar last in the fridge?
Properly wrapped, cheddar can last 3–4 weeks in the fridge, especially the harder, mature ones.
Choosing Cheddar and More at Cheese Shop Nantwich
Cheddar cheese has remained a favourite for a reason. It’s reliable, versatile, and rich in flavour, whether you pick a mild or mature block. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we love helping customers find their perfect cheddar and discover other exciting British cheeses along the way.
Browse our range of cheddar and heritage hard cheeses at the Cheese Shop Nantwich website. Whether you’re craving a classic or fancy something new like Crumbly Lancashire or Appleby’s Cheshire, we’re always here to help your cheese journey continue.
Explore, taste, and enjoy. Let your cheeseboard shine with the flavours of Britain.
