Originating from Somerset, Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheese varieties here in the UK. The name comes from the name of the village from where it originates; the caves in the Cheddar Gorge provided the ideal conditions for the cheese to mature in. A unique step in the Cheddar cheese-making process is called Cheddaring - this is where slabs of curd are stacked and then turned on top of each other in order to drain away the whey.

Cheddar is sold at different ages, starting from mild cheddar (2-3 months) through to mature Cheddar (a year or more). It has a salty, sharp flavour that can be used to liven up a range of dishes. Galton Blackiston's Cheddar cheese beignets make for delicious bite-size vegetarian canapés. For a more innovative use, why not try Marcus Wareing's Eccles cake with Cheddar cheese ice cream, or add a twist to a classic soufflé with Shaun Rankin's cheese soufflés with apple, walnut and pomegranate salad.

For more ways to use cheese in your cooking, browse our collection of delicious cheese recipes.