Andy Montoya
Grating your own Parmesan cheese is a great way to ensure it's fresh and flavourful. While there are many ways to grate Parmesan cheese, using a food processor is a quick and easy method. Cuisinart food processors are a popular choice for this task, and there are a few different blades that can be used to achieve the desired consistency. One option is to use the regular metal blade that comes with the food processor. Another option is to use a fine grater disc or shredding disc, which will give you a finer texture similar to that of shredded Parmesan. To avoid the cheese clumping or overheating, some people recommend freezing the cheese cubes before processing them and spraying the blades with cooking spray.
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What You'll Learn
Using a food processor
Grating parmesan cheese with a Cuisinart food processor is a convenient and quick option. Firstly, it is recommended to cut the parmesan into 1-inch cubes or chunks. Some sources suggest freezing the cheese for an hour before grating to prevent it from heating up and clumping in the processor.
Next, fit the food processor with the regular metal blade. Some sources suggest using a fine grater disc for the best results. Spray the blades with cooking spray before use.
Place the cheese into the food processor bowl and secure the lid. Pulse the food processor in 3-second increments until the cheese reaches the desired consistency. The process will be loud at first, but it will become quieter as the cheese breaks down. For a powdery texture, continue processing for a minute or two.
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Cuisinart blade types
Cuisinart is a popular brand of food processors, and using one is a quick and easy way to grate Parmesan cheese. While Cuisinart food processors come with a variety of blades, it is not necessary to use a grating attachment to grate Parmesan cheese.
The Cuisinart DLC-196ATX Replacement Stainless Steel Chopping/Mixing Blade is a popular blade for Cuisinart food processors. It fits the Cuisinart DLC-1 Series and is a good replacement for the original blade. Customers report that it works well and performs like new, but some have mentioned that the plastic holding the blade does not last very long and that the blade eventually cracks.
Another blade option for Cuisinart food processors is the regular metal blade that comes with the food processor. This blade can be used to grate Parmesan cheese by first chopping the cheese into 1-inch pieces and then adding them to the food processor bowl. The result is a powdery texture that can be easily incorporated into breading mixtures or salad dressings.
It is important to note that using a food processor to grate Parmesan cheese can cause overheating and damage to the machine. It is recommended to cut the cheese into small pieces and pulse until the desired texture is achieved to avoid this issue. Additionally, some people prefer to use a Microplane to grate Parmesan cheese, as it creates fine shreds that are ideal for adding to pasta dishes.
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Preparing the cheese
Firstly, cut the block of cheese into 1-inch pieces or cubes. Some sources suggest freezing the cheese cubes for about an hour before placing them in the food processor to prevent the cheese from heating up and clumping. However, this step is not mandatory.
Next, place the blade into the food processor and lock it into place. The blade used will depend on the desired consistency of the grated cheese. For a fine, powdery texture, a fine grater disc or shredding disc can be used. If you are looking for a shaved quality, a propeller blade may be a better option. For a rotary grater, a Microplane can be used to create fine shreds of cheese.
Finally, add the cheese cubes to the food processor bowl and secure the top. Pulse the food processor in short increments until the desired consistency is achieved. At first, the machine will be loud, but as the cheese breaks down, it will get quieter. For a powdery texture, continue processing for about a minute or two.
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Grating techniques
Grating your own Parmesan cheese is a great way to ensure freshness and flavour. It is also more economical than buying pre-grated cheese. While you can use a box grater or a Microplane, a food processor is a quick and easy way to grate large quantities of Parmesan cheese.
When using a food processor, it is important to cut the cheese into small pieces first, usually 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces. This helps the cheese grate evenly and ensures that it will fit into the processor. You can then add the pieces to the bowl of the food processor fitted with the regular metal blade. It is important not to overfill the bowl. For a 1-1/2 pound wedge of cheese, process half at a time. Turn on the processor and let it run until the cheese reaches the desired texture. Depending on the hardness of the cheese, you may need to stop and check periodically to make sure there are no chunky bits left.
If you are grating smaller amounts of Parmesan cheese, a Microplane is a good option. This handheld grater is easy to use and creates fine shreds of cheese that fall out the other side. Simply run the cheese along the surface of the Microplane, and the shreds can be added directly to your dish.
For medium quantities of grated Parmesan, a box grater can be used. For Parmesan, it is best to use the side of the box grater with the smaller holes.
Once you have grated your Parmesan cheese, you can store it in the freezer to have ready to add to recipes. It can be frozen in containers or bags, or you can use mason jars, which are convenient for pulling out the desired amount to use.
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Storing grated cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese can be stored in a few different ways to maintain its freshness and flavour. One popular method is to freeze the grated cheese. This can be done by placing the grated Parmesan in a freezer bag, distributing it evenly, and leaving enough room in the bag for the cheese to expand. Seal the bag almost closed, leaving room to insert a straw. This method helps the cheese last longer and maintains its flavour and texture. It is important to note that incorrectly freezing cheese or freezing it for too long can result in a loss of flavour and a crumbly texture. Therefore, it is recommended to freeze grated Parmesan in portions that can be used up before it loses its quality.
Another option for storing grated Parmesan cheese is to use vacuum sealing. This method helps to preserve the cheese and maintain its freshness. The cheese can be portioned into reasonable amounts, wrapped in parchment or wax paper, and then vacuum-sealed. It can be stored in the freezer and thawed as needed. While it may not be perfect after thawing, it will still be usable and mould-free.
Some people also suggest using cheese waxing as a long-term storage method for cheese. This involves melting wax specifically designed for cheese and painting it onto the surface of the cheese. This creates a protective layer that helps to preserve the cheese.
Additionally, when storing grated Parmesan cheese, it is important to avoid the dried, grated variety that comes in cardboard tube containers as these tend to be dry and tasteless. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stored properly, will result in a fragrant, softly textured addition to your dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The best blade to use for grating parmesan cheese in a Cuisinart food processor is the regular metal blade.
Cut the parmesan into 1-inch cubes and place them in the food processor. Spray the blades with cooking spray. Pulse the food processor in 3-second increments until the parmesan reaches the desired consistency.
Yes, you can grate parmesan cheese in a Cuisinart food processor.
Alternatives to using a Cuisinart to grate parmesan cheese include using a Microplane, a rotary grater, or a box grater.
