For cheese enthusiasts who revel in the rich flavors of Emmentaler, feta, or gorgonzola, there’s a special place in their hearts for cheddar. American artisanal cheddars have been making waves with their diversity and unique production methods, proving that cheddar can truly make anything better. From silky smooth to crumbly textures, these handcrafted cheeses offer an extraordinary tasting experience that elevates any cooking or recipe adventure. Let’s dive into the world of four outstanding American cheddars and explore what makes each one a standout on the cheese board.
The Art of Aging: Block vs. Clothbound Cheddar
One of the first things to notice about artisanal American cheddars is the aging technique, which greatly influences texture and flavor. Most of these cheddars are “block” cheeses, aged while wrapped in plastic, preserving moisture and resulting in a smoother texture. However, a few are “clothbound,” wrapped in fabric and coated with melted lard during aging. This traditional method allows oxygen to interact with the cheese, creating distinctive fissures or blemishes on the rind.
These clothbound cheeses are drier and crumblier, offering a fascinating contrast between the exterior and interior textures. The blemishes are not only safe to eat but are often prized for their slightly horseradish-like, blue cheese flavors that add a layer of complexity.
Orange vs. White Cheddar: More Than Just Color
When it comes to cheddar, color can be deceiving. The classic orange hue comes from the addition of flavorless annatto oil extracted from the achiote seed. This coloring doesn’t affect the taste, so blind taste tests reveal that orange and white cheddars can be indistinguishable by flavor alone.
Recently, a new style of cheddar has emerged, characterized by a sweet and sharp flavor profile. Notable examples include Beecher’s from Seattle and Milton Creamery’s Prairie Breeze in Iowa. These cheeses balance sweetness with a touch of sulfurous complexity, creating a truly unique tasting experience.
Tasting Notes: Exploring Flavor and Texture
Each artisanal cheddar on the tasting board offers something special:
- Crystal Crunch: Some cheddars feature crunchy crystals similar to those found in Parmigiano, a sign of long, well-tended aging. These crystals add delightful texture and depth to the cheese.
- Buttery and Silky: Others are incredibly smooth and buttery with a hint of tang, creating a luxurious mouthfeel perfect for savoring with bread.
- Sweet and Complex: The sweet notes can remind one of caramel or butterscotch, but with a nuanced complexity that goes beyond simple sweetness.
These cheeses are best enjoyed on their own or paired with a simple accompaniment, rather than cooked with, as their high quality and extended aging make them more suited for tasting rather than melting.
Meet the Stars: Four Artisanal American Cheddars
Here’s a closer look at the four exceptional cheddars sampled:
- Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (Vermont): Wrapped in cloth and aged with a lard coating, this cheese is delightfully crumbly with a complex texture and flavor. The crunchy bits from long aging are a highlight.
- Milton Creamery Prairie Breeze (Iowa): A creamy, sweet, and sulfury cheddar that exemplifies the new style gaining popularity. Balanced and delicious, it’s a standout in the Midwest.
- Widmer’s Cheddar (Wisconsin): This small Wisconsin creamery uses alpine cheese cultures, similar to those found in Emmentaler or Gruyere, lending buttery notes and a unique flavor that’s cheddar but not quite cheddar.
- Traditional Orange Cheddar (Wisconsin): Often underestimated, this well-aged orange cheddar is complex and intriguing, proving that color doesn’t dictate simplicity.
Why Cheddar Makes Everything Better
These artisanal American cheddars are a testament to the rich variety and craftsmanship found right here in the United States. Whether block aged in plastic or clothbound for texture and complexity, each cheese tells a story of dedication and tradition. They enrich any cooking or recipe endeavor, whether you’re crafting a cheese board or simply enjoying a slice with bread.
While these cheddars are priced between $20 to $35 per pound—reflecting their artisanal quality—they’re worth every penny for the flavor journey they provide. For those looking to cook with cheddar, younger, less expensive varieties are better suited, as aged cheddars tend to crumble and don’t melt as smoothly.
With so many styles to explore, American artisanal cheddars invite cheese lovers to broaden their palate and appreciate the nuances that make each cheese unique. From buttery smooth to crystal-studded, these cheddars prove that when it comes to cheese, cheddar truly makes everything better.
For more information on these delicious cheeses and to explore recipes featuring artisanal cheddar, check out the resources available online. Happy tasting and bon appétit!
This article was created from the video Tasting Four American-Made Artisanal Cheddar Cheeses | America's Test Kitchen with the help of AI.
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