Bushra Griffith
Whether you're slicing, grating, or melting cheese, the shape of your cheese block matters. The way you cut a block of cheese can affect the eating experience, and the same cheese cut differently can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, a block of cheese can be cut into snackable slices, shredded, or melted for mac and cheese.
Characteristics of using the sides of cheese blocks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting technique | Perpendicular cuts to create snackable slices |
| Cutting tools | Chef's knife, skeleton knife, Parmesan knife, dental floss |
| Texture | Firm, dry, crumbly |
| Taste | Sharp, funky |
| Use cases | Casseroles, mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, tacos, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, roux |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting cheese blocks into slices
To cut cheese blocks into slices, you can use a sharp paring knife or a wire cheese slicer. For softer cheeses, a sharp paring knife should suffice, while a wire cheese slicer is more suitable for cutting hard cheeses. If you don't have access to these tools, you can use dental floss or even unflavoured cheese slices to cut through the cheese block.
When cutting cheese blocks into slices, it is important to ensure that the cheese is secured firmly with one hand while inserting the knife vertically with the pointed side down, perpendicular to the cutting board. Insert the knife only partially into the cheese and wiggle it until a large crumble pulls away. This technique will help you create snackable slices from your cheese block.
For firm blocks of cheese, such as Gruyère and some Cheddars, straight perpendicular cuts are recommended to create thin, snackable slices. Start by placing the cheese wedge or block on its large, flat side. Make perpendicular cuts along the smallest edge of the cheese, cutting off triangular end pieces. Continue making perpendicular cuts, moving from one side of the block to the other, to create uniform slices. Each slice should have a piece of the rind on each end.
If you are slicing cheese for burgers, you may want to cut the cheese into thin, even slices. Sharp Cheddars, in particular, can be sliced as thinly as possible to dilute their flavour and make them milder when melted.
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Using pre-shredded cheese vs shredding blocks yourself
When it comes to using pre-shredded cheese versus shredding blocks yourself, there are several factors to consider, including convenience, taste, texture, cost, and shelf life.
Pre-shredded cheese is undoubtedly more convenient and can save time in the kitchen. It also has additives that prevent it from clumping together and make it easier to use in certain recipes, such as pizza, where you don't need the cheese to melt together. However, these additives can affect the melting capabilities and texture of the cheese, particularly when used in dishes like mac and cheese, where a smooth and creamy sauce is desired.
Shredding your own cheese from a block can result in better flavour and texture. It melts together more smoothly and is ideal for adding to pasta or a roux. Shredding your own cheese also allows you to control the thickness of the shreds and avoid the additives found in pre-shredded cheese. Additionally, block cheese generally has a longer shelf life than pre-shredded cheese due to reduced exposure to air.
Cost is another factor to consider. While pre-shredded cheese may be more expensive per pound, the convenience it offers may outweigh the cost for some. On the other hand, shredding your own cheese can result in cost savings, especially if you only grate what you need and securely wrap and store the remaining block.
Ultimately, the decision between using pre-shredded cheese and shredding blocks yourself depends on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the recipe. If you're short on time or only have pre-shredded cheese on hand, it can still be used to create delicious dishes, especially in recipes where the melting and textural differences may not be as noticeable. However, for certain dishes that require a smooth and creamy cheese sauce, shredding your own cheese from a block may be the better option.
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How to cut soft cheeses
Cutting cheese is a precise science that factors in shape, texture, and flavor. The right cutting technique can make or break your cheese-eating experience. Here is a guide on how to cut soft cheeses:
Logs of Very Soft Cheese:
Logs of very soft cheese, such as chevre, are so soft and spreadable that they can be served whole with a spreader or soft cheese knife, allowing guests to cut their own pieces. If you want to pre-portion, use a thin-bladed soft cheese knife or cheese wire to cut the log into several uniform rounds. This will prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife blade and becoming crumbly or misshapen.
Small, Whole Wheels of Cheese:
Small, whole wheels of cheeses like bloomy rinds and washed rinds are simple to cut. Pretend you're slicing a birthday cake by cutting equal-sized wedges from the center outward. This ensures that each piece includes the center, cream line, and rind, providing a full range of flavors and textures. A thin-bladed knife or skeleton knife will give the best results.
Valençay-Style Cheeses:
Cut Valençay-style cheeses like Black Diamond or Mountain Top Bleu into even quarters from the top down. Then, lay each quarter flat and cut through the rind to create quarter-inch-thick slices. This ensures a uniform appearance and an even rind-to-paste ratio.
Large Wheels Portioned into Wedges:
For larger wheels that have been pre-portioned into wedges, the skinny end of the wedge comes from the center of the cheese, while the wide end includes the rind. Use a hard cheese knife like a chef's knife, skeleton knife, or utility knife to cut even slices that include a good cross-section of the cheese.
Wedge-Shaped Cheeses:
Lay the wedge on one of its cut sides and trim off the top and bottom rinds. Then, cut through the wedge to create even, triangle-shaped slices with the rind on one end. For very firm, crystalline cheeses aged over a year, you can also serve wedges whole and let guests portion themselves with a sharp Parmesan knife.
Unusual Shapes:
For uniquely shaped cheeses, use a sharp, thin-bladed cheese knife or skeleton knife to prevent the soft cheese from sticking to the blade. Cut the cheese into even portions to ensure each piece has a similar rind-to-paste ratio.
Additionally, if you don't have a specialized knife, you can use unflavored, unwaxed dental floss to cut very soft cheeses. Lay the floss under the cheese where you want to cut it, then quickly pull the ends of the floss upward to slice through the cheese.
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Cheese blocks for cheese boards
Cheese boards are a great way to showcase a variety of cheeses and create a visually appealing display for your guests. When it comes to using cheese blocks for a cheese board, there are a few things to consider.
First, choose the right type of cheese. Cheese blocks, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Colby Jack, are ideal for cheese boards as they can be easily sliced into thin, snackable pieces. Look for cheeses with a rich, full flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that will appeal to a range of tastes.
Next, consider the size and shape of your cheese blocks. For a standard-sized cheese board, aim for blocks that are around 7-16 ounces. You can cut the cheese into thin, rectangular slices or cubes, ensuring that each piece is easy to pick up and eat. If you want to get creative, you can even try making perpendicular cuts to create unique, snackable slices.
When slicing the cheese, it's important to use the correct technique. Start by placing the cheese block on its large, flat side. Hold it firmly and insert your knife vertically, with the pointed side down, near the edge of the cheese. Only insert the knife part of the way through, and then wiggle it until a crumble of cheese pulls away. This will create interesting, uneven slices that will add texture to your cheese board.
Finally, think about how you can complement your cheese blocks on the board. You can pair them with crackers, dried fruits, nuts, and meats, creating a well-rounded and delicious spread. Cheeses like cheddar go well with sesame crackers, dried cranberries, almonds, and Sopresatta.
Remember, when creating a cheese board, it's essential to consider the flavors, textures, and visual appeal of the cheeses and accompaniments. By following these tips, you'll be able to create a stunning and tasty display that your guests will love.
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Recipes using large blocks of cheese
If you have a large block of cheese, there are numerous recipes you can try. A popular option is to shred the cheese and add it to a mac and cheese dish, which can be made creamy and buttery by creating a roux with milk and butter. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking.
For a simple snack, you can cut the block of cheese into thin slices or snackable slices and serve on a cheese board with crackers. If you have a block of a sharp-tasting cheese, such as cheddar, you can reduce its funky taste by grating it and adding small amounts to recipes like casseroles, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, tacos, and soups.
If you have a block of cream cheese, you can use it in a variety of recipes, both sweet and savoury. Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, dips, casseroles, cakes, and more. Some specific recipes that use cream cheese include cheesecakes, bagel spreads, mashed potatoes, and pound cake.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Cheese dips, such as spinach-artichoke dip or a warm, caramelized fennel and Brie dip
- Quiche, which can include other ingredients like nutmeg, heavy cream, parsley, spinach, and bacon
- Toasted cheese sandwiches
- Buttery pastry rolls with crispy cheese edges
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Frequently asked questions
To cut a block of cheese, place the block on its largest, flattest side. Hold the cheese firmly and insert a knife vertically, pointing down, into the cheese. Only insert the knife part of the way, then wiggle it until a large crumble pulls away. You can also use a chef's knife or skeleton knife to slice the block into eighth-inch planks, which can then be cut into smaller rectangles or triangles.
Buying shredded cheese is more convenient than buying blocks of cheese as it is ready to use. Shredded cheese is also ideal for meals where you want the cheese to melt quickly and evenly, such as tacos or pizza.
Block cheese is generally cheaper than shredded cheese and has a longer shelf life. It also tastes better and melts together better than shredded cheese, which contains additives to stop it from clumping together.
Blocks of cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including mac and cheese, grilled cheese, casseroles, scrambled eggs, tacos, quiche, and burgers.
