Cheese, that delicious, versatile food that makes any gathering more exciting. But are you serving it right? Turns out, a lot of us are missing out on the full potential of our cheese, and the answer lies in one simple, often overlooked tip: temperature.
While we might love throwing cheese on everything, it seems there's a secret to unlock the best cheese flavor. Cheese experts recommend keeping cheddar cheese at room temperature. Yes, you read that right. A slight temperature change can bring out a whole new level of deliciousness.
The Science of Cheese and Temperature
According to Taryn Ruf, a certified cheese professional and retail store manager at Cabot Waterbury, "Ultimately, cheese should be served at room temperature so that all the components of cheese - the volatile organic compounds responsible for flavor - can be released when you eat it."
Ruf emphasizes that cheddar cheese has volatile organic compounds that contribute to its flavor profile. By warming the cheese, we help release those volatile compounds, making its flavor more vibrant and noticeable. A chilled block of cheddar lacks that vibrancy because its flavor compounds are bound by the cold, leading to a more subdued sensory experience.
This change in temperature also influences the texture of the cheese. While chilling hardens cheddar cheese and makes it tougher to slice, warming it up allows the fat molecules to soften, giving it a creamier, smoother consistency.
How to Achieve Perfect Room Temperature Cheddar
To reach this state of optimal flavor and texture, Ruf suggests that you remove the specific amount of cheddar cheese you’ll be using from the fridge an hour before serving it. This time allows the cheese to transition slowly and reach a more palatable temperature without becoming excessively warm.
While a room temperature fridge might be appealing, Ruf highlights that taking cheddar cheese in and out of the refrigerator repeatedly "degrades the quality" and flavors as the cheese constantly fluctuates in temperature. Moreover, leaving cheese out too long can lead to "sweating, oxidation, and a softer texture than desired." That’s not what we want! We aim for a perfectly balanced cheddar experience, not a wilted one.
Gina Accorsi, a Cabot cheese grader since 2018, emphasizes the impact of temperature on our perception of flavor: "There are scientific reasons why people are better able to perceive flavor when cheddar is warmer versus colder." With hard cheeses like cheddar, a subtle warming period helps create a stronger sensory experience, making each bite truly delightful.
Cheddar Cheese Storage Tips
To preserve the quality of your cheddar cheese, it’s best to keep it in the coldest part of your fridge, ideally at 38-40°F. However, do not store cheddar directly beside fruit as fruit emits gases that can impact the cheese’s texture and taste. Instead, opt to store cheddar cheese in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic to prevent its flavors from blending with the nearby fruits.
If you have an extra mature cheddar, consider keeping it separately and wrapping it with parchment paper for better moisture control and airflow. If storing pre-sliced cheddar, use individual sheets of wax paper or parchment paper between slices, to help reduce sticking and maintain its shape.
Best Cheddar Cheese For Serving at Room Temperature
Now that we know why room temperature is ideal for serving cheddar cheese, let's dive into the most popular varieties for achieving this delicious result. These cheeses, ranging from mild to sharp, are renowned for their distinct character and taste when served at room temperature:
| Name | Flavor Profile | Characteristics | Pairing Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese (mild) | Mild and buttery | Often creamy, slightly granular | Crackers, apples, pears, wine |
| Cheddar Cheese (medium) | Sharp and slightly tangy | Firm, slightly crumbly | Roasted vegetables, bread, craft beer |
| Cheddar Cheese (sharp) | Intense and complex | Crisp, crumbly | Dried fruit, strong cheeses, hard cider |
| Cheddar Cheese (extra sharp) | Very strong and pronounced | Hard, sometimes crumbly | Strong crackers, chutney, scotch whisky |
Delicious Ways to Serve Room Temperature Cheddar
There's no limit to the creative possibilities with room temperature cheddar! Here are some fantastic ways to embrace its potential:
Cheese Plates: Elevate the classic cheese board experience. Use various room-temperature cheddar variations alongside complementary fruits like grapes, pears, and apples. Add nuts, crackers, bread, chutney, honey, and preserves for a decadent flavor and textural experience.
Gourmet Sandwiches: Pair your room temperature cheddar with sourdough or whole grain bread for a substantial, flavorful meal. A layer of creamy mustard, sliced avocado, or caramelized onions completes the masterpiece.
Cheese-Stuffed Appetizers: Use cheddar cheese in your favorite stuffed peppers, jalapeño poppers, or appetizers, incorporating its delicious flavor with an array of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives.
Master the Cheese Game with the Room Temperature Secret
Whether you’re a seasoned cheese aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, understanding the power of room temperature cheddar opens a whole new world of cheese appreciation. The difference in flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment is truly remarkable. So, next time you’re serving cheddar cheese, remember the power of letting it reach room temperature and unlocking its full potential.
