Kamil Perry
Dehydrated cheese is a valuable high-protein food with an extended shelf life, making it a great option for emergency supplies and outdoor adventures. Dehydrating cheese at home is a simple process that involves grating or slicing cheese and placing it on dehydrator trays. The cheese is then dried at low temperatures to prevent burning and maintain its nutritional value. Once dehydrated, the cheese can be stored in airtight containers and used in various dishes such as trail mix, granola, popcorn, and sauces. Dehydrated cheese adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour to your favourite snacks and meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Extend the shelf life of homemade cheese, add to trail mix, granola, emergency supplies, bug out bag, etc. |
| Preparation | Cube cheese into 1/2 inch cubes, or grate the cheese, place in a single layer on a dehydrator tray, dry at a low temperature, break apart if stuck together |
| Taste | Mild, sweet and caramel-y with a hint of saltiness, crunchy and chewy |
| Texture | Crunchy, may be lightly browned, no rubberiness |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, will last for several months in cold storage, longer if vacuum-sealed |
| Other Uses | Grind into a powder and use as a spice mix, add to white sauce, add to Caesar salad dressing, make cheese popcorn |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydrated cheese as a seasoning
Dehydrated cheese can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes. The process of dehydration extends the shelf life of cheese and makes it more portable and available for use. Dehydrated cheese can be ground into a powder and used as a seasoning or spice mix. Here are some ways to use dehydrated cheese as a seasoning:
- Cheese Popcorn : One popular use for dehydrated cheese is to sprinkle it on freshly popped popcorn. The heat from the popcorn will help the cheese stick to it. You can experiment with different types of cheeses, such as Gorgonzola Bacon, Asiago Rosemary, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Aged Cheddar, to find your favorite flavor combinations.
- Salad Dressing : Dehydrated cheese can be added to salad dressings, such as Caesar salad dressing, as a substitute for Parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor to the dressing.
- Trail Mix or Granola : Dehydrated cheese can be added to trail mix or granola to provide protein, minerals, and vitamins. It adds a crunchy texture and a cheesy flavor to the mix.
- White Sauce : Powdered dehydrated cheese can be added to a white sauce to create a delicious cheese sauce. This can be used as a topping for vegetables, pasta, or as a dip.
- Baking : Dehydrated cheese can be used in baking to add flavor to breads, biscuits, or crackers. For example, you can add it to herb parmesan biscuits or cheese bread.
When making dehydrated cheese, it is important to control the temperature to prevent the cheese from burning or becoming too oily. Grating the cheese before dehydration can help it dry more quickly and evenly, but it may also encourage mould formation due to increased handling. Slicing the cheese and placing it on a ventilated tray is another option.
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Dehydrated cheese in trail mix
Dehydrated cheese is a great addition to a trail mix. It adds protein, minerals, vitamins, and fibre to your snack, making it a more filling option. It is also a versatile ingredient, with a sweet and salty taste, a chewy texture, and a long shelf life.
To make dehydrated cheese for your trail mix, start by cutting the cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. You can also grate the cheese, but this will take longer to dehydrate and will result in a clump of cheese that will need to be broken up. Place the cheese in a single layer on a dehydrator tray and put it in the coolest spot in the dehydrator. Dehydrating the cheese at a low temperature will prevent the sugars in the cheese from burning. Rotate the trays every 12 hours and test for doneness. The cheese should be hard and crunchy and may be lightly browned.
Once the cheese is dehydrated, allow it to cool completely before adding it to your trail mix. You can break the cheese into smaller pieces to ensure a more uniform mix. In addition to dehydrated cheese, your trail mix can include ingredients such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grain or high-fibre cereal, and roasted peanuts.
Dehydrated cheese is a great way to add flavour and nutrition to your trail mix, and it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you're hiking or just looking for a satisfying snack, dehydrated cheese trail mix is a perfect option.
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Dehydrated cheese in granola
Dehydrated cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including granola. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating dehydrated cheese into your granola:
Firstly, choose your cheese. Any variety of cheese can be dehydrated, but harder cheeses such as cheddar or feta are popular choices due to their strong flavour and firm texture. If you are using a softer cheese, it may be easier to grate or shred it before dehydration. Once you have selected your cheese, cut it into thin slices or cubes of approximately ½ inch in size. It is important to note that the size and shape of the cheese pieces may vary depending on your preferred method of dehydration and the desired texture in your granola.
Before dehydration, it is recommended to age your cheese in the refrigerator for around 5-8 days. This allows the cheese to develop a deeper flavour and reduces its moisture content, which can impact the dehydration process. After ageing, remove any excess moisture from the cheese by blotting it with paper towels or, in the case of very moist cheeses, rubbing the surface with salt and allowing it to absorb the moisture over 12 hours.
To dehydrate the cheese, you will need a food dehydrator. There are various types available, but the key factor is to ensure even and gentle heat distribution. Set your dehydrator to a temperature between 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid cooking the cheese instead of dehydrating it. Place the cheese slices or cubes in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving some space between the pieces to allow for airflow. The dehydration process can take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours, depending on the size and moisture content of the cheese, so it is important to regularly check on its progress. Rotate the trays every 12 hours and test for doneness by feeling the texture of the cheese – it should be hard and crunchy when fully dehydrated.
Once your cheese is dehydrated, allow it to cool completely before adding it to your granola. Dehydrated cheese can be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed for extended periods, making it a convenient and long-lasting ingredient. To incorporate it into your granola, simply mix the desired amount of dehydrated cheese into your favourite granola recipe. The cheese will add a savoury, salty, and crunchy element to your granola, making it a unique and tasty breakfast or snack option.
Additionally, you can experiment with different flavours and combinations by grinding the dehydrated cheese into a powder and mixing it with herbs and spices such as chives, parsley, and Himalayan salt. This cheesy spice mix can then be added to your granola for an extra flavour boost. Dehydrated cheese in granola offers a creative way to include the nutritional benefits of cheese, such as protein, minerals, and vitamins, into your breakfast or snack routine.
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Dehydrated cheese in salads
Dehydrated cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add flavour, thickness, and crunch to your salads. Here are some ways to incorporate dehydrated cheese into your salad creations:
Grate or Crumble Over Salads
Dehydrated cheese can be grated or crumbled over salads to add a burst of flavour and a satisfying crunchy texture. The cheese can be grated or crumbled directly onto the salad, or it can be sprinkled on top just before serving. This method is perfect for adding a cheesy element to your salad without making it too heavy.
Mix into Salads
Dehydrated cheese can also be mixed directly into salads. Cut the dehydrated cheese into small cubes or crumble it into tiny pieces, then mix it in with your salad ingredients. This approach ensures that every bite of your salad includes the delicious flavour of cheese.
Use as a Topping for Salad Jars
If you're a fan of meal prep and creating salads in jars, dehydrated cheese is a perfect addition. Simply sprinkle the dehydrated cheese on top of your salad in the jar. When it's time to eat, give the jar a good shake to distribute the cheese throughout the salad. This method keeps the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
Enhance with Dehydrated Cheese Powder
For a more subtle cheesy flavour, you can grind dehydrated cheese into a fine powder and sprinkle it over your salad. The powder will add a delicate cheesiness to your salad without altering the texture significantly. This technique is ideal for those who want just a hint of cheese flavour.
Experiment with Different Cheeses
When using dehydrated cheese in salads, feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses. Harder cheeses such as Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Feta, or Romano work exceptionally well for dehydration. However, you can also try softer cheeses like Cheddar, bearing in mind that they may produce more oil during the dehydration process. Play around with various cheeses to find your favourite for dehydrating and adding to salads!
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Dehydrated cheese as a crunchy snack
Dehydrated cheese can be a great crunchy snack option. It is a valuable high-protein food that is more shelf-stable and portable. Dehydrated cheese can be made at home using a dehydrator or an oven.
To make dehydrated cheese, start with a block of your favourite cheese and shred it into cubes or shreds. The size of the cubes can vary depending on the end use, but smaller sizes tend to dehydrate faster. Place the cheese in a single layer on the dehydrator tray or a cookie sheet fitted with a silicone mat or parchment paper. If using an oven, set the temperature to 170°F and leave the cheese overnight for about eight hours. With a dehydrator, use the lowest temperature setting and rotate the trays every 12 hours, testing for doneness. The cheese is ready when it is hard and crunchy, and may be lightly browned.
Once dehydrated, the cheese can be enjoyed as a crunchy snack on its own or added to trail mix or granola for a protein boost. It can also be ground into a powder and used as a cheesy spice mix or added to sauces and dressings. Dehydrated cheese is a versatile and long-lasting snack option that can be easily made at home.
Some popular types of cheese to dehydrate include cheddar, Parmesan, asiago, and Gouda. Dehydrated cheese can be a healthy and delicious snack option, providing protein, minerals, and vitamins. It is also gluten-free and low-carb, making it a popular choice for those following a Keto diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Dehydrated cheese can be used as a seasoning or spice mix. It can be added to granola, trail mix, popcorn, macaroni, biscuits, salads, and more.
Dehydrated cheese can be made by grating or slicing cheese and placing it on a dehydrator tray. It can then be put in the dehydrator at a low temperature, ideally below 20°C. The cheese will be ready when it is hard and crunchy and may be lightly browned.
Dehydrated cheese can last for several months if stored in a cool, dry place or longer if vacuum-sealed.
Harder cheeses such as Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar are better suited for dehydration. However, other cheeses such as Feta and Gouda can also be used.
