Kamil Perry
Cracker Barrel Cheese is a well-known brand of cheese with a variety of flavours available. While it is typically used for snacking, cooking with Cracker Barrel Cheese can be a bit tricky due to its high acidity levels, especially if you're aiming for a smooth, creamy melt. To achieve the perfect melt with Cracker Barrel Cheese, there are several methods you can try, including using a microwave, saucepan, or steamer basket. Each method requires specific steps to ensure the cheese melts evenly and retains its flavour and texture.
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What You'll Learn
Grate or chop the cheese into small pieces
Grating or chopping your cheese into small pieces is an important step in the cheese-melting process. This is because the smaller the surface area of your cheese, the quicker it will melt.
There are several tools you can use to grate your cheese. A handheld grater is a good option for soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, as the cheese is less likely to stick to the grater. You can also use a food processor with a grater attachment, although this may be more hassle than it's worth in terms of clean-up time. A rotary-style grater is another option. If you're grating your cheese by hand, you may want to try chilling your cheese in the freezer first, which will make it easier to grate.
If you're making a cheese sauce, it's best to grate your cheese into the pan, rather than grating it in advance. This is because grated cheese is more likely to stick together in clumps if it's left sitting out.
If you're using Cracker Barrel cheese, be aware that extra sharp cheddar has a higher acidity level, which can affect its ability to melt. To counter this, grate the cheese into a pan with some sodium citrate to balance out the pH.
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Use a microwave-safe bowl
To melt Cracker Barrel cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, start by shredding or chopping the cheese into narrow strips or cubes. The smaller the surface area of the cheese, the quicker it will melt. Place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, preferably one that is sturdy and made of glass or ceramic, with "microwave-safe" or "heat-resistant" labels.
If you are making a cheese sauce, add a small amount of butter, cornstarch, and milk to the bowl. For a more gooey texture, use evaporated milk; ordinary milk will also work but may result in a smoother consistency. You can also add any desired ingredients or spices to the bowl, such as chili powder for a nacho cheese dip.
Microwave the bowl on high heat for 30-second intervals, stirring the contents between each interval. Be cautious when handling the bowl as it will be hot. Repeat the process until the cheese has reached your desired level of melting.
This melted cheese can be used as a sauce for pasta, a topping for macaroni and cheese, or as a dip for snacks like pretzels.
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Add cornstarch and milk for a smooth melt
Adding cornstarch and milk to Cracker Barrel cheese is a great way to get a smooth melt. This method can be used to make a cheese sauce or dip with a pourable consistency.
First, shred the cheese with a grater or cut it into 1-inch cubes. This will speed up the melting process. For every 1 cup of cheese, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 cup of milk or evaporated milk. You can adjust the ratio of cornstarch to cheese to get different consistencies, and use more milk to thin out the mixture as needed. It is important to add the milk slowly to prevent clumps from forming.
To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the cornstarch into the melted butter and cook for 1 minute. Then, slowly add the milk while whisking. Keep the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Finally, add the cheese and stir until it is completely melted and smooth. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
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$1.72
Heat in 30-second intervals
While there is no specific information about melting Cracker Barrel cheese, there are general guidelines for melting block cheese. The melting process depends on the desired outcome and the type of cheese. For instance, hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino are not ideal for melting into a smooth sauce.
If you want to melt cheese in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with cornstarch and evaporated milk. For every 1 cup (125 grams) of cheese, add 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cornstarch and 1 cup (240 mL) of evaporated milk. You can also use regular milk, but the sauce may be smoother and less gooey. Mix any additional ingredients, such as spices, into the cheese mixture.
Microwave the bowl on high heat for 30 seconds, then stir the contents. Repeat this process until the cheese is completely melted. This may take several minutes, so be patient and continue heating in 30-second intervals until you achieve the desired consistency.
If you prefer a stovetop method, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour or cornstarch to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously. Then, slowly add the grated or cubed cheese to the saucepan and stir until it has melted to your desired consistency.
Remember, overheating cheese can result in a rubbery texture and negatively impact the flavor. Keep a close eye on your cheese as it melts, and remove it from the heat when it's ready.
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Stir well for a creamy sauce
To make a creamy sauce with Cracker Barrel cheese, you'll first want to grate the cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent clumping, which can affect the consistency of your sauce.
Next, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and a pinch of salt and pepper to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Then, slowly add milk to the pan, whisking constantly. The mixture will start to thicken.
Now, add your grated cheese to the pan. Stir the mixture well until the cheese has melted and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If your sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
If you're making a large batch of sauce, consider making extra, as pasta will continue to absorb liquid over time.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to melt Cracker Barrel cheese is on a stovetop. Place the cheese in a bowl and set it aside. Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cornstarch and evaporated milk to the bowl to get a smoother melt. For every 1 cup (125 grams) of cheese, add 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cornstarch and 1 cup (240 mL) of evaporated milk. Whisk the mixture until the cheese is evenly melted.
Place the Cracker Barrel cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Add cornstarch and evaporated milk, and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted. Stir the cheese after each interval to prevent overheating or burning, which can result in an unappealing texture.
If your Cracker Barrel cheese is not melting properly, it may be due to a pH issue, especially if it is extra sharp or aged. You can fix this by grating the cheese into a pan with some sodium citrate to balance the pH and improve melting.
