Andy Montoya
Kraft cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers, and its slices are expected to melt. However, some people have claimed that Kraft cheese does not melt, even when exposed to high temperatures. Kraft cheese contains emulsifiers that bind the fat and protein tightly together, preventing separation even at high heat. To melt Kraft cheese, it is recommended to use lower temperatures for a more extended period. Additionally, shredding or chopping the cheese into smaller pieces can help speed up the melting process. Various methods can be employed to melt Kraft block cheese, including using a microwave, saucepan, or steamer basket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Grate or chop the cheese into 1-inch cubes |
| Bowl | Use a microwave-safe bowl |
| Add-ins | Cornstarch, evaporated milk, butter, flour, milk, cream cheese |
| Heating method | Microwave, saucepan, steamer basket |
| Heating time | 30-second intervals |
| Stirring | Stir in between heating intervals |
| Kraft cheese | May not melt at high temperatures or direct flame |
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What You'll Learn
Shredding or chopping the cheese
To shred the cheese, use a grater to grate the block of Kraft cheese into narrow strips. The narrower the strips, the faster the cheese will melt. Alternatively, you can use a knife to chop the cheese into small cubes, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size. Similar to shredding, the smaller the cubes, the quicker the cheese will melt.
The key is to increase the surface area of the cheese as much as possible. By shredding or chopping the cheese, you are exposing more of the cheese to heat, which will help it melt faster and more evenly. This step is especially important if you are melting a large quantity of cheese or if you want to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
It is worth noting that the melting process can be affected by the type of cheese you are using. Different varieties of cheese have varying melting points and textures, so the time it takes to melt may vary. However, shredding or chopping the cheese will generally help improve the melting process for most types of cheese.
Once you have shredded or chopped the cheese, you can then place it in a microwave-safe bowl and follow the subsequent steps in the melting process. This might include adding cornstarch, milk, or butter, depending on the desired consistency and flavor profile. By taking the time to properly shred or chop the cheese, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect melted Kraft cheese for your dish.
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Using a microwave
To melt Kraft block cheese in a microwave, start by placing the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Any plastic or glass bowl labelled "microwave-safe" or "heat-resistant" will work. Shredding or chopping the cheese into small pieces will speed up the melting process. For every 1 cup (125 grams) of cheese, add 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cornstarch and 1 cup (240 mL) of evaporated milk to the bowl. This will create a smoother melt and prevent the cheese from becoming stringy.
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 30 seconds. Then, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the contents with a spoon or fork. Depending on the amount of cheese and the power of your microwave, you may need to repeat this process, microwaving in 30-second intervals and stirring until the cheese is completely melted.
It is important to note that some people have reported issues with melting Kraft cheese, particularly the 2% American cheese variety. In some cases, the cheese may not melt even when exposed to high heat or direct flame. However, Kraft representatives have addressed these concerns, stating that their cheese products are designed to melt under standard melting conditions, such as those used for grilled cheese sandwiches. Therefore, it is recommended to use lower heat settings and allow for a longer melting time when melting Kraft cheese.
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Using a saucepan
To melt Kraft block cheese in a saucepan, start by shredding or chopping the cheese into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. The smaller the surface area of the cheese, the quicker it will melt. Next, place a saucepan over medium heat, which is usually the middle number on a stovetop dial. For example, if your stovetop dial goes from 1 to 10, then medium heat will be around 5 or 6. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt.
Once the butter has melted, add cornstarch or flour to the pan. For every 2 tablespoons of butter, add 2 tablespoons of flour or 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk the flour or cornstarch into the butter continuously for about 1 minute to ensure it is thoroughly mixed. If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, add more flour or cornstarch.
Now, it's time to add the cheese to the saucepan. For every 1 cup of cheese, add 1 cup of milk to the pan. You can use evaporated milk or regular milk, depending on your preference. Evaporated milk will result in a gooier texture, while regular milk will make the sauce smoother. Stir the cheese and milk into the butter mixture until well combined. Continue heating the sauce until the cheese has completely melted.
Keep in mind that Kraft cheese may not melt well under direct flame or very high heat. It requires lower, consistent heat to achieve the perfect, gooey melt. Be patient and allow the cheese to melt slowly. Once the cheese has melted, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to develop an even creamier texture. Finally, serve your melted cheese sauce and enjoy!
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Using a steamer basket
To melt Kraft block cheese using a steamer basket, start by shredding or cutting the cheese into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Shredding the cheese will help it melt more evenly. Next, fill a large pot halfway with water and place it on the stove over high heat. Bring the water to a boil.
While you wait for the water to boil, let the shredded or cubed cheese sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. This will lessen the heating time and prevent the cheese from burning. You can also add cornstarch and evaporated milk to the cheese at this point 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.
Once the water is boiling, reduce the temperature to a simmer and place a steamer basket over the pot. Put the cheese in a sturdy, heat-resistant bowl, such as a glass or ceramic bowl labelled "heat-resistant", and place the bowl inside the steamer basket. Make sure the bowl fits in the steamer basket before transferring the cheese.
Allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't melt too much. Once melted, remove the bowl from the steamer basket using heat-resistant oven mitts and set it aside. Stir the cheese as needed to break up any large chunks. Serve the cheese immediately.
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Adding cornstarch and milk
To melt Kraft block cheese using cornstarch and milk, start by shredding or chopping the cheese into narrow strips or 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. The smaller the surface area of the cheese, the quicker it will melt.
Next, place the shredded or cubed cheese into a microwave-safe bowl. For every 1 cup (125 grams) of cheese, add 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cornstarch and 1 cup (240 mL) of milk to the bowl. You can use evaporated milk or regular milk, but evaporated milk will give you a gooier result. If you're using regular milk, you can also add a bit of cream cheese to make the melted cheese gooier.
Once you have added the cornstarch and milk to the cheese, stir everything together until well combined. Then, place the bowl in the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is completely melted. It may take several minutes for the cheese to melt completely, so be patient and continue heating and stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can melt the cheese on the stovetop. Start by melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add cornstarch to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to mix it in. You can add more or less cornstarch depending on how thick you want the cheese sauce to be. Once the cornstarch is mixed in, add the milk to the saucepan and stir until well combined. Finally, add the shredded or cubed cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted.
Note that Kraft cheese may not melt well under high heat or direct flame, so it's best to use lower, slower heat when melting it.
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Frequently asked questions
To melt Kraft block cheese, shred or cut the cheese into cubes before placing it in a bowl. Add cornstarch and evaporated milk to the bowl to get a smoother melt. Then, place the bowl in the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals until melted.
Kraft cheese is a processed cheese product that contains emulsifiers to bind the protein and fat together. This means that it may take longer to melt and requires lower, consistent heat to achieve a gooey, uniform melt. Avoid applying direct flame or very high heat, as this can cause the cheese to become crispy without melting.
There are several methods to melt block cheese, including using a microwave, saucepan, or steamer basket. The best method depends on your personal preference and the desired consistency of the melted cheese. Using a microwave is a quick and convenient option, while a saucepan allows for more control over the melting process.
To achieve smooth melted cheese for dipping, it is recommended to add cornstarch and milk to the cheese before melting. This will result in a silkier and smoother texture, reducing the stringiness of the melted cheese. You can also try adding cream cheese to absorb excess milk and create a dip-like consistency.
