Andy Montoya
Grating your own hard cheese such as Parmesan or Romano is often more economical than buying pre-grated cheese, and it also ensures that the cheese will melt smoothly into your dish. To grate hard cheese, you can use a Microplane, a box grater, or a food processor. If using a Microplane or box grater, hold the block of cheese stable and drag the grater over it. If using a food processor, cut the cheese into small chunks and add them to the processor, processing until the desired texture is achieved.
Characteristics of Shredding Hard Cheese (Parmesan and Romano)
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Microplane, box grater, food processor, rotary grater, knife |
| Technique | Hold the block stable and drag the grater over it |
| Texture | Fluffy, powdery, wispy shreds |
| Cost | Pre-shredded cheese tends to be more expensive than blocks of cheese |
| Taste | Box-grated cheese gives a stronger punch |
| Storage | Store leftover grated cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Using a Microplane
Grating hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano with a Microplane is a popular method, but it can be time-consuming and messy. Microplanes are ideal for grating small amounts of hard cheese, and they are easy to use. Simply run the cheese along the surface of the Microplane and fine shreds of cheese will fall out the other side. Microplanes are also great for zesting citrus, grating garlic, fresh ginger, and whole nutmeg.
When grating hard cheese with a Microplane, it is recommended to cut the cheese into one to two-inch pieces first. The Microplane's razor-sharp blades will then create fluffy, uniform shreds. Microplanes are known for their quality and reliability, and they are trusted by chefs worldwide to enhance the texture and flavor of their dishes.
However, one downsides of using a Microplane is that they can be notoriously annoying to clean due to their tiny holes. Additionally, grating large amounts of cheese with a Microplane can be laborious and time-consuming. To speed up the process, some people recommend using a bigger Microplane by holding the block of cheese stable and dragging the grater over it.
Another option for grating large amounts of hard cheese is to use a food processor. First, chop the cheese into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl of the food processor fitted with a metal blade. Then, turn on the food processor and let it run until the cheese reaches the desired texture. This method is faster and easier than using a Microplane, but it may not produce the same wispy shreds that melt into sauces as well.
Parmesan Cheese: Unique, Savory, and Nutty
You may want to see also
Using a box grater
Grating hard cheese, such as Parmesan and Romano, can be a tedious and time-consuming task. However, using a box grater is a great option if you need a medium quantity of grated cheese, such as 1-2 cups. It is also a quick method if you only need a small amount of grated cheese.
To get started, it's important to choose a good-quality box grater with a fine grating surface. The side of the box grater with smaller holes is ideal for hard cheeses like Parmesan. You can purchase a large piece of Parmesan from stores like Sam's or Costco to save money.
Before you begin grating, it's best to place the box grater over a chopping board to catch the grated cheese. When grating, it's easier to hold the block of cheese stable and drag the grater over it, rather than moving the block of cheese. This will help you avoid grating your knuckles!
For the best results, it's recommended to grate hard cheese when it's cold. Cold cheese is less likely to stick together or clog the holes in your grater. Additionally, freshly grated hard cheese, like Parmesan, will melt smoothly into a sauce when finely grated, enhancing the taste of your dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Why Does It Smell So Good?
You may want to see also
Using a food processor
Shredding hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Romano, using a food processor is a quick and easy process. It can save you time and effort compared to manually grating the cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, prepare your food processor by attaching the shredding disc to the drive shaft in the centre of the work bowl. The shredding disc will have cutouts that resemble those on a box grater. If your food processor does not have a shredding disc, you may want to consider upgrading to one that does, as this will make grating cheese much easier.
Next, cut your block of cheese into large chunks. Place a chunk of cheese into the feed tube of the food processor, ensuring it rests on the shredding disc. Apply pressure with the food pusher and turn on the processor. You will see the cheese transform into beautifully shredded pieces in just a few seconds. Repeat this process until you have shredded all your cheese.
If you are creating ground Parmesan or Romano to sprinkle on pizza or pasta, you can achieve a powdery texture by skipping the shredding disc. Cut the cheese into 1-inch pieces and place them directly into the food processor work bowl. Pulse the processor until the cheese reaches the desired consistency. This type of finely ground Parmesan can be easily incorporated into breading mixtures or salad dressings, adding a boost of flavour.
Kraft Parmesan Cheese: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a blender
Grating hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Romano, in a blender is a quick and easy way to prepare your cheese. It is also a cost-effective method, as you can buy a block of fresh cheese and grate it at home, rather than buying pre-packaged grated cheese. Grating your own cheese also means you avoid the anti-caking agents added to pre-grated cheese, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into your dishes.
To shred your hard cheese in a blender, you will first need to cut the cheese into one to two-inch cubes. Then, place the cubes into your blender and use the speed button to set it to the desired level. The speed and duration of blending will depend on the type of blender you are using and how fine you want your grated cheese to be. For example, if you are using a Vitamix blender, it is recommended to use speed five or six and blend for 15-30 seconds. You can also pulse the blender until the cheese reaches your desired consistency.
Blenders are also much easier to clean than a Microplane or grater, and you can grate a large batch of cheese in a blender in a matter of seconds.
Moldy Reggiano Parmesan: Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Storing leftover grated cheese
Grated hard cheeses like parmesan and romano should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The container will help prevent moisture from getting to the cheese, which can cause clumping and ruin the flavour. It will also stop the cheese from drying out.
To further prevent clumping, you can add a little cornstarch to your grated cheese. It's best to use the cheese within two weeks of storing it, as it will taste best and be least likely to clump.
If you want to store your grated cheese for longer, you can freeze it. Frozen shredded parmesan can last for three to six months. However, freezing may slightly alter the flavour of the cheese.
When storing hard cheeses like parmesan and romano in the refrigerator, it's important to wrap them to prevent them from drying out and to stop them from absorbing other smells. You can use wax paper, parchment paper, cheesecloth, or plastic wrap. Covering the cheese block in aluminium foil can also help prevent it from drying out and absorbing other smells.
Parmesan Cheese: High in Acid or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to shred hard cheese, including using a box grater, a Microplane grater, or a food processor. A box grater is a good option for achieving a smooth, creamy sauce, while a Microplane grater is better for creating wispy shreds that melt easily into sauces. A food processor is a fast and easy way to shred large amounts of cheese, but it may not produce the finest texture.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives, which can affect the taste and prevent the cheese from melting properly. Shredding your own cheese can also be more economical and allow you to control the texture and freshness of the cheese.
Freshly shredded hard cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded cheese in containers or freezer bags. Label and date the containers before freezing.
