Medium Cheddar

The classic appeal of medium cheddar

Cheddar cheese is one of the most beloved cheeses worldwide, and medium cheddar strikes the perfect balance between the mildness of young cheddar and the sharpness of aged varieties. Its easy-to-love flavor profile, smooth texture, and approachable personality make medium cheddar a go-to choice for everything from sandwiches to cheese boards. Medium cheddar is perfect for those who enjoy cheese with a little bite but without the boldness of extra sharp cheese. It’s a cheese easy to have every day that also elevates any dish while standing strong on its own.

Medium cheddar from Wisconsin

Here in The State of Cheese™, we love the versatility of Wisconsin medium cheddar cheese. When we’re not snacking on bites of this delightfully pleasing variety, we’re grating it into mac and cheese, slicing it over sandwiches and burgers, or melting shredded cheese for a game day dip.

Our 1,200 Wisconsin cheesemakers know how important medium cheddar is to our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, so they provide us with a very healthy supply. There’s Carr Valley Medium Cheddar, which is handcrafted in small vats and aged for six months to create a cheese with creamy pleasing flavor and a firm, moist texture. Roelli Cheese Haus Medium Cheddar Cheese is a handcrafted, block-style cheddar that’s cellar-aged over six months. And Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese Medium Cheddar is a handcrafted product made from all-natural ingredients and milk from neighboring small family dairy farms. When you want the best medium cheddar the world has to offer, there’s no need to look any further than Wisconsin.

All about medium cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese is a firm, cow’s milk cheese known for its distinctively rich flavor, which can range from mild to sharp, depending on its age. When young, it has a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, and it becomes crumblier, drier, and sharper as it ages. Cheddar comes in both white and orange varieties—the orange hue comes from the addition of annatto, a natural coloring agent.

Medium cheddar is the middle ground between young, mild cheddars and sharp, aged varieties. The term "medium" refers to how long the cheese has been aged. Typically, medium cheddar is aged between three and six months. During this time, the cheese begins to develop more depth of flavor than mild cheddar, which is aged for between one and three months. However, it hasn't reached the sharpness or crumbly texture of aged cheddar, which can be aged for up to two years or more. The medium category is ideal for those who want a cheddar with more character but without the stronger, sometimes overwhelming, sharpness of extra-aged versions.

The origins of cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese traces its roots back to England, specifically the village of Cheddar in Somerset, where it was first made in the 12th century. Over time, cheddar cheese became quite popular, and it spread around the world during the 19^th century. When the first English immigrants settled in Wisconsin in the early 1800s, they brought their passion for cheddar with them, and the cheese became the crown jewel of the cheddar-making world. By the 1880s, more cheddar was made in Wisconsin than any other cheese variety.

How medium cheddar is made

Medium cheddar – and cheddar cheese in general – is made in much the same way as other cheeses, with a few distinct differences.

• Pre-ripening the milk: Acidifying the milk for cheddar cheese usually takes place during the initial stages of cheesemaking, rather than after the cheese has been pressed into molds.
• Scalding the curd: Milk curds for cheddar cheese are often scalded to remove more moisture, helping to ensure that the curd is adequately dry before being molded.
• Cheddaring: This is the process of stacking blocks of curd one on top of another and flipping them to train them of additional whey for a dryer curd.
• Curd salting: Mixing dry salt evenly through milled curd – rather than waiting until the cheese is molded – helps to prevent spoilage and ensures the cheese can be made more consistently and successfully.

What to sip and savor with medium cheddar

Cooking with medium cheddar

Medium cheddar is a superstar in the kitchen because of its meltability and flavor. Whether you’re making mac and cheese, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a cheese sauce, medium cheddar offers that perfect gooey melt while delivering a slightly tangy flavor. It also works well in casseroles, burgers, and even on baked potatoes. The flavor of medium cheddar pairs nicely with vegetables like broccoli, as well as starches like pasta and bread, making it a versatile choice for lots of dishes.

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Because medium cheddar melts beautifully, it’s ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches with a perfectly balanced, tangy flavor.
• Mac and cheese: Add medium cheddar to homemade or boxed macaroni and cheese for a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s a step up from mild cheeses.
• Cheese quesadillas: Shredded medium cheddar gives quesadillas a nice melty texture and a bit more bite than milder varieties.
• Cheese boards: Slice medium cheddar for cheese boards alongside fruits, nuts, and crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.
• Tacos and burritos: Sprinkle shredded medium cheddar on top of tacos or burritos to enhance the flavor and add creaminess.
• Cheddar-stuffed burgers: Mix chunks of medium cheddar into ground beef patties for a delicious cheese-stuffed burger with a flavorful surprise inside.
• Scrambled eggs: Stir in shredded medium cheddar while scrambling eggs for a rich, cheesy breakfast.
• Baked casseroles: Use medium cheddar in casseroles like baked pasta dishes or potato gratin, where its melting quality and balanced flavor shine.

Pairing medium cheddar with wine, beer, and spirits

The smoothness of medium cheddar makes it an excellent companion for a variety of drinks. For wine lovers, this cheese pairs beautifully with fruity red wines such as merlot or a light pinot noir. It also complements white wines with a bit of acidity, like sauvignon blanc or an unoaked chardonnay. When it comes to beer, medium cheddar’s tanginess shines when paired with a pale ale or an amber ale, which bring out its richness. For spirits, whiskey or bourbon with a bit of spice or sweetness will pair perfectly, as they enhance the cheddar's creamy texture and mild sharpness.