Finding the Best Supermarket Cheese by Application
Selecting the best supermarket cheese depends heavily on its intended use. While a sharp, crumbly cheddar might be perfect for a snack, a different variety is needed for a grilled cheese sandwich that delivers a perfect, gooey pull. We'll break down the top picks for different needs.
Best Supermarket Cheddar
Cheddar is a supermarket staple, but not all blocks are created equal. Flavor intensity and texture vary significantly with age. For a balanced sharpness and creamy richness ideal for both cooking and snacking, food experts frequently recommend Tillamook Medium Cheddar. For those who prefer a bolder, more mature flavor, Cabot offers a range of aged cheddars, including a powerfully sharp 5-Year variety. Kerrygold Reserve is another standout, with a distinct, sharp bite and a beautiful melt. These brands often use quality milk from grass-fed cows, contributing to their superior flavor profiles. Budget-conscious shoppers can find surprisingly good quality in store-brand options like Tesco Finest or Aldi's Specially Selected, which often perform well in taste tests.
Best Cheese for Melting
For dishes like macaroni and cheese, casseroles, or gooey grilled sandwiches, the cheese's meltability is key. While cheddar is a classic choice, using a blend of cheeses can enhance both flavor and texture. Tillamook Medium Cheddar is praised for melting nicely without overpowering other ingredients. For a sophisticated twist, consider a younger gouda or fontina, which offer a creamy, smooth melt. Some supermarkets even offer Alpine-style cheeses like Gruyère or Comté, which provide exceptional flavor and an excellent melt.
Building the Perfect Supermarket Cheese Board
Creating an impressive cheese board doesn't require a specialty store. The key is to select a variety of flavors and textures. A basic and effective approach is to include a hard, a soft, and a blue cheese. For a hard cheese, a mature cheddar like Old Croc Extra Sharp or a block of Manchego works well. For a soft, approachable option, a supermarket brie or a creamy goat's cheese is a crowd-pleaser. Finally, add a blue cheese like Stilton or Gorgonzola for a pungent, creamy contrast. Don't forget to let the cheeses come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
Tips for Selecting and Storing Supermarket Cheese
- Read the label: Look for ingredients lists that are short and simple—ideally just milk, salt, cultures, and enzymes.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which prevent them from melting as smoothly as block cheese.
- Check the date: While hard cheese can be good past its 'Best If Used By' date, always check the packaging for freshness, especially for softer varieties.
- Consider the source: Many supermarkets carry Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) cheeses, which indicates high-quality, regulated production.
- Wrap it right: Once opened, repackage cheese in cheese paper or parchment paper to allow it to breathe. Avoid tight plastic wrap, which can trap moisture.
Supermarket Cheese Comparison Table
| Cheese Type | Best For | Flavor Profile | Texture | Top Supermarket Picks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Cheddar | Everyday snacking, cooking, melting | Balanced sharpness, creamy | Firm, smooth | Tillamook, Cabot Vermont Sharp |
| Aged Cheddar | Cheese boards, bolder flavor | Sharp, nutty, pungent | Crumbly, dense | Cabot 5-Year, Old Croc Extra Sharp |
| Brie/Camembert | Cheese boards, pairing with fruit | Buttery, creamy, mild | Soft, bloomy rind | Rouzaire Brie de Meaux (available in UK supermarkets), supermarket's own brand |
| Alpine (Gruyère, Comté) | Melting, cheese boards | Sweet, nutty, grassy | Hard | Extra Special Swiss Le Gruyere (UK), store-brand Comté |
| Blue Cheese | Cheese boards, salad | Peppery, tangy, creamy | Crumbly or creamy, veined | Colston Bassett Stilton (UK), Specially Selected Shropshire Blue |
| Feta | Salads, cooking | Salty, tangy | Crumbly | Store-brand feta, often sold in brine |
| Goat Cheese | Cheese boards, salads | Tangy, earthy | Crumbly, soft, or hard | Various supermarket options |
Conclusion: Your Supermarket Cheese Strategy
The "best" supermarket cheese is a personal journey, influenced by your specific culinary needs and taste preferences. While a high-quality aged cheddar provides robust flavor for a snack, a medium cheddar or alpine-style cheese offers a superior melt for cooking. By understanding the characteristics of different cheeses and following simple selection and storage tips, you can elevate your everyday meals and create impressive, budget-friendly cheese boards right from your local grocery store. Remember to experiment with different varieties and brands, taking advantage of store-brand specialties and premium options to discover your own personal favorites.
Shop around different supermarket chains for the best prices and selection.
Key Takeaways
- Tillamook Medium Cheddar is a versatile, expert-recommended supermarket cheese for its balance of sharpness and smooth melt.
- For superior melting, choose Alpine-style cheeses like Gruyère or Comté for their sweet, nutty flavor and excellent texture.
- Build a diverse cheese board using supermarket options by combining a hard cheese (aged cheddar), a soft cheese (brie), and a blue cheese (Stilton).
- Always check labels for simple ingredients and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents for better melting results.
- Store cheese correctly in cheese paper or parchment rather than plastic wrap to maintain its best flavor and texture.
- Look for budget-friendly excellence in supermarket own-brand products, which often offer great value, especially for aged varieties.
- Let cheese reach room temperature before serving to ensure its full flavor profile is released.
FAQs
Q: Which cheese is best for a budget-friendly macaroni and cheese? A: For a great budget mac and cheese, use a simple block of medium or sharp cheddar. To improve the melt, add a little American cheese or a store-brand processed cheese that is specifically designed for melting.
Q: Should I buy pre-shredded or block cheese? A: For best flavor and meltability, always opt for block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and slightly alter the taste.
Q: How do I choose a good supermarket brie? A: Look for a brie that is creamy and has a slight buttery scent. Avoid any that smell overly ammoniated or have a crusty, dried-out appearance.
Q: How can I tell if a cheddar is high quality? A: A high-quality aged cheddar will be marked with a specific aging period (e.g., 24 months) and may have a slightly crumbly texture with a sharp, complex flavor. Taste tests from reputable sources can also guide you.
Q: What is a good, mild supermarket cheese for kids? A: Mild cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby-Jack are all excellent, kid-friendly options found in most supermarkets. They have a mild flavor and a pleasing, familiar texture.
Q: Is it safe to eat hard cheese with a little mold on it? A: Yes, for hard cheeses, you can safely cut off at least one inch around and below the moldy spot and use the rest. For soft cheeses, however, discard the whole item if mold appears.
Q: What is the benefit of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese? A: A PDO or AOP label signifies that the cheese is produced in a specific region using traditional methods, which generally guarantees a higher standard of quality and authenticity, even in a supermarket setting.
