Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a firm cow's milk cheese formed into blocks with a pale ivory to deep orange color. Its flavor ranges from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy as it ages, and it melts into long, elastic pulls; common uses include grilled cheese and burgers, casseroles, mac and cheese, and cheese sauces, and it is sold as blocks, slices, or pre-shredded. Some versions use animal rennet, while vegetarian styles are made with microbial or vegetable rennet.\n\nIt originated in Somerset, England, where the cheddaring technique—stacking and turning curds—defined the style. Production spread across the British Isles and North America, and today regional varieties are made worldwide with local milk and aging practices.