Patrick Oconnell
Getting cheese out of the microwave can be a tricky business, especially if it has melted and solidified again. One way to avoid this is to use the microwave to melt cheese for dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese crisps, and then use a skillet to cook the sandwich or a non-stick surface for crisps. This way, you can avoid having to scrape burnt cheese off your microwave!
Getting cheese out of the microwave
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cottage cheese |
| Cheese form | Shredded |
| Paper type | Parchment paper |
| Paper shape | A strip that's a couple of inches thick |
| Paper placement | Place cheese on the side with a convex curve |
| Paper brand | Standard or unbleached |
| Power level | 50% |
| Cooking time | 50-75 seconds |
| Cooking time considerations | Brand and power of microwave, brand and amount of cheese, number of chips |
| Plate type | Not microwave-safe |
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What You'll Learn
Use parchment paper
To get cheese crisps out of a microwave, using parchment paper is the best option. Cut a strip of parchment paper that is a couple of inches thick. Place the parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate, with the curved side facing upwards to minimize curling. Arrange an even layer of shredded cheese in a round in the centre, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space between the piles/pieces of cheese.
Microwave for 50-75 seconds on 50% power. The cheese should peel off the parchment paper easily once it turns into a chip. If the cheese is stuck to the bottom of the parchment, it needs to cook for longer. You can test this by doing a small batch first to see the exact time your microwave needs.
The cooking time will vary depending on the brand and power of your microwave, the brand, amount of cheese used, and the number of chips being cooked. Once the cheese turns into a chip, it will crisp as it cools.
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Space cheese 1-2 inches apart
To make cheese crisps in the microwave, you'll need to space the cheese out with 1-2 inches between each piece to avoid overcrowding. This will allow the cheese to melt without spilling and to rotate properly in the microwave. It is also important to use a non-stick surface, such as parchment paper, to prevent the cheese from sticking and to make it easier to peel off once it's ready.
When microwaving cheese, it's crucial to consider the cooking time and power level. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of cheese, the amount used, and the number of batches cooked at once. It's recommended to start with a test batch to determine the ideal cooking time for your specific microwave. Adjust the power level to 50% to avoid burning the cheese.
To create cheese crisps, place an even layer of shredded cheese on a piece of parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate. Leave 1 to 2 inches of space between each pile or piece of cheese to ensure proper melting and rotation. Microwave for 50-75 seconds on 50% power, and then peel the cheese chips off the paper.
It's worth noting that cooking times may vary, and you should keep an eye on the cheese to prevent overheating. If the cheese appears melted and stuck to the parchment, it needs to cook for a bit longer. Once it turns into a chip, it will easily peel off. Allow the cheese to cool completely, as it will crisp up as it cools down.
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Cook for 50-75 seconds
To make cheese crisps in the microwave, you'll need to use a non-stick surface to prevent the cheese from sticking and ensure it can be peeled off easily once cooked. Parchment paper is the best option for this—place a strip that's a couple of inches thick on a microwave-safe plate, with enough room for the cheese to melt and rotate without spilling.
When you're ready to cook, you'll want to set your microwave to 50% power and place your cheese on the parchment paper. Leave 1 to 2 inches of space between each piece of cheese to prevent them from sticking together. Then, cook the cheese for 50 to 75 seconds. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your microwave and the brand and amount of cheese used, so it's a good idea to test a small batch first to determine the ideal cooking time.
You'll know the cheese is ready when it has melted and turned into a chip that can be easily peeled off the paper. If the cheese looks like it's stuck to the bottom of the parchment, it needs to cook for a little longer. Once cooked, allow the cheese to cool—it will crisp up as it does so.
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Adjust microwave power to 50%
Adjusting your microwave to 50% power is a great way to ensure that your food is cooked evenly and efficiently. This setting is particularly useful for heating delicate foods like cheese, which can scorch at high power.
When melting cheese in the microwave, it is recommended to use a microwave-safe bowl or dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. This helps to trap the heat and create a steamy environment, aiding in the melting process. The size, shape, and amount of cheese being melted can change the cook time, but it is generally recommended to start with a medium heat setting and short time intervals to avoid overcooking. For example, when melting mozzarella cheese, a medium heat setting of about 50% power is ideal, and it should be microwaved for one minute at a time.
If you are melting cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to assemble the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for 40 seconds to one minute, until the cheese is melted. This timing may vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the power of the microwave.
Additionally, when melting cheese, it is important to stir the cheese gently after each duration to ensure even melting. If the cheese starts to overheat or burn, you can reduce the power level or decrease the heating time.
Mastering the 50% power setting on your microwave can enhance your cooking experience and help you achieve perfectly heated meals without the hassle of overcooking or uneven textures.
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Peel off paper
To peel off cheese crisps from parchment paper, it is essential to use a non-stick surface. Parchment paper is the best option for this, and either standard or unbleached paper can be used. Cut a strip that is a couple of inches thick, leaving enough room for the cheese to melt without spilling over. Place the cheese on the side of the paper with a convex curve to minimize curling as it cooks. If the paper curls, fold it back to flatten as much as possible.
Once the cheese is cooked, it will easily peel off the paper. The cooking time will depend on the brand and power of your microwave, the brand and amount of cheese used, and the number of chips cooked at a time. Do a test batch to see what cooking time is best for your setup. If the cheese looks like it's melted and stuck to the bottom of the parchment, it needs to cook for longer.
The cheese will be chewier straight out of the microwave, so it is recommended to wait for it to cool and crisp up. To speed up the cooling process, peel the cheese off the paper and place it on a cooling rack or plate.
It is important to leave 1 to 2 inches of space between each piece of cheese to ensure even cooking. Microwave for 50-75 seconds on 50% power, adjusting the time as needed based on your test batch results.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a non-stick surface, such as parchment paper, to line your microwave-safe plate. Once the cheese has cooled and crisped, it should peel off the paper with ease.
Cottage cheese is a good option for making cheese crisps in the microwave.
Cooking times will vary depending on your microwave, the cheese, and the number of crisps being cooked. It is recommended to test a batch to find the ideal cooking time, but generally, it should take between 50 and 75 seconds on 50% power.
