It’s Cheddar Weather

Summer is going fast, but there’s still plenty on the outdoor activity schedule and it won’t stop with Labor Day. Whether you’re headed to the park, the game, or the block party, you’ll probably be bringing provisions, and if you’re like many foodies, by “provisions” you mean a variety of crowd pleasers. But when the sun’s beating down and the cooler ice is rapidly melting, which cheeses are your best bet? Sure, they’d all be welcome on the picnic table, but some cheeses make better traveling companions than others. 

So which is best suited for your summer shenanigans? Cheddar comes in at the top of our list. It hits all the marks: 

It travels well. Cheddar’s production process yields a firmer, drier cheese, which makes it a great companion when you’re hitting the road. It’ll keep its texture in warmer temps, making it easier to cut and serve. The lack of moisture could also help keep bacteria at bay, though you’ll still want to follow food safety rules, including keeping your Cheddar in an insulated cooler until you’re ready to serve it and not leaving it out for more than an hour in warmer conditions. But let’s face it: this stuff is so tempting, it’s not going to last long — which leads us to our next motive for choosing Cheddar: 

Just about everyone likes it. Ever since the 1800s, when Englishman Joseph Harding fine-tuned the Cheddar-making process, the variety has dominated consumption in many parts of the world. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture has gone on record calling it the world’s most popular cheese. And while pizza’s ubiquitous presence has pushed Mozzarella to the top of the U.S. charts, Cheddar isn’t far behind. In 2022, USDA estimated that the average domestic Cheddar consumption was a whopping 11.37 pounds per capita. With those stats in mind, you can’t go wrong with one (or more!) Cheddar choices in your cooler.

It matches your menu. Put it on sandwiches, burgers, and charc boards with fruit, nuts, and your favorite crackers. Whether you’re planning an elegant picnic for two or a grill-and-gather at the park, Cheddar will complement the menu. From young to aged, mild to sharp, its melty goodness and tangy, unmistakable flavor will elevate the occasion. As a bonus, Cheddar can even pair well with dessert: It’s a classic accompaniment to apple pie. 

Beverage pairings come naturally. Sure, Cheddar goes well with its traditional pourable pairings like pinot noir and pale ale, but with the explosion of flavored seltzers out there, why not match your Cheddar-forward meal with cranberry, cucumber, or black cherry soda water? The rich, tangy umami of Cheddar also hits the spot with good old-fashioned iced tea. 

Check out Hoard’s Dairyman Creamery Cheddars, along with our other award-winning cheese varieties, here.