Microwaving Cheese: How Long Should You Zap?

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from snacks to full meals. Melting cheese is a common step in many recipes, and the microwave is often the quickest and easiest way to do this. However, cheese can be tricky to melt, and different types of cheese have different melting points. In general, grating, shredding, or slicing the cheese will help it melt faster and more evenly. But how long should you microwave a slice of cheese?

Cheese crisps

Ingredients

Cheese of your choice:

• Parchment paper works best with hard cheeses such as parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella.
• Silicone mats can be used with softer cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella.

Method

• Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the base of your microwave, or use a microwave-safe plate.
• Place small amounts of cheese (about 1/4 teaspoon) onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each pile.
• Microwave on 50% power for 60-75 seconds.
• For softer cheeses, microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.
• Allow to cool for a few seconds, then peel off the parchment paper.
• The cheese will crisp as it cools.

Tips

• Adding a thin slice of jalapeño pepper to the top of the cheese pile before cooking can add a nice kick.
• Pre-shredded cheese is recommended for consistency, but block cheese can also be used if grated or sliced thinly.
• Parchment paper is essential to prevent the cheese from sticking and can be reused for multiple batches.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the type of cheese and microwave power, so it is recommended to do a test batch first.
• Blot away any excess grease with a paper towel after cooking.
• Cheese crisps can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Cheese dip

A cheese dip is a quick and easy snack that can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes. It's a versatile dish that can be customised with various types of cheese and add-ins. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cheese dip in the microwave:

Ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted)
• Flour (or cornstarch)
• Milk (whole milk, half-and-half, evaporated milk, or sour cream)
• Cheese (Cheddar, American, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, or a combination)
• Optional add-ins: diced tomatoes with green chiles, cilantro, paprika, chilli powder, or pepper

Instructions:

• Start by making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour (or cornstarch) to thicken the dip. Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for about 50 seconds or until melted.
• Add 2 tablespoons of flour (or cornstarch) to the melted butter and whisk together.
• Pour in 3/4 to 1 cup of milk. You can also use sour cream or whipped cream for an extra creamy dip.
• Add the cheese. For a basic cheese dip, use 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. You can also use processed American cheese or Velveeta slices, which melt smoothly. For a more complex flavour, try a combination of cheeses such as mild Cheddar and fontina.
• Microwave the mixture for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir the dip.
• Continue cooking in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the dip is smooth and creamy. The total cooking time should be around 2 to 3 minutes.
• Season with salt to taste and stir until well blended.
• Serve warm with a side of nacho chips, vegetables, or baked potatoes for dipping.

Tips:

• Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can hinder melting.
• If you want to add some spice to your dip, try adding paprika, chilli powder, or pepper.
• For a Mexican-style cheese dip or 'queso', add ingredients such as tomatoes, jalapenos, or tabasco sauce.
• If your cheese dip becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of milk to adjust the consistency.

Cheese on toast

A classic, quick and easy snack, cheese on toast is a tasty treat that can be made in a variety of ways. Here is a guide to making cheese on toast in the microwave.

Ingredients

• Bread
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or another variety of your choice)
• Optional: butter, garlic powder, jalapeño slices, cornstarch, and/or evaporated milk

Method

• Start by slicing your bread and placing it on a microwave-safe plate.
• Next, decide on your cheese. Sliced, shredded, or grated cheese will all work well and melt quickly. If you are using a block of cheese, you may want to grate or slice it first to increase the surface area and help it melt faster.
• Place your cheese on the bread. You can add butter to the bread first if you like, or add some garlic powder or jalapeño slices to your cheese for extra flavour.
• Microwave on high for around one minute. The time may vary depending on your microwave and the type of cheese you are using, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• If you are using shredded cheese, you may want to follow a slightly different method. Place the cheese on a piece of parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until melted and golden brown (around 1-1.5 minutes). Allow to cool and crisp up before adding to your toast.
• If you are making a cheese dip to spread on your toast, simply combine grated cheese, cornstarch, and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for one minute. Stir, then continue cooking in 30-second intervals until smooth and creamy.

And there you have it! A quick and easy snack, ready in just a few minutes. Enjoy your cheesy treat!

Cheese slices

Microwaving cheese slices is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack. It's important to note that different types of cheese have different melting points, so the time and temperature settings may vary. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to achieve the best results.

Firstly, it's recommended to use a microwave-safe plate or bowl and line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to handle the cheese once it's melted and prevents a messy cleanup. Then, place your cheese slices on the parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them so they don't stick together.

For pre-sliced cheese, microwave on high power for about one minute. You can also experiment with folding the slices or cutting them into smaller pieces to create different shapes and sizes of crisps. If you're using thicker slices or blocks of cheese, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Keep a close eye on the cheese as it microwaves, as it can burn easily. Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove it from the microwave and let it cool. You can then carefully peel the cheese crisps off the parchment paper.

Some popular types of cheese to use for this include cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella. You can also add toppings or mix-ins like jalapeño slices, garlic powder, or cornstarch to enhance the flavour and texture.

Additionally, if you're looking to make a cheese dip rather than crisps, you can combine shredded cheese with cornstarch, evaporated milk, and other ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in short intervals until smooth and creamy.

Melting different types of cheese

Melting cheese in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make cheesy snacks and meals. However, not all cheeses melt the same way, and some are better suited to melting than others.

Preparing Cheese for Melting

Before melting cheese in the microwave, it is important to grate, shred, cube, or slice the cheese to increase the surface area. This will help the cheese melt faster and reduce the risk of burning. If the cheese is already at room temperature, placing it in the freezer for 20 minutes beforehand can make it easier to grate or shred.

Different types of cheese have different melting points and require different approaches. Here are some tips for melting various cheeses:

• Shredded Cheese: Avoid extreme heat when melting shredded cheese, as it can become rubbery or greasy. Aim for around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and use medium heat settings for about 15 seconds.
• Velveeta Cheese: Cut the block into small pieces (less than 1-inch cubes). Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals until completely melted.
• American Cheese: Reach a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit in about 15 seconds for best results. If the cheese gets lumpy, add a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to smooth it out.
• Cream Cheese: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power for 15 seconds. Cream cheese will start to melt at 90 degrees and completely melt at 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a whisk instead of a spoon to stir and avoid lumps.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate or shred the cheese after freezing the block for about 20 minutes. Then bring it to room temperature and heat to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for complete melting.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts efficiently in the microwave. Set the power to medium (about 50%) and microwave for one minute at a time. Stir well to achieve an even temperature, as mozzarella melts at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Feta Cheese: Feta does not melt smoothly, but you can add a little cornstarch and evaporated milk to achieve a lump-free result. Use medium power and heat for 15 seconds for a smooth texture.
• Gouda Cheese: Remove the wax coating before melting. Set the power to medium and heat in 15-second intervals until the cheese starts to melt. Fresh gouda melts better than aged gouda, which has less moisture.
• Cottage Cheese: Adding a pat of butter or a spoonful of oil will help cottage cheese melt into a saucy, thick liquid. Low-fat cottage cheese may require frequent mashing to remove lumps.
• String Cheese: Pull the cheese sticks into thin strips before melting. Microwave on high for 15-second intervals, flipping each time, until the cheese becomes soft.

General Tips for Melting Cheese in the Microwave

• Use a microwave-safe bowl instead of a plate to contain the melted cheese and make cleanup easier.
• Avoid over-mixing, as stirring too much can cause the proteins in the cheese to clump together and become stringy.
• Blend the cheese with a small amount of milk or cream to speed up the melting process.
• For every 8 ounces of cheese, increase the total microwave time by 10 seconds.
• Aged cheeses do not melt as well, so avoid using aged varieties in melting recipes.
• Adjust the microwave power to medium heat and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring gently after each interval, until you reach the desired consistency.

Frequently asked questions