Andy Montoya
American cheese is a processed cheese with a creamy texture and excellent meltability, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers. While store-bought options like Kraft Singles are convenient, some people prefer to make their own American cheese at home to avoid artificial processing and unknown ingredients. Homemade American cheese can be made using a combination of different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, along with other ingredients like water, milk powder, gelatin, and sodium citrate. This allows for a more natural product with the same beloved qualities of its processed counterpart. Making grated American cheese at home offers several advantages, including a fresher and creamier taste, better value, and the convenience of freezing for later use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water, gelatin, milk powder, salt, cream of tartar, sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan cheese |
| Tools | Food processor, 5 x 4-inch disposable aluminum loaf pan, plastic wrap, box grater |
| Storage | Refrigerate, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 1 month |
| Grating Tips | Freeze cheese for 30 minutes before grating, use olive oil on the grater, use parchment paper to catch grated cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Making American cheese at home
American cheese is a processed cheese, and while it might taste good and melt easily, making it at home can be a more natural alternative. Homemade American cheese is a delicious way to enjoy the creamy, melty goodness without artificial processing.
Ingredients
- Water
- Sodium citrate (a salt of citric acid, officially called trisodium citrate dihydrate)
- Cheese (sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan)
- Milk powder (optional)
- Whole milk (optional)
- Gelatin (optional)
- Salt
- Cream of tartar (optional)
Instructions
- Create a solution by mixing water and sodium citrate.
- Slowly whisk in the grated sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and transform into a cheese sauce.
- For optional ingredients, mix water and gelatin in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Combine cheese, milk powder, salt, and cream of tartar in a food processor and pulse until combined.
- Pour the cheese sauce into a prepared greased loaf pan. You can also line a disposable aluminum loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing the excess to hang over the sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or anywhere from an hour to overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and knock it onto a cutting board. Slice the cheese using a knife or floss to get thin slices.
- Store each slice between parchment paper and place them in a sealed airtight container.
Your homemade American cheese will last up to a month in the fridge, so you can enjoy it in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or any other way you like!
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Using a box grater
Grating cheese with a box grater can be a tricky and messy affair, but it is a good way to get freshly grated cheese, which melts more smoothly and tastes better. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a box grater to get grated American cheese:
Firstly, if your cheese is at room temperature, it is advisable to put it in the freezer for around 30 minutes before grating. This will firm up the cheese, making it easier to grate and reducing the risk of it turning into a paste. However, be careful not to leave it in the freezer for too long, as fully frozen cheese will be impossible to grate.
Secondly, prepare your work area. Box graters can be dangerous, so it is important to be careful. Place a large piece of parchment paper under the grater to catch the cheese, rather than using a bowl or plate, which can be unstable.
Thirdly, choose the correct side of the grater for your needs. A four-sided box grater will have two sides with holes for grating, one with large holes and one with small holes. The side with small holes will produce a fine grate, ideal for hard cheeses like Parmesan, and can also be used for zesting citrus fruits. The side with large holes will produce a coarser grate, suitable for semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère. The third side of the grater is for slicing, and the fourth side has tiny holes for zesting or very fine grating.
Fourthly, grate the cheese. Hold the grater securely and press lightly on the cheese, moving it up and down against the blade. Be careful not to grate your knuckles!
Finally, clean the grater. Cheese can quickly build up on the surface of the grater and will harden if left too long, so it is important to wash the grater immediately after use with hot, soapy water and a brush or abrasive sponge. If cheese has hardened on the grater, you may need to soak it overnight or put it in the dishwasher. To prevent cheese from sticking, you can lightly spray or brush the grater with oil before use.
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Storing grated cheese
Use an Airtight Container
To prevent moisture absorption and oxidation, which can affect the flavour and aroma of the cheese, store grated cheese in an airtight container. This will also help keep bacteria at bay. Plastic zipper bags or hard-sided containers are good options for storing grated cheese in the freezer.
Freeze the Cheese
Freezing is an excellent option for storing grated cheese, especially for harder varieties like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Grana Padano. Freezing helps to prolong the shelf life of the cheese and maintain its flavour and texture. Frozen grated cheese can be used directly in recipes without the need for thawing, making it a convenient option for cooking and meal preparation.
Store in Cool Temperatures
Maintain a temperature below 5°C when storing grated cheese in the refrigerator. Cool temperatures help slow down the absorption of moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria, keeping your grated cheese fresh for longer.
Add Cornstarch (for Parmesan)
To prevent clumping in grated Parmesan cheese, you can add a small amount of cornstarch. Cornstarch absorbs moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese. This helps to extend the storage life of your grated Parmesan.
Use within Two Weeks
Even with proper storage, grated cheese is best used within two weeks. Freshly grated cheese has a higher surface area exposed to air, which can accelerate oxidation and flavour degradation. Therefore, it is recommended to grate cheese as needed or in small batches to ensure optimal flavour and freshness.
By following these tips, you can effectively store grated cheese and maintain its quality and flavour. Remember to use clean utensils and containers to prevent contamination and always check the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption.
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Grating cheese without making a mess
Grating cheese can be a messy affair, but there are a few tricks to help keep your kitchen counters clean. Firstly, consider the type of cheese you are grating. Harder cheeses like Parmesan and Grana Padano can be too dry and hard to grate, so to remedy this, wrap the block in a damp cheesecloth or a clean, damp paper towel to introduce some moisture. On the other hand, if you are grating softer cheeses, they may be too pliable to grate, so pop the cheese in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This makes it easier to grate without making a mess.
Once your cheese is ready, consider using parchment paper to catch the gratings. Place a large piece of parchment paper under the grater on your counter, and when you're done, simply pick up the paper and slide the cheese into a container for cooking or storage. This is a safer option than a bowl or plate, which can be unstable and awkward.
If you are using a box grater, lightly coat the grater plate with cooking spray to make the cheese glide more easily and prevent sticking. For a safer option, use a rotary grater, which keeps your hands away from the grater plates and is more efficient for larger quantities of cheese. Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler, mandoline, microplane, or food processor, depending on the type of cheese you are grating.
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Grated cheese recipes
There are many recipes that use grated cheese. Here are some ideas:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic choice for using grated cheese. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Muenster, or a combination of sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. For a super decadent version, try adding pepperoni and different types of grated cheese.
Salads, Sandwiches, and Baked Goods
Grated cheese can be sprinkled on salads, sandwiches, and even baked goods. For example, you can make an open-faced sandwich with grated Parmesan or Brie and apples or pears.
Potato Nests
Potato nests are simple to make and can be topped with grated cheese, along with pulled pork, sour cream, and other toppings.
Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
For a grain-free option, try making cheesy cauliflower breadsticks. These are made with vegetables instead of flour and can be served with your favorite marinara sauce.
Casseroles
Grated cheese can be added to casseroles, such as a breakfast casserole or a potato croquette casserole with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. You can also make a spaghetti pie or a copycat Pizza Hut cheesy bread.
Homemade American Cheese
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own American cheese at home. This involves creating a water and sodium citrate solution and then slowly whisking in grated sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and transform into a cheese sauce, which can then be sliced and used in sandwiches or other recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
Grating your own cheese means it melts more smoothly, and you get more cheese for your money. Freshly grated cheese also has a better taste because it doesn't contain added preservatives and chemicals.
To grate your own American cheese, you can use a box grater or a food processor. If you're using a box grater, place a large piece of parchment paper underneath to catch the cheese. If you're using a food processor, pulse the cheese a couple of times until combined.
You can store grated American cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. You can also freeze shredded cheese once you're done.
