pronounced "Red B-yoot"
| Red Butte Hatch Chili by Beehive Cheese is an artisanal, semi-hard Irish-style cheddar from Utah, made with unstandardized, pasteurized milk sourced from a local Jersey and Holstein-Friesian herd. It features vegetarian microbial rennet and is aged up to 12 months in humidity-controlled caves. The cheese incorporates roasted New Mexico Hatch chiles, yielding a buttery, creamy texture with smoky, gentle heat and a citrusy coriander-rubbed rind. Its moisture content ranges from 32.5% to 36.0%. It pairs well with Old Vine Zinfandel, Riesling, and Pilsners, and is ideal for charcuterie or melting in rich dishes. | |
| Country | United States of America |
| Milk | Cow |
| Rennet | Vegetarian |
| Heat Treatment | Pasteurized |
| Texture Profile | Semi-firm, dense, close-textured |
| Flavor Profile | Buttery, Sweet, Smoky, Earthy, Citrusy |
| Wine Pairings | Old Vine Zinfandel, Grenache, Off-Dry Riesling, Champagne |
| Beer Pairings: | Pilsner, Light Lager, Blonde Ales |
| Food Pairings: | Cured meats, Pickled vegetables, Crusty bread, Beef burgers, Macaroni and cheese, Queso Fundido, Elote, Nacho cheese sauces |
In which U.S. state is Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese produced?
Utah, United States
What does the 'American Original' classification mean for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
It was developed natively in the USA with regional inputs.
What species does the milk used in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese come from?
Cattle (*Bos taurus*)
Which two cattle breeds are specifically mentioned as sources for the milk in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Jersey and Holstein-Friesian
Why does Beehive Cheese choose not to standardize the milk used for Red Butte Hatch Chili?
To ensure the cheese retains natural seasonal qualities
Which specific sustainable technology is used at Wadeland South Dairy supplying milk for Red Butte Hatch Chili?
Anaerobic methane digester at the dairy
What type of rennet is used to coagulate Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet
Why is the specific microbial rennet important for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
It prevents development of bitter flavors during aging.
What is the typical maximum aging time for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Up to 12 months
How does the one-year aging period affect Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
It allows flavors from roasted chiles and spices to fully integrate.
What is the target moisture content for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
32.5%–36.0%
Why is maintaining a lower moisture target essential for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Syneresis can occur if moisture is not controlled.
How is Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese classified based on moisture content?
Semi-hard to hard
Which cheddar style does Red Butte Hatch Chili most closely follow?
Irish-style cheddar with a creamy, elastic, sweet paste
How is the rind of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese uniquely treated?
Rubbed with ground coriander, dried red chiles, and canola oil
What are the foundational flavor notes of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Buttery, sweet, slightly fruity
How do the main ingredients contribute to Red Butte Hatch Chili's complex flavor profile?
The smoky chile warmth, citrusy coriander, and creamy curd create a layered flavor.
What is the general texture of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Semi-firm, dense, close-textured
How do the physical inclusions in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese affect its texture?
Roasted Hatch chiles embedded in the cheese add soft, fibrous pockets.
What heat treatment is applied to the milk used in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Pasteurization
What is the main purpose of pasteurization in the production of this cheese?
Eliminates pathogenic bacteria and standardizes fermentation environment
If a vacuum pack of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese swells due to CO₂, what should be done?
Swelling of packaging without visible mold can be safe if cheese is promptly rewrapped.
Which visual sign signals true spoilage in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Orange, red, black, or pink molds indicate spoilage and the cheese should be discarded.
How should different mold appearances on the surface of Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese be interpreted?
White or green molds can be brushed off safely, while pink or orange molds necessitate discarding.
Which red wine is particularly recommended as a pairing for Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Old Vine Zinfandel
Why does off-dry or dry Riesling pair well with Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
High acidity in Riesling helps cut fat and cool the chile heat.
Which styles of beer are most recommended with Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Pilsner and Light Lager
How do Blonde Ales interact with the flavor profile of this cheese?
Blonde Ales complement the cheese's buttery and citrus notes.
Which meat accompaniments work best with Red Butte Hatch Chili on a charcuterie board?
Genoa or Soppressata salami
Why are pickled or brined vegetables suggested alongside Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Acidic pickled vegetables balance its rich mouthfeel.
What property makes Red Butte Hatch Chili ideal for hot dishes like burgers or queso?
Its butterfat and balanced moisture make it an excellent melting cheese.
What kind of chile is included in Red Butte Hatch Chili cheese?
Hatch green chiles from New Mexico
How is the name 'Red Butte Hatch Chili' pronounced?
red BYOOT hach CHIL-ee
USA
Beehive Cheese is a family-owned company in Uintah, Utah, known for its artisanal cheese crafted from local milk. Founded in 2005 by Tim Welsh and Pat Ford, the brand is famous for varieties like Barely Buzzed and Promontory. Beehive Cheese focuses on sustainability and community, hosting workshops and events. They''ve won numerous awards for their unique flavors and quality, underlining their commitment to excellence.