Use it up · Eggs and dairy

Cheddar and other firm cheeses

Have extra cheddar and other firm cheeses? Here’s how to choose, store and prep cheddar and other firm cheeses, plus 27 family recipes to use it all up, best matches first.

🍽 See the recipes 🧺 Pick a few things you have

🛒 Choosing it

Blocks cost less than shredded and melt more smoothly; shred your own. Sharp cheddar gives more flavor for the amount.

🧊 Storing it

Fridge: Blocks: 6 months unopened, 3 to 4 months opened; shredded: 1 month
Freezer: Up to 6 months (it gets crumbly; use it for cooking)

Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe. When in doubt, throw it out. Times from Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

🔪 Prepping it

Shred it cold. Melt it over low heat so it doesn't turn oily.

📊 Nutrition per 100 g

Shredded cheddar. 100 g is about 3 1/2 ounces.

Calories	403 kcal	20%
Protein	23 g	46%
Total fat	33 g	43%
Saturated fat	19 g	94%
Total carbohydrate	3.4 g	1%
Dietary fiber	0.0 g	0%
Total sugars	0.5 g
Sodium	653 mg	28%
Calcium	710 mg	55%
Iron	0.1 mg	1%
Potassium	76 mg	2%

% Daily Value for adults (FDA). From USDA FoodData Central 173414 (SR Legacy).

🍽 Recipes that use it up

27 recipes, the ones that use the most cheddar and other firm cheeses first.

With a smaller amount

Plan them into your week in the meal planner, or find recipes for two or three things at once with the “What can I make?” picker.

More eggs and dairy

Eggs Milk Butter Mozzarella Parmesan Cream cheese Sour cream Yogurt Cottage cheese Ricotta Cream and half-and-half Buttermilk Feta All ingredients →

Storage times and buying tips are general guides from the sources below; follow any date or instructions on the package. Cook meat, poultry, fish and eggs to the USDA safe temperatures in each recipe.