Old English cheese may sound like something you might find on a cheeseboard in Yorkshire, but for many Australians, it is a peculiar, creamy, and nostalgic meal that can be found in the dairy area of the supermarket. Old English cheese is not actually from England; it is a Kraft-branded cheese spread that has a large following, particularly among those who enjoy old recipes and comfort foods.
This pungent cheddar-style spread is a closet staple that you should talk about. It’s ideal for preparing a traditional party dip or a homemade cheese ball for your next gathering. In this article, we’ll look into Old English cheese, where it originates from, how Australians use it, and the best alternatives if you can’t find a container.
What is Old English cheese?
Old English cheese is a processed cheese spread created by Kraft Foods. It comes in small glass jars (about 142g or 5oz) and is a strong cheddar-style cheese. People love its creamy, spreadable texture and acidic taste. Many Australians have also adopted it because it is simple to prepare and can be used in a variety of party foods and snacks.
Key characteristics:
- Pasteurised processed cheese spread
- Creamy and smooth texture
- Strong, sharp cheddar taste
- Packaged in glass jars
- Easy to spread on crackers, toast, or use in hot recipes
Is Old English cheese actually from England?
Old English cheese is not a traditional English cheese, and it is not made in the UK, even though it has that name. Kraft made it as a processed food that tastes like strong, sharp aged English cheddar.
However, the branding and flavour profile honour England’s long history of sharp cheddars, such as those from Somerset and the West Country. But make no mistake—this cheese is as American as Cheez Whiz or Kraft Singles.
Aussies love to use Old English cheese in these ways:
Here are some of the top ways Aussies enjoy Old English cheese:
Cheese balls
Old English cheese is a key element in a lot of traditional cheese ball recipes. Just add cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chopped spring onions, and maybe some bacon bits or herbs to it. Put it with crumbled nuts or parsley and serve it with crackers.
Crabbies
A recipe from the past that expats and food bloggers still love. Crabbies are made with Old English cheese, crab meat (or tinned shellfish), butter, and English muffins. They are the best finger food since they are toasted till they are golden brown.
Cheese dips
Mix Old English cheese with sour cream, garlic, and other flavour enhancers to produce a dip for chips, veggie sticks, or biscuits that can be served hot or cold.
Quick toast toppers
Australians enjoy a quick fix, and Old English spread on toast or crumpets with Vegemite (yes, really) or chutney gives breakfast or snacks a tangy edge.
Common English-style cheeses available in Australia
A range of English-inspired cheeses is available in Australia, offering something for every palate:
- Cheddar: Extremely popular in Australia, cheddar is often labelled as “tasty” (mild) or “sharp” (aged). It’s a go-to choice for sandwiches, toasties, and snacking.
- Blue Stilton: A classic English blue cheese, recognisable by its pungent and tangy flavour, and creamy, crumbly texture. Blue Stilton is one of the most recognised blue cheeses and has an EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
- Cheshire: Cheshire is one of Britain’s oldest cheeses, originating from the Cheshire area of England. Cheshire is a hard, crumbly cheese, mildly salted, made with cow’s milk and is well-known for its slightly tangy flavour.
- Double Gloucester: A firm, smooth English cheese loved for its intense flavour. Double Gloucester is made with cow’s milk, the orange colour resulting from the use of annatto.
- Other British cheeses: Less-known varieties of cheese, such as Cornish Yarg, Dorset Blue Vinney, or Somerset Brie, may also be available.
How Australians can enjoy Kraft Old English cheese
Australians can enjoy old English Cheese like Cheddar by using it in cooking, combining it with different foods and drinks, or relishing it on its own. The following are some specific ways Australians can experience old English Cheese:
1. In sandwiches and toasties
Add a slice of old English Cheese in sandwiches and toasts with tomato and a touch of mustard. The melts smoothly, enhancing the depth and creaminess of your sandwiches.
2. On a classic cheese platter
Serve the cheese with crackers, fruits, bread, nuts, green apple slices, and fig paste. The strong profile of the cheese harmonises and enhances the rich flavour of a classic cheeseboard.
3. In cooking
The cheese enhances savoury dishes in cooking, including:
- Melted on burgers: Perfect toppings on burgers for a tasty and cheesy flavour.
- Gratins and soufflés: A delicious foundation for cheesy gratins and soufflés.
- In mac and cheese: Add a strong cheddar to make this dish classic and delicious.
- In sauces: Use it in making a cheese sauce or add it to other sauces for a more delicious flavour.
Health and nutrition: What’s in your slice?
Old English Cheese offers nutritional benefits along with rich flavour. It’s packed with the following beneficial nutrients:
- Protein: It offers a notable amount of protein per portion, which is important for muscle repair, energy, building and repairing tissues.
- Calcium: This cheese is a good source of calcium, which is an important mineral for bone health and different bodily functions, particularly essential for growing children and older adults.
- Fat: The cheese contains a considerable amount of both saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Sodium: Sodium helps keep our body’s fluid levels in check and is commonly found in large amounts in cheese, but having too much of it isn’t great for your health.
For a defined breakdown of nutritional content, it is best to see the nutritional label of the particular product you are using, as the exact amount can differ.
Where can Australians purchase old English Cheese?
Many Australian markets offer old English Cheese, including:
- Woolworths: The stock of Woolworths offers a range of English cheese, including old English Cheese. You can check the availability of this cheese at your local stores or visit their website.
- Coles: Check the local Coles store or Coles website to purchase old English Cheese.
- Specialty cheese retailer: There are various specialty cheese retailers in Australia, like Smelly Cheese Co., Harris from Market, and Le Fromage Yard that carry this cheese.
- Online retailers: Many online retailers, like eBay Australia and Nine Life Australia, also offer Kraft Old English cheese.
Tips for storing and serving old English cheese
Here are some handy tips to store and serve the old English Cheese effectively:
- Refrigerate it: Keep the cheese in the fridge at 4°C, wrapped in cheese paper or sealed in baking paper to help it stay fresh and moist.
- Allow it to settle: Let the cheese rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. It will help to bring out and enhance its full flavour.
- Don’t freeze it: Freezing the cheese can change its texture, making it overly crumbly.
Conclusion
Old English cheese is a vital ingredient for Australians who appreciate bold, mature ingredients and enjoy adaptable ingredients. Just like English cheddar, it adds richness and traditions to every bite. Whether to melt into the dish, spread on the toast, or use it in cooking, it is a bold and satisfying choice. Its sharp, piquant flavour and crumbly texture make it a perfect pick for cooking, entertaining, or simply enjoying on crackers. It is widely available in Australia, and serving and storing it properly will help to enhance the richness of your delicious dishes.
