Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese that is notoriously difficult to grate. While pre-grated Parmesan is available in stores, it is often more expensive and contains preservatives. Grating your own Parmesan cheese is a more economical option and results in a fresher, healthier product. There are several methods you can use to grate Parmesan cheese, including using a Microplane, a box grater, a food processor, or a blender. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on the quantity of cheese you need to grate and your personal preferences.
Characteristics and Values Table for Shredding Parmesan Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese Grater | Microplane, Box Grater, Blender, Food Processor |
| Type of Cheese | Parmesan Cheese |
| Quantity | Small, Medium, Large |
| Texture | Fine, Coarse |
| Time | Under a Minute |
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What You'll Learn
Using a blender
Grating Parmesan cheese with a blender is a quick and easy way to get freshly grated cheese for your favourite recipes. It is also much easier to clean than a Microplane or a food processor.
First, cut the Parmesan into one to two-inch pieces. Place the chunks into the blender and use the speed button to set it to the desired level, depending on your blender model. For a Vitamix blender, Blender Babes recommends using speed five or six and blending for 15-30 seconds. However, this will vary depending on your blender model and how finely you want your Parmesan to be grated.
If you are using a food processor, attach the shredding disc and slowly feed a large chunk of cheese through the feed tube. If your model does not have a shredding disc, you can place the cheese directly into the food processor bowl and pulse until it reaches the desired consistency.
Blending Parmesan cheese is a great way to get freshly grated cheese in just a few seconds. It is also a cost-effective method, as you can buy a block of fresh cheese and grate it at home, rather than purchasing pre-packaged mixes.
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Using a microplane
Grating your own Parmesan cheese with a Microplane is a great way to get fluffy, uniform shreds of cheese. Microplane graters are ideal for delivering restaurant-quality grating in your kitchen. They are designed for hard cheese enthusiasts, enhancing texture and flavour in every meal.
Microplane graters are known for their quality and reliability, with razor-sharp blades and ergonomic handles. They are trusted by chefs worldwide. When grating with a Microplane, you can effortlessly create wispy little curls of cheese that are perfect for pasta, pizza, and salads.
To use a Microplane, you will first need to cut the Parmesan cheese into one to two-inch pieces. Then, hold the Microplane grater over a plate or bowl and gently run the cheese over the sharp surface. The cheese will transform into fluffy, uniform shreds that can be used in your desired dish.
While Microplanes are an excellent choice for grating Parmesan, they can be time-consuming and a bit messy. They are also notoriously difficult to clean due to their tiny holes. If you are looking for a quicker and easier option, you might consider using a blender or a food processor instead.
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Using a box grater
Grating Parmesan cheese with a box grater can be a tedious and messy task, but it is possible to do it efficiently and safely. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shred Parmesan cheese using a box grater:
Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Cheese
Before you start grating, it is important to prepare the Parmesan cheese block. Use a heavy knife to carefully remove any rind from the cheese. It is recommended to cut the cheese into small cubes, roughly 1/4 inch or 1/2 to 1 inch in size. Smaller cubes will result in faster grating, but they will also require more preparation time.
Step 2: Choose the Right Grater Surface
Box graters typically have two common sides: one with larger shredding holes and another with smaller, star-shaped holes. For Parmesan cheese, it is best to use the smaller holes, as they create the perfect shreds for melting and result in a smoother cheese paste. The larger holes can be used if you prefer larger shreds, but they may not melt as well.
Step 3: Grate the Cheese
Hold the box grater firmly on a cutting board or a similar surface. Use a plastic cutting board to minimise mess, as the cheese will be easier to pick up. Start grating the Parmesan cheese cubes by running them against the chosen grater surface. Be careful to avoid applying too much pressure, as it can result in the cheese becoming over-shredded or even breaking the grater.
Step 4: Collect and Store the Shredded Cheese
As you grate, the cheese will accumulate on the cutting board or the surface below. Use a measuring cup or a similar container to collect the shredded cheese. If you are not using the cheese immediately, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be stored for up to seven days.
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Using a food processor
Grating Parmesan cheese in a food processor is a quick and easy process. It is also a safer alternative to manually grating cheese with a box grater or microplane, which can sometimes lead to cut knuckles.
To get started, ensure that your food processor has a shredding disc or blade attachment. If you are unsure, refer to your processor’s owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. Affix the drive shaft to the centre of the food processor work bowl, then attach the disc or blade to the drive shaft.
Next, cut the Parmesan into rough cubes or chunks of about 1/2 to 1 inch in size. You can use a large, sharp knife to carefully remove the rind from the cheese, but it is okay to leave a thin layer of cheese attached to the rind to save time and prevent accidents. Place the cheese cubes into the bowl of the food processor, ensuring it is not overfilled. For a 1-1/2 pound wedge of cheese, process half at a time.
Turn on the food processor and let it run until the cheese reaches the desired texture. The time required can vary depending on the texture and consistency you are aiming for, as well as the hardness of the cheese. For example, it takes approximately two minutes to process a pound of Parmesan cheese into a coarse texture, and three minutes for a fine texture. You may need to stop and check periodically, processing further if there are still some chunky bits. If you are creating ground Parmesan to sprinkle on pizza and pasta, you can skip the shredding disc and place the cheese directly into the food processor work bowl. Cut the cheese into 1-inch pieces and pulse until the cheese has a powdery texture.
Once you have achieved the desired consistency, you can use the grated Parmesan immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Grated Parmesan can also be frozen in containers or bags for later use.
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Buying pre-grated parmesan
Pre-grated parmesan cheese is a convenient option for those who want to save time and effort in the kitchen. It is a popular choice for those who use a lot of grated parmesan in their cooking and want to add a zesty flavour to their dishes. However, it is important to note that commercially packaged pre-grated parmesan cheese often contains stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and preservatives, which may affect the taste and quality of the cheese.
When buying pre-grated parmesan, it is recommended to purchase it from a store that moves a lot of products to ensure the cheese is freshly grated. Look for stores that offer store-grated aged parmesan cheese, which is simply a chunk of aged parmesan that has been grated and packaged. This variety is more likely to be free of additives and preservatives and will have more in common with real, aged parmesan cheese.
It is also important to taste the cheese to ensure it aligns with your expectations. If you are a frequent user of parmesan, you will likely be familiar with the signature taste of aged parmesan and can identify any deviations in flavour. Additionally, buying from a store with high product turnover ensures that you are getting freshly grated cheese that has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
While pre-grated parmesan offers convenience, some people prefer to buy blocks or wedges of parmesan to avoid additives and preservatives. Grating your own parmesan allows you to control the ingredients and ensures that you are consuming pure, authentic parmesan cheese. However, it does require more effort and equipment, such as a grater or food processor. Ultimately, the decision between buying pre-grated parmesan or grating it yourself depends on your personal preferences, the intended use of the cheese, and your priorities regarding convenience and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a Microplane, box grater, blender, or food processor.
Microplanes are ideal for grating small quantities of hard cheeses. They are also easy to use and can be used for zesting citrus.
Box graters are suitable for grating medium quantities of cheese. They can also produce a smoother cheese paste compared to a Microplane.
Blenders and food processors are useful when you need to grate large quantities of cheese quickly and with minimal effort.
Shredding your own Parmesan cheese can be more economical, and it also avoids the addition of preservatives, which can affect the melting properties of the cheese.
