Frederic Melton
Dried-out cheese can be revived and used in cooking, although it may not melt as well as it would have before drying out due to its lower moisture content. There are several ways to use dried-out cheese, such as grating it over soups or salads, blending it and using it as a topping, or making a Fromage fort, a French dip that can be served with bread or crackers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dried-out cheese melt? | Yes, dried-out cheese can still melt, but not as well as it would have before drying out due to its lower moisture content. |
| How to improve melting | Rehydrate the cheese by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and placing it in an airtight bag for a day or two. |
| How to use dried-out cheese | Trim the dry outer parts of the cheese to reveal a softer interior. Alternatively, grate or blend the cheese and use it as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad. Dried-out cheese can also be used to make Fromage fort, a French dip or spread. |
| How to store dried-out cheese | Store dried-out cheese in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze it for up to two months. |
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What You'll Learn
Dried-out cheese can be melted
If you're looking to cook with dried-out cheese, there are several options to consider. Firstly, dried-out cheese can be grated and added to soups or other dishes. Grated dried cheese can also be baked and then cooled to make cheese tuiles, which are crispy, melted, and then crisped as they cool.
Additionally, dried-out cheese can be blended and used as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salads. You can also make a Fromage fort, a highly customizable French dip for bread and crackers that can be stored in the fridge.
It's important to note that dried-out cheese may have a less appealing texture and that the lower moisture content can affect its meltability. However, with some creativity and experimentation, dried-out cheese can still be enjoyed in various melted forms.
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Rehydrating dried cheese
Dried-out cheese can be rehydrated, and there are several ways to do this. One way is to trim off the dry exterior to reveal a softer interior. You can then sprinkle it over casseroles, roll it up in corn tortillas, or use it as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad. If you want to melt the cheese, it may be better to rehydrate it first.
One method of rehydration is to wrap the dry scraps in a damp paper towel and place them in a Ziploc bag or container for a day or two. Another method is to spritz the cheese with water and let it sit until it is rehydrated. Freeze-dried cheese can be rehydrated with room temperature or warm water, but boiling water is best. Be aware that the cheese can clump if not stirred thoroughly during the rehydration process.
Rehydrated cheese forms a soft, melted-looking mass, which can be spread, rolled, or used in cooking. It can also be used to make Fromage fort, a French dip that uses up cheese scraps. You can also throw the dried cheese into a blender with other leftover cheeses to make a cheese dip.
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How to prevent cheese from drying out
Dried-out cheese can be used in several ways, such as blending it and using it as a topping for rice, roasted veggies, beans, or salad. It can also be used to make Fromage fort, a highly customizable French dip for bread and crackers. However, to prevent your cheese from drying out in the first place, there are several methods you can try.
Firstly, when storing cheese, avoid using plastic wrap as it can cause the cheese to taste like plastic or ammonia due to a lack of breathability. Instead, opt for cheese bags or cheese paper, which are porous and allow the cheese to breathe while protecting it from excessive air exposure. Formaticum is a manufacturer that produces cheese bags made of wax-coated paper and porous polyethylene plastic, which effectively balances moisture retention and evaporation. If you don't have access to cheese paper, you can wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then place it in a partially sealed plastic bag. This creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, preventing direct contact.
Additionally, for harder varieties of cheese, you can apply a thin layer of butter or margarine to the cut sides. This creates a protective layer that slows oxidation and discourages mold growth due to the high fat content. Reapply butter each time you cut into the cheese.
For soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and chèvre, it is recommended to keep them sealed in their original containers. If you have a larger piece of mozzarella, removing it from the brining solution and wrapping it in plastic can extend its freshness. Replacing the plastic each time you open it can further enhance freshness. Smaller chunks of soft cheese are more susceptible to drying out and should be kept in the brining solution.
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Using dried-out cheese in recipes
Dried-out cheese can still be eaten and used in recipes. While the texture may not be ideal, it is safe to consume. Here are some ways to use dried-out cheese in your cooking:
Grating
Grate dried-out cheese over salads, side dishes, sauces, or any dish that could benefit from some extra cheese flavour. Grating is a simple way to incorporate dried-out cheese into your meals without having to worry about the texture.
Rehydration
You can rehydrate dried-out cheese by wrapping the scraps in a damp paper towel and placing them in an airtight container for a day or two. This will help restore some moisture to the cheese, making it softer and more palatable.
Fromage Fort
Fromage fort, which translates to "strong cheese," is a versatile French dip that can be made with dried-out cheese scraps. Simply mix the cheese with any combination of herbs, olives, artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, or bacon bits. You can serve it immediately or let the flavours meld in the fridge. Fromage fort can be served as a dip for bread and crackers or spread on slices of bread and broiled for a toasty treat.
Soups and Stocks
Add dried-out cheese to your soup or stock. The heat will help soften the cheese, and it will add a boost of flavour to your broth. You can also add cheese rinds, such as those from Parmigiano Reggiano, to your soup for extra flavour.
Toppings
Give dried-out cheese a quick blend in a food processor to create a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad. Blending the cheese will help break down the hard texture, making it easier to sprinkle over your favourite dishes.
Remember, when using dried-out cheese, avoid any moulds that are red or black, as these can indicate that the cheese is no longer safe to eat. Blue, green, white, or grey mould can be cut off, and the remaining cheese can be safely consumed.
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How dried-out cheese differs from fresh cheese
Fresh cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, is cheese that has not been aged or pressed into moulds. It should be stored in its original packaging, with the water changed every couple of days, and will last between 7 to 10 days in the fridge. Fresh cheese has a higher water content, which means it is more likely to go bad.
Dried-out cheese, on the other hand, has a lower moisture content, which means it is less likely to spoil. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Gouda, Pecorino Romano, or cheddar are examples of cheeses that are less likely to dry out and can last three to four weeks in the fridge.
While dried-out cheese may not be as appetising as fresh cheese due to its harder texture, it is still safe to eat. One way to revitalise dried-out cheese is to trim away the dry outer layers to reveal a softer interior. Another option is to blend the dried-out cheese in a food processor and use it as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad. Additionally, dried-out cheese scraps can be used to make Fromage fort, a French dip that can be served with bread, crackers, or vegetables.
When it comes to melting, dried-out cheese may not melt as well as fresh cheese due to its lower moisture content. However, it will still melt, resembling the way hard cheeses melt. To improve the melting ability of dried-out cheese, it can be rehydrated by wrapping the scraps in a damp paper towel and storing them in an airtight container for a day or two.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dried-out cheese will still melt, although not as well as it would have before drying out due to its lower moisture content.
To improve the meltability of dried-out cheese, you can try rehydrating it by wrapping the dry scraps in a damp paper towel and storing them in an airtight container for a day or two.
Besides melting, dried-out cheese can be grated or blended and used as a topping for rice, roasted vegetables, beans, or salad. It can also be used to make Fromage fort, a highly customizable French dip for bread and crackers.
To prevent cheese from drying out, it is important to store it properly. Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, but it may dry out or turn hard. To maintain freshness, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container or plastic bag.
