Patrick Oconnell
Grating cheese is one of the most tedious tasks when preparing food, but using a food processor can make it much easier. However, soft cheeses like mozzarella can stick to the bottom of the bowl, creating a mess. To avoid this, it is important to prepare the cheese before grating it. This includes cutting the cheese into chunks or cubes that fit into the food processor feed shoot and freezing the cheese for a few hours or until it is firm and very cold.
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What You'll Learn
Freeze soft cheese before shredding
To get cheese out of the bottom of a food processor, it is important to prepare the cheese before shredding. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, should be placed in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before shredding. This is because soft cheese that is too warm or soft will clump together in the food processor bowl. Freezing the cheese beforehand will ensure that you get independent, uniform shreds that melt smoothly and evenly.
To freeze soft cheese before shredding, cut the cheese into the largest pieces possible that will fit into the processor's feed tube. Then, place the cheese into an airtight, freezer-safe ziplock bag. Remove as much air from the bag as possible. Finally, place the bag in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
After freezing the cheese, you can begin shredding it in the food processor. First, affix the drive shaft to the center of the food processor work bowl. Then, attach the shredding disc to the drive shaft. Place the piece of cheese into the feed tube of the lid, ensuring that it is resting on the shredding disc. Apply pressure with the food pusher and turn on the processor.
It is important to note that freezing cheese will alter its texture. Therefore, shredded cheese that has been frozen is best used in cooked dishes such as mac and cheese or pizza. Additionally, when freezing cheese, it is recommended to use everyday blocks of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella, as these hold up best in the freezer.
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Cut cheese into chunks
Grating cheese in a food processor is a quick and easy way to grate large quantities of cheese. It is also a safer alternative to hand grating. Before grating your cheese, it is important to prepare the cheese and the food processor.
First, cut the cheese into chunks that will fit into the food processor's feed shoot. Depending on the model of your food processor, you may need to cut the cheese into cubes or strips. The cheese chunks should be as large as possible while still fitting into the processor's feed tube.
If you are grating hard cheeses like parmesan or Romano, you can proceed to grate the cheese directly. However, if you are grating softer cheeses like mozzarella, it is recommended to place the cheese in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before shredding. This will help prevent the cheese from becoming too soft and clumping together during the grating process.
Once the cheese is prepared, attach the shredding disc to your food processor. If your food processor does not have a shredding disc, you may need to upgrade to a model that includes this feature. Place the chunk of cheese into the feed tube and apply pressure with the food pusher. Turn on the processor and continue feeding the cheese through the tube until it is completely shredded.
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Use a shredding disc
Using a shredding disc is a great way to grate cheese in a food processor. Most food processors come with a disc designed specifically for shredding. This method is much easier than manually grating cheese with a box grater or microplane.
To use a shredding disc, start by cutting the cheese into cubes or strips that will fit into the food processor's feed shoot. If you're grating a soft cheese like mozzarella, it's a good idea to put the cheese in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before shredding to prevent clumping. For harder cheeses, you can freeze them for a couple of hours to ensure they don't get mushy.
Once your cheese is prepared, attach the shredding disc to your food processor. The disc should attach to the top, rather than the bottom. Then, lock the food processor lid and place a piece of cheese into the feed tube of the lid, ensuring it's resting on the shredding disc. Apply pressure with the food pusher and turn on the processor.
It's important to monitor the amount of cheese in the processor to prevent it from getting too full. Stop and package the cheese into a bowl once the processor starts to look full. Then, repeat the process with the remaining cheese.
Using a shredding disc in a food processor is a quick and efficient way to grate cheese, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
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Avoid overfilling the processor
To avoid overfilling the processor, it is important to cut the cheese into smaller pieces before feeding it into the processor. This will not only prevent overfilling but also ensure the cheese does not get stuck in the processor.
When cutting the cheese, it is advisable to cut it into the largest pieces possible that will fit into the processor's feed tube. For softer cheeses, like mozzarella, it is recommended to cut the cheese into cubes or strips and then freeze it for a few hours or until frozen solid. This will help to firm up the cheese and prevent it from sticking together during processing.
The amount of cheese that can be processed at once will depend on the size of your food processor. As a general guideline, about a pound of cheese will fill up a standard food processor. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the processor and stop feeding cheese when it starts to look full. You can then package the shredded cheese into a bowl and continue shredding the remaining cheese in batches if needed.
Additionally, when processing cheese, it is recommended to pulse the processor a lot in the beginning to help break up the cheese and ensure even shredding.
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Store shredded cheese in the freezer
To get the most out of your food processor, it's important to prepare your ingredients correctly. When shredding cheese, it's best to use a cold, firm block straight out of the refrigerator. Soft cheeses, like mozzarella, should be placed in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before shredding to prevent clumping.
Now, onto storing shredded cheese in the freezer! Freezing shredded cheese is a great way to make it last longer and prevent waste. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions:
- Start with a block of cheese: While pre-shredded cheese can be frozen, it's best to start with a block of cheese and shred it yourself using a food processor. This ensures better quality and fewer preservatives.
- Shred the cheese: Using the shredding disc of your food processor, shred the cheese into fine pieces.
- Prepare your storage: Gather an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag. You can also use the original packaging if you're freezing store-bought shredded cheese.
- Portion and freeze: Divide the shredded cheese into portions that you typically use for recipes. This way, you can easily take out the amount you need without having to thaw the entire batch. Place the portions into the freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label and store: Label the bags with the date and content. Store the shredded cheese in your freezer.
- Thawing instructions: When ready to use, take out the portion you need and let it thaw. You can defrost it overnight in the refrigerator for best results. For quicker defrosting, leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
By following these steps, you can easily store shredded cheese in your freezer for up to three to six months, depending on the type of cheese. This method works for various cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
If the cheese is stuck at the bottom of the bowl, you can try adding a drop of detergent and some water, then pulsing a couple of times, rinsing and drying. Alternatively, most parts of a food processor are dishwasher-safe.
Before grating, ensure that the cheese is very cold and firm. Cut the cheese into large chunks that fit into the processor's feed tube and place them into the tube one at a time while the processor is running.
Harder cheeses such as parmesan or romano are best for grating in a food processor. Softer cheeses such as mozzarella will likely clump together.
