Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It originated in the village of Cheddar in England, and has been produced since at least the 12th century. These days, Cheddar is made all over the world – from its original home in the UK, to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United States.
Cheddar is available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from large blocks to pre-sliced, shredded and cubed. But when a recipe calls for just 1 ounce of Cheddar cheese, what does that look like? How big is 1 ounce of Cheddar cheese? Let’s take a closer look.
What is an Ounce?
An ounce is a unit of measurement typically used for weight. 1 ounce equals 28.35 grams. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound.
Ounces can be a tricky measurement when it comes to cheese, because cheese comes in so many shapes and sizes. A 1 ounce piece of cheddar cheese won’t always be the same dimensions or volume as another type of cheese that also weighs 1 ounce.
What Does 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese Look Like?
So what are the typical dimensions for a 1 ounce piece of cheddar cheese? Here are some common sizes:
– A 1-inch cube of cheddar cheese weighs right around 1 ounce. This is a good rule of thumb to remember.
– A piece that is 1 1/2 inches by 1 inch by 3/4 inch thick is also close to 1 ounce.
– 28 medium cheddar cheese cubes (the kind you might put on a platter) weighs approximately 1 ounce.
– A standard slice of cheddar from a block or packaged sliced cheese is generally 1 ounce. Slices are typically around 3-4 inches long by 2-3 inches wide.
– 1 ounce of grated cheddar cheese is about 1/4 cup packed.
Visualizing 1 Ounce of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
To get a better visual idea of what 1 ounce of shredded cheddar cheese looks like, here is a helpful comparison:
– 1 ounce of shredded cheddar cheese is similar in volume to 1 large egg. Picture an egg in a measuring cup – the shredded cheese would come up to the same level.
– It is also comparable to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, or about half of a ping pong ball.
– For another comparison, 1 ounce of shredded cheddar is close to the amount that would cover the surface of a slice of bread.
So while the actual dimensions may vary between brands and cheese blocks, these comparisons help give a general idea of the quantity of 1 ounce of shredded or cubed cheddar cheese.
Measuring 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese
While visualizing amounts can be helpful, the most accurate way to measure 1 ounce of cheddar cheese is to use a food scale. Scales designed specifically for weighing food portions make it easy.
Here is a simple process for measuring 1 ounce of cheddar cheese using a food scale:
1. Turn on food scale and make sure it is set to measure in ounces.
2. Place a plate or bowl on the scale platform to hold the cheese.
3. Press the “tare” or zero button with the plate/bowl on the scale to reset it to zero.
4. Add grated or cubed cheddar cheese to the plate/bowl until the display reads close to 1 ounce.
5. You can break off pieces or add and remove shredded cheese until the exact 1 ounce measure is achieved.
Using a food scale helps remove the guess work and provides the most accuracy when measuring any ingredient by weight, including cheese.
Common Uses for 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese
Now that you know what 1 ounce of cheddar looks like, what are some common uses for that quantity in cooking and baking? Here are some examples:
– Topping for a burger or sandwich
– In omelets, quiches and egg bakes
– Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas
– Macaroni and cheese
– Cheese crisps or crackers
– Sprinkle on salads or soups
– Mix into dips and spreads
– Add to bread dough or biscuits
– Use in cheese sauces
– Stuffing for meatballs or chicken
– Potato and cheese pierogies
One ounce of shredded or cubed cheddar may not seem like a lot on its own, but when incorporated into recipes it can add rich, cheesy flavor. A little bit of cheddar cheese can go a long way!
Nutrition Information for 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese
When adding cheddar cheese to your recipes, it’s helpful to know the nutrition information for a 1 ounce serving. Here are the key nutrition facts for 1 ounce of cheddar cheese:
Calories: 114
Fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cheddar cheese is high in fat, especially saturated fat. It also contains a good amount of protein. When consuming dairy products, experts recommend choosing reduced-fat or low-fat versions like reduced-fat cheddar whenever possible.
Cheddar cheese does not contain any carbohydrates or fiber. People who are monitoring their saturated fat or overall fat intake may want to limit portion sizes of full-fat cheddar cheese to 1 ounce.
Tips for Measuring Cheddar Cheese
Here are some helpful tips for successfully measuring out 1 ounce of cheddar cheese:
– Use an accurate food scale for the most precision.
– Refer to the visual comparisons in this article as a guide.
– When measuring shredded cheese, lightly pack it into the measuring cup or spoon and level off the top.
– If you don’t have a scale, measure cheese cubes by counting out cubes or slicing a 1-inch thick piece from a block.
– For convenience, pre-measure 1 ounce portions of grated cheese and store in sealed plastic bags to have ready to grab.
– Adjust your measuring methods depending on whether you are using regular or reduced-fat cheddar (reduced-fat may weigh slightly less per volume).
– Enjoy cheddar cheese in moderation by using 1 ounce as guideline for recipes.
Taking the time to properly measure out 1 ounce portions of cheddar cheese can help with both cooking accuracy and nutrition monitoring. Incorporating cheddar into dishes adds a blast of cheesy flavor that a little can go a long way.
Cooking Substitutions for 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese
What if you want to make a recipe calling for cheddar cheese but don’t have any on hand? There are a few possible ingredient substitutions for 1 ounce of cheddar cheese. Here are some ideas:
– 1 ounce Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 ounce mild or medium Colby cheese
– 1 ounce Swiss cheese
– 1 ounce provolone cheese
– 1 ounce Gouda cheese
Any good melting cheese like these can substitute for cheddar in recipes. Here are some non-dairy subs for 1 ounce cheddar cheese:
– 1 ounce nutritional yeast (will add cheesy flavoring but not melt the same)
– 1 ounce cashew cheese or other vegan cheese substitute
– 1 tablespoon miso paste + 3 tablespoons water + 1 teaspoon lemon juice (adds tangy flavor like aged cheddar)
– 3 tablespoons soy yogurt + 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Depending on the recipe, the dairy-free substitutions may require some additional binding ingredients like starch to add creamy consistency in the absence of cheese fat and proteins. But these options can mimic cheddar flavor in a pinch.
Price of 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese
The price of cheddar cheese varies considerably based on the type, brand, age, whether it’s pre-sliced or block, organic, etc. But on average, what can you expect to pay for just 1 ounce of cheddar cheese?
Here are some typical price points for 1 ounce of cheddar:
– Basic grocery store brand block cheddar: $0.10 to $0.15 per ounce
– Pre-sliced cheddar cheese: $0.15 to $0.25 per slice (about 1 ounce)
– Fancy artisanal or imported cheddar: $0.75 to $1.00 per ounce
– Organic cheddar cheese: $0.20 to $0.40+ per ounce
– Pre-shredded bags: $0.20 to $0.30 per ounce
As you might expect, the most expensive sources of cheddar are from upscale cheese shops, imported English cheddar, or carefully aged blocks. Large bulk bags of shredded cheddar tend to be the cheapest per ounce options. Watch for good cheese deals and shop sales when stocking up.
How Long Does 1 Ounce of Cheddar Cheese Last?
Like most dairy products, cheddar cheese has a somewhat limited shelf life. How long 1 ounce of cheddar lasts depends on these factors:
– Storage method: Refrigerated is best. Counter shortens life. Frozen extends it.
– State of cheese: Block lasts longer than shredded or crumbled.
– Packaging: Sealed in original packaging lasts longer than loose in baggie. Vacuum sealed is ideal.
– Type of cheddar: Aged and sharp cheddars last longer than mild.
– Fat content: Full fat lasts a bit longer than reduced fat.
Taking these variables into account, here are some general guidelines for how long 1 ounce of cheddar cheese should last:
– Refrigerator:
– Block: 3 to 4 weeks after opening package
– Sliced: 2 to 3 weeks
– Shredded: 1 to 2 weeks
– Frozen:
– Block: 6 to 8 months
– Shredded: 4 to 6 months
– Past Printed Expiration Date: Consume within 1 to 2 weeks if still smells and tastes okay
Be sure to wrap cheese tightly and minimize air exposure. Also, inspect refrigerated cheese weekly and discard any moldy portions. Freezing extra cheddar for longer storage is a great option.
Conclusion
Cheddar cheese is one of the most versatile cheeses available. Knowing what a typical 1 ounce portion looks like makes it easy to add the perfect amount of cheddar flavor to any dish. Use about 1/4 cup shredded or a 1-inch cube as a handy guide. Measuring with a kitchen scale helps get precise 1 ounce portions for recipes. Cheddar can be swapped for similar melting cheeses if needed. Store block or shredded cheddar tightly wrapped in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy snacking or cooking with bite-sized amounts of cheddar cheese.