Best 5 Extra Sharp Cheddar Recipes

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Extra sharp cheddar, a hard, flavorful cheese made from cow's milk, is an American favorite. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to soups and sauces. With its bold, sharp flavor, extra sharp cheddar adds a delicious zing to any recipe. Whether you are looking for a classic mac and cheese recipe or a new way to dress up your grilled cheese sandwich, there are many ways to use this delightful cheese. Let's explore some of the best recipes that highlight the unique flavor of extra sharp cheddar.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SHARP CHEDDAR SCALLOPED POTATOES



Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes image

Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good-you'll just keep going back for more. -Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups half-and-half cream
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
6 cups thinly sliced peeled Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 pounds)
2 small onions, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, mustard and pepper until blended; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat., In a small bowl, combine cheeses. Layer a third of the potatoes, a third of the onions and 3/4 cup cheese mixture in a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Repeat layers twice. Pour sauce over top; sprinkle with remaining cheese., Bake, covered, 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender and top is lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 436 calories, Fat 26g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 88mg cholesterol, Sodium 576mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

CHEDDAR CHEESE STRAWS



Cheddar Cheese Straws image

I won't forget the cheese straws that my mother made for my father. The only difference was that she did not add cayenne pepper. These make wonderful hors d'oevres.

Provided by Carol

Categories     Bread     Quick Bread Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
¾ cup margarine
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, grated cheese and butter or margarine in a bowl and mix until well combined. Add water a little bit at a time to make a very stiff dough.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll pieces of the dough into just slightly thicker than pencil shaped sticks. Cut sticks into 4 to 5 inch lengths. Arrange the pieces on the baking sheet.
  • Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 5 minutes or until browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Cholesterol 6 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 103.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

MOM'S EXTRA SHARP MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Extra Sharp Mac and Cheese image

My Mom has been making mac and cheese this way for as long as I can remember. It gets a cheesy crust on top that the family fights for.

Provided by AcadiaTwo

Categories     Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 1/2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (shredded or sliced)
1 1/2 cups macaroni (cooked)
1 cup milk

Steps:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a 2-quart square baking dish place 1/2 a cup of cooked macaroni in a single layer.
  • Cover macaroni with cheese evenly.
  • Layer another 1/2 a cup of of macaroni on top of the cheese.
  • Cover macaroni with cheese evenly.
  • Layer another 1/2 a cup of of macaroni on top of the cheese.
  • Add the milk.
  • Cover macaroni and milk with cheese evenly.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Set the oven to broil and and broil mac, milk and cheese 6"-8" away from broiler for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is browned.
  • Warning: HOT, let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

EXTRA-SHARP CHEDDAR OVEN OMELET



Extra-Sharp Cheddar Oven Omelet image

This is great for a holiday breakfast or brunch. It serves 10 and it can be prepared ahead of time and popped in the oven on the day of the event. My Mother serves this when the whole family gets together down at their shore house on holiday weekends. Options: add mushrooms and peppers or the like.

Provided by AcadiaTwo

Categories     Breakfast

Time 1h40m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 slices bacon, coarsely chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced
8 eggs
1 cup light cream
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
3 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 large sweet onion

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Fry bacon until crisp but not burnt.
  • Drain, and reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings.
  • Sauté onion & green onion in drippings until translucent.
  • In a bowl beat eggs with cream and seasoned salt.
  • Stir in bacon, onions, and 2 cups of the cheese.
  • Pour into a greased, shallow, 3-quart baking dish.
  • Bake, uncovered, in a 350 F degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes until mixture is set (doesn't jiggle) and top is lightly browned.
  • When almost done, sprinkle with remaining cup cheese and return to oven until cheese melts.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.5, Fat 29.9, SaturatedFat 15.2, Cholesterol 238.9, Sodium 464, Carbohydrate 3.8, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 1.3, Protein 17.9

SHARP CHEDDAR DIP



Sharp Cheddar Dip image

This is a recipe I tried at my aunt's house. It's easy and tasty. Simply dip the bagel pieces into the dip! A six-pack of refrigerated soft bagels will work great.

Provided by shanda weis

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cold Cheese Dip Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
5 ounces sharp processed cheese spread
1 pinch garlic powder
6 bagels

Steps:

  • In an electric blender, combine cream cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese spread, and garlic powder. Blend until creamy.
  • Cut bagels in half, and then into quarters. Arrange the bagels around the dip on a serving platter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 262.5 calories, Carbohydrate 27.4 g, Cholesterol 36 mg, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 579.2 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

Tips for Cooking with Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

  • Use it sparingly: Extra sharp cheddar has a bold flavor, so a little goes a long way. Use it as an accent ingredient to add a pop of flavor to dishes, rather than as the main cheese.
  • Choose the right type: There are two main types of extra sharp cheddar: natural and processed. Natural cheddar is made with fresh milk and aged for at least 10 months, while processed cheddar is made with cheese curds that have been heated and emulsified. Natural cheddar has a more complex flavor than processed cheddar, but it is also more expensive.
  • Grate it fresh: Grating your own cheddar cheese just before using it will give you the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose or other anti-caking agents, which can make it less flavorful and more difficult to melt.
  • Use it in moderation: Extra sharp cheddar is high in fat and calories, so it should be used in moderation. A little bit goes a long way, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering your dishes.

Conclusion:

Extra sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its bold flavor makes it a great choice for adding a pop of flavor to sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles. It can also be used as a topping for nachos, tacos, and other Mexican dishes. With its sharp, tangy flavor, extra sharp cheddar is sure to add a delicious touch to your favorite recipes.

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