Andy Montoya
Shredded cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a savoury, rich flavour. It is a convenient way to enhance the taste of almost any meal, whether it be hot or cold. From light sprinkles on salads to fistfuls in casseroles, shredded cheese can be used to create silky sauces, golden crusts, or a simple cheese melt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby Jack, Parmesan, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Provolone, etc. |
| Texture | Soft, melty, gooey, stretchy, creamy, crispy |
| Flavour | Savoury, rich, nutty, salty, spicy, sharp |
| Use | Sprinkle, handful, topping, stuffing, melting, blending |
| Dish | Casseroles, soups, salads, dips, sauces, sandwiches, quesadillas, pasta, pizzas, lasagna, scrambled eggs, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Casseroles, soups, salads, and dips
Shredded cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a rich, savoury flavour to casseroles, soups, salads and dips.
For casseroles, a good melting cheese like cheddar, American or mozzarella works best as it disperses evenly and creates a stretchy, gooey texture. You can add broccoli, chicken and rice to your casserole, along with shredded cheese, for a hearty, tasty dish.
Soups are another great option for using shredded cheese. It can be added to most soups to create a creamy, cheesy flavour. For example, a simple bowl of vegetable soup can be transformed into a cheesy delight with the addition of shredded cheese.
Salads can also benefit from the inclusion of shredded cheese. A sharp, cold cheese can add a nice bite to veggie salads. For example, a classic Caesar salad can be enhanced with shredded Parmesan cheese, adding a nutty, salty flavour.
Shredded cheese is also perfect for dips. Whether it's a simple cheese dip or something more complex like a beer-cheese sauce, shredded cheese is a great base. You can also add shredded cheese to your favourite dip recipe to add a cheesy twist, such as a creamy, spinach dip with artichokes and shredded mozzarella.
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Sandwiches and quesadillas
Shredded cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of your sandwiches and quesadillas. Here are some ideas on how to use shredded cheese in these dishes:
Sandwiches
The classic grilled cheese sandwich can be taken up a notch by using shredded cheese. For a simple yet delicious option, use shredded cheddar cheese with jalapeños for a spicy kick. Alternatively, try a Kraut Grilled Cheese, made with sourdough bread, house-made kraut, and a generous amount of shredded raw cheddar cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of bread, such as gluten-free bagels or sourdough, and add toppings like shredded jalapeños or fresh herbs.
Another option is to create a pear sandwich with a surprising twist. Add a topping of melted cheese to complement the sweetness of the pear. You can also use shredded cheese in a cold sandwich by adding it to a veggie side or pimiento cheese spread, giving it a sharp bite.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a perfect canvas for shredded cheese. You can make comfort food quesadillas with shredded cheese, which can be a quick and satisfying dinner or snack. Try a chicken and vegetable quesadilla, or get creative with your own fillings. For a vegetarian-friendly breakfast option, experiment with different combinations of vegetables, beans, and cheeses.
Shredded cheese blends, such as Mexican or Italian blends, can be a great way to add a variety of cheese flavors to your quesadillas without any extra effort. You can also mix and match different types of shredded cheese to create your own unique blend.
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Pasta and pizza
Pasta
Shredded cheese can be used as a finishing touch for pasta. While some people prefer hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmigiano, Pecorino, or Asiago, others recommend shredded mozzarella for baked pasta dishes. Mozzarella is also a good option for pasta salads and cold dishes like caprese salad.
If you're making a pasta dish with a cheese sauce, you can use sharp cheddar and white cheddar. First, make a basic white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in flour and milk. Then, add cream cheese and grated cheddar until melted. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and serve immediately. This recipe works well with pasta shapes like bowtie, penne, linguine, or radiatore.
Pizza
Mozzarella is the most popular choice of cheese for pizza, but there are many other options. Low-moisture mozzarella is best for pizza as it has a longer shelf life and melts faster when baked. It is also saltier and tangier than high-moisture mozzarella. Other cheeses that can be used on pizza include cheddar, fontina, smoked gouda, pepper jack, gouda, muenster, provolone, raclette, and parmesan. Parmesan should be sprinkled on top of freshly baked pizzas as a garnish rather than being baked in the oven.
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Breakfasts
Shredded cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious breakfast options. Here are some ideas for breakfasts using shredded cheese:
Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
A breakfast casserole is a great option to feed a crowd and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. Start by combining shredded cheese with eggs, sausage, and bread in a baking dish. You can also add vegetables like peppers, onions, and spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together, bake in the oven, and you'll have a hearty and savory breakfast casserole that everyone will love.
Breakfast Pizza
Breakfast pizza is a fun and unique way to enjoy shredded cheese in the morning. Start with a pre-made pizza base or make your own dough for a more rustic approach. Top the pizza with shredded cheese, eggs, bacon, and any other favorite breakfast ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and you'll have a delicious and satisfying breakfast pizza.
Cheesy Eggs
Shredded cheese can take your morning eggs to the next level. Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas. You can also create a delicious egg and cheese sandwich by melting shredded cheese over fried or scrambled eggs and serving them on toasted bread with your choice of toppings, such as spinach, tomatoes, or avocado.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be made with shredded cheese and tortillas. Simply sprinkle shredded cheese onto a tortilla, fold it in half, and heat it in a pan until the cheese is melted. For a heartier breakfast, add fillings such as beans, vegetables, or meat to your quesadillas. You can even serve them with a side of salsa or guacamole for a tasty breakfast treat.
Cheesy Potatoes
Shredded cheese can transform simple breakfast potatoes into a decadent treat. Try making cheesy hash browns by mixing shredded potatoes with shredded cheese and forming them into patties before frying. Alternatively, bake shredded cheese over breakfast potatoes or roasted potato wedges for a crispy and cheesy topping. You can also create cheese and potato breakfast bakes by layering sliced potatoes with shredded cheese and baking them until melted and bubbly.
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Baked potatoes
First, choose the right type of potatoes. For baked potatoes, it's best to use floury potatoes such as russets, which have a fluffy and light texture when baked. Prick the potatoes with a fork or make small slits with a knife before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding. You can also drizzle them with olive oil and wrap them in foil to speed up cooking and keep the moisture in.
Now, let's talk about the cheese! For a classic flavour, shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice for baked potatoes. It melts well and has a sharp flavour that pairs nicely with the potato. You can also try other shredded cheeses such as Colby-Jack, Red Leicester, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses like cheddar and jack cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with Gruyère, Gouda, or muenster for a sharper taste.
Once your potatoes are baked and slightly cooled, cut a slit in the top and scoop out the fluffy interior into a bowl. Mix the potato with butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, and of course, shredded cheese. You can also add other ingredients like green onions, bacon, or ham for a heartier dish.
Finally, stuff the cheesy mixture back into the potato shells and bake again until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with additional shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, or chives for a delicious, comforting meal.
So, the next time you're looking for a cheesy dish to warm you up, try making loaded baked potatoes with shredded cheese. They're crispy, fluffy, and oh-so-cheesy!
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some quick and easy ideas:
- Casseroles
- Soups
- Salads
- Crispy sandwiches
- Creamy dips
- Quesadillas
- Pasta
Shredded cheese can be used in a variety of creative ways to add flavour and nutrition to your meals. Here are some ideas:
- Add to scrambled eggs
- Make cheesy sauces for pasta or potatoes
- Use in a grilled cheese sandwich with jalapeños
- Sprinkle on top of veggie sides or pimiento cheese spread
- Mix into muffin batters
Shredded cheese is a convenient way to add a melty, savoury, and rich flavour to your dishes. It melts easily and can be used in a variety of hot and cold dishes. Shredded cheese also freezes well and can be used without thawing, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
