Cheddar Cheese with Scotch Bonnet Chili Peppers

Famed for their importance in Caribbean cuisine, and named for their physical resemblance to a woolen tam o’ shanter cap, Scotch bonnet chilis have a delicate sweetness to them and a remarkable level of heat – a few orders of magnitude hotter than jalapeños, for reference. And as the makers of Trader Joe’s Cheddar with Scotch Bonnet Chilis and Red Peppers have found, these qualities make them a natural companion to the inherent nuttiness and crumbly texture of a classic English Cheddar. Using a mix of time-tested cheesemaking techniques and state of the art equipment, they flavor this savory Cheddar with sweet and fiery Scotch bonnet chili relish to great acclaim in supermarkets across the U.K. – and we’re proud to say that we’re the first to carry it across the pond.

A delight for heat-seekers and fromage fans of all stripes, this Cheddar balances its blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy with remarkable grace. It makes a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, mac & cheese casseroles, or even a sweet and hot potatoes au gratin. Looking to turn up the heat at your next get-together? Pair this Cheddar up with spicy cold cuts like pepperoni and capicola for a scorching charcuterie plate – just make sure to take the cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.