In the Middle ages, England was the only place where Cheddar cheeses were made. Prior to 1850, nearly all cheese produced in the United States was cheddar. Cheddar production in Wisconsin began in the mid-1800's and by 1880, more cheddar was produced in Wisconsin than any other cheese variety.

A hard, smooth-textured cheese, made usually from the whole milk of cows and varying in color from white to deep yellow and in flavor from mild to sharp as it ages.