Dairy, Cheese | Vegetarian High Fat Ketogenic

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Bos taurus Allergens: Milk
sharp cheddar cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Animal Product (Mammalian)
  • Primary Cuisine British, American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cow's Milk

The Forktionary Angle

"The "sharpness" in cheddar is a result of longer aging, during which enzymes break down fats and proteins, intensifying flavor and creating its characteristic texture."

Definition

A firm, aged cow's milk cheese known for its distinctively robust, tangy, and sometimes nutty flavor profile and crumbly texture.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Tangy, Nutty, Salty, Umami
TextureFirm, Crumbly, Creamy (when melted)
AromaPungent, Milky, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Fat Content (approx.)

~33g per 100g

Minimum Aging Period

6-12 months (often longer)

Optimal Storage (Refrigerator)

Up to 3-4 weeks (wrapped)

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1 oz)
Calories404 kcal
Total Fat33.3 g
Saturated Fat20.0 g
Trans Fat1.0 g
Cholesterol100 mg
Protein25.0 g
Total Carbohydrate1.4 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0.5 g
Calcium700 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium70 mg

Chef’s Secret

For superior macaroni and cheese, shred sharp cheddar from a block and add a pinch of sodium citrate to the sauce for an extra smooth, clump-free melt.

Substitutions

Best Match

Aged White Cheddar

1:1

Identical flavor and texture, difference is merely color (no annatto).

Gruyère

1:1

Nutty, savory, excellent melting properties, adds complexity to dishes.

Monterey Jack

1:1

Milder, creamier, good melting, but lacks the sharp tang of cheddar.

Nutritional Yeast (for flavor)

Varies

Vegan, umami, cheesy flavor, but no melting or texture match.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, dense blocks. Avoid pre-shredded if possible, as it may contain anti-caking agents. Store wrapped in parchment then plastic wrap in the fridge.

Flavor Pairings

Apples Pears Crackers Burgers Mac & Cheese Chili Beer Red Wine

Recipes Using Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Low In Something Ground Beef Dietary Meat

Bacon Cheeseburger And Fries Soup

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries Soup! This decadent recipe transforms the classic cheeseburger and fries into a rich, layered soup, where every bite is a flavor explosion. Imagine juicy bacon, melty cheese, crispy fries, and savory burger all swimming in a creamy broth. Celery cleverly stands in for crisp lettuce, completing this unforgettable culinary masterpiece. This isn't your average soup; it's a taste of pure bliss – even better than the real thing! Perfect for a chilly night or anytime you crave a seriously satisfying meal.

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Number Of Servings Occasion North American 15 Minutes Or Less

A Lulu Of A Wrap

Spice up your lunch with this vibrant and flavorful wrap! Lulu's (or maybe Uncle Lawrence's?) secret spicy veggie and cheddar filling makes this recipe a family favorite. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying and exciting meal. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure in just 10 minutes!

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3 Steps Or Less Course Preparation Cheese

Apple Cheddar Walnut Toasts

Crispy toasted bread topped with melted cheddar, sweet apple slices, and crunchy walnuts – these elegant appetizers are incredibly easy to make and taste amazing! They're the perfect complement to butternut squash soup or a light salad, and are sure to impress your guests. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Christmas Time To Make Equipment Dietary

Apple Of Her Eye Pie

Get ready to ditch your old apple pie recipe! This Apple Of Her Eye Pie is a game-changer. Sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese create an unexpected flavor harmony that will leave you craving more. Imagine flaky, buttery crust enveloping juicy apple chunks with a delightful cheesy twist. This isn't your grandma's apple pie – it's a culinary adventure! Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

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3 Steps Or Less Crock Pot Slow Cooker Inexpensive Easy

Asparagus And Cheese Crock Pot Casserole

This dreamy Asparagus and Cheese Crock-Pot Casserole is the perfect make-ahead side dish for your next family dinner or potluck! Tender asparagus spears are coated in a creamy cheese sauce and slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot. Easily adaptable using fresh or frozen asparagus, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear quickly. Get ready for cheesy, delicious goodness!

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Time To Make Dinner Party Holiday Event Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Aunt Bettye's Famous Crock Pot Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Aunt Bettye's legendary macaroni and cheese, made effortlessly in your slow cooker! This foolproof recipe, perfected in a 5-qt Rival Crock-Pot (easily doubled!), delivers perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, unforgettable cheese sauce every time. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food – perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

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Equipment Casseroles Oven Course

Awesome Cabbage Casserole

This Christmas casserole was such a hit, it's become a family favorite! A creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly delightful cabbage dish that's perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe features tender cabbage, savory onions, and a crunchy cracker topping – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Main Dish Cheese Equipment Pasta Rice And Grains

Backwoods Home Baked Macaroni Cheese To Kill For

This killer macaroni and cheese recipe, straight from the pages of Backwoods Home Magazine courtesy of John Silveira, will have you saying 'wow!' A creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready for a taste of homemade heaven!

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Pork Holiday Event Occasion Ground Beef

Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos

Craving burgers and tacos? This recipe satisfies both! We're combining the best of both worlds with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, all nestled in crispy white corn tortillas. Perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a casual get-together. This recipe uses small white corn tortillas (the kind that come in 12-count boxes), but you can adapt it to larger shells – just keep in mind the yield will be lower. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Course Preparation Time To Make

Baked Mac N Cheese

Creamy, dreamy, baked mac and cheese! This classic comfort food recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience mac and cheese perfection!

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Taste Mood Taste Mood One Dish Meal Comfort Food

Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Stewed Tomatoes

Relive your childhood cafeteria favorites with this nostalgic twist on classic mac and cheese! This recipe perfectly blends creamy, cheesy goodness with the surprising delight of sweet and tangy stewed tomatoes. A comforting, family-friendly meal that's both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Get ready for a taste of Friday nights past, updated for today's kitchens!

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Main Dish Dietary Vegetarian Ontario

Baked Macaroni With Cheese And Tomatoes

Rediscover comfort food with this creamy baked macaroni and cheese elevated by juicy, sweet tomatoes! This nostalgic recipe, unearthed from a treasured cookbook, delivers a heartwarming dinner perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Get ready for a cheesy, tomatoey explosion of flavor in every bite.

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3 Steps Or Less Dips 30 Minutes Or Less Beans

Bean And Bacon Dip

This ridiculously easy and unbelievably yummy bean and bacon dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike will gobble it up. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight snack. This cheesy, savory dip is ready in under 20 minutes and served warm with crunchy tortilla chips.

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Low In Something Comfort Food 4 Hours Or Less Low Carb

Beer Bacon Potato Soup Aka Man Soup

Indulge in this decadent Beer Bacon Potato Soup, a once-a-year treat for the bold! Inspired by classic French techniques, this hearty soup is packed with flavor and richness. Perfect for Super Bowl Sunday or any occasion demanding a truly satisfying splurge, this recipe isn't for the faint of heart (or the calorie-conscious!). Prepare for an artery-clogging, lip-smacking experience that's well worth the time and effort. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will redefine your idea of potato soup!

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Occasion Chowders Time To Make Soups Stews

Best Baked Potato Soup

Creamy, dreamy, and undeniably delicious! This ultimate baked potato soup recipe combines the best elements from various recipes for a rich and hearty experience. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe makes a large batch – feel free to halve it if needed. Even better the next day!

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Lunch One Dish Meal Pasta Time To Make

Best Macaroni And Cheese Ever

This creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese is so good, it even won over a macaroni and cheese hater! My mom, a notorious mac & cheese skeptic, was blown away, and my 1 1/2-year-old brother devoured an entire plate! Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience – cheesy, rich, and utterly irresistible. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

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Taste Mood Fall 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: a creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe that's easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. This classic mac and cheese recipe is elevated with a touch of paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. Serve it up with a fresh salad and some steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a warm hug in a bowl!

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Time To Make Cheese High In Something Number Of Servings

Spinach Brownies

These unique Spinach and Sausage Brownies are a savory twist on a classic! Inspired by the Rockwell Springs Trout Club Centennial Cookbook, this recipe delivers a surprisingly delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Imagine tender spinach and savory sausage baked into a subtly sweet and irresistibly fudgy brownie base. Prepare to impress your guests with this unexpected yet delightful treat!

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