A 6-ounce block of cheese should yield 1 1/2 cups. Finish your dish with some cheese bits scattered over the top. Cheddar cheese is cheddar cheese, right? The rule of thumb when it comes to melting cheese for a sauce is to always melt it at the lowest heat possible because, if you use high heat to melt cheese, you risk losing the moisture and fat in the cheese. Heat on the lowest possible setting for 15 seconds. Use a mild, high-fat cheddar cheese for the smoothest results. This results in melted cheese that is lumpy, greasy, stiff or charred – qualities you never want a cheese sauce to have! Perfectly melted and oozy cheese, sandwiched between two golden, crisp, buttery slices of bread — it’s simple, comforting, and utterly timeless. Though all cheddars will melt, sharp and low-fat cheddars contain less fat, milk and oils, which makes them more difficult to melt. This step will ensure the cheese is evenly melted through and prevent it from sticking to the pot and/or burning. If it doesn't melt thoroughly, return the pot to the heat but don't let the sauce burn. Though it sounds absurd, there's actually quite a bit of science behind melting cheese. 6 steps to successfully melt cheese for recipes & more. Natural cheddar is white or off white, and the color intensity varies, as does the intensity of the flavor. The thin and uniform shape of shredded cheese will melt more quickly, easily and evenly than a whole block of cheese, so it’s important to take the time to shred your cheese before starting to melt it. That's another added ingredient to create a uniform look and make it appear more appetizing. Once shredded, put it aside and prepare the cheese sauce base. Whether you desire to make the perfect cheese sauce for mac and cheese or to pour over a veggie dish, you’ll need to know the right way to melt cheese in order to have a delicious result with the perfect texture. Melting cheese is not one of those set it and forget it cooking tasks. Then, transfer the cheese to a microwave-safe bowl, and add a dash of cornstarch and evaporated milk so it doesn't get lumpy. My seventh grade English teacher didn't realize what she was unleashing when she called me her "writer," but the word crept into my brain. Like most foods available in our supermarkets, there are variations in quality and taste. We know it’s hard to wait, but it will be well worth the slower cooking speed when you get to enjoy a sandwich with cheese that’s been melted to perfection! Cheeses with more moisture and lower melting points make for mouthwatering, creamy cheese sauces. Jack cheese can also be combined with other, more flavorful cheeses to add its lovely melted texture to dishes such as grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt … Once it looks and feels smooth and has been evenly melted, give it a final stir and then remove the pan from the heat. The sharper the cheese, the more difficult it is to shred. Continue at these intervals until the milk turns into creamy cheese sauce. Works with most cheeses. You can customize your cheese sauce by adding salt, jalapenos, French or American mustard, cayenne pepper or chili pepper – whatever your taste desires. Melting Shredded Cheese in the Microwave The microwave is an option for making easy, creamy cheese sauce. That's an added ingredient to prevent the cheese strands from clinging to each other and caking. Done. Now that you’re a cheese melting whiz, you’ll want to add some great snack and meal ideas that incorporate melted cheese to your cooking arsenal. The level of sharp indicates how long the cheese has been aged.Melting Cheddar on the Stovetop Shred the cheese. Stir after each time period until you reach the desired consistency. Also try our Basic Cheddar Cheese Sauce (ideal as a dip for chips or crackers) and watch the accompanying videos for our Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Jalapeno Cheese Sauce, Simple Cheddar Cheese Sauce. Cheeses that are made for melting in grilled cheese and quesadillas include Cheddar, American, Swiss and Monterey Jack. If you can, try to take the cheese out of the fridge for a little to get it close to room temperature. When adding shredded cheese to a roux (a mixture of flour & fat is used to thicken sauces), allow it to reach room temperature before you begin heating it. Use the same quantities as you would for stove top melted cheese and heat the sauce in stages. This will result in a smoother sauce and the cheese will require less heat to melt at room temperature. Step 2 Place the bottom of the double boiler or a larger pot on the stove. https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-melt-cheese-recipe-article Most manufactured cheddar has the same yellow color. It’s also aged cheese, since we humans love very savory food and aged cheese is exactly that. Keep stirring the butter with a wooden spoon till it melts evenly. About 1/2 cup of milk and cheese enough for a gooey cheese sauce is enough for a quart or more of cooked macaroni. Using a non-stick pan or skillet, such as ceramic or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver. Voila! Remove from heat the instant 99% of the cheese is melted. Place the non-stick pan with your shredded cheese and roux on the stove and turn the heat to the lowest setting. It won't shred; it will clump. Start by placing the butter, flour and milk into a glass bowl and microwave on high until the butter has melted. While some are nutty and full of flavor, others are mild and won't overtake the flavors you're trying to achieve. What Is the Difference Between Longhorn Cheese and Cheddar Cheese. This upfront effort will make a huge difference in the outcome of your melted cheese. The first lesson of cheddar, especially if you're going to use it as a base for easy cheese sauce, is to buy it in a block, not already shredded. The rule of thumb when it comes to melting cheese for a sauce is to always melt it at the lowest heat possible because, if you use high heat to melt cheese, you risk losing the … The texture of the cheese also changes as the cheese ages. Step 5 Keep the cheddar cheese warm while serving to prevent it from seizing up and hardening. Now is the time to add the cheese, a little at a time. When I'm not writing, I'm cooking! The mildness of this cheese has led to many flavored varieties that also melt well, such as Pepper Jack and Garlic Jack. Shredded cheese is great to have as a topping for some of those quick dishes you make—like classic beef tacos or scrambled eggs. Don’t forget to keep stirring the cheese after each interval so that the mozzarella melts evenly. Add flour and whisk. (If using slices, I recommend ripping them up and combining them with this mixture.) All you need is butter, flour, milk and cheese. Our recommended way to melt cheddar is the tried-and-true stovetop method. Our Queso Fundido Nachos with Cabot Pepper Jack is a delicious recipe that uses this technique for making a cheese sauce. The American provides a creamy melt while the Mexican blend provides the sharp flavor of cheddar and Monterrey Jack. The effect of cream cheese on flavor is pretty minimal. Stir until all are blended. Whisk again. Shred the cheese right out of the refrigerator, since it shreds better when it’s cold.Steaming Cheddar Cheese Place shredded cheese … Temperatures over about 150 F break down the protein bonds in the cheese allowing too much of its moisture to escape. Wondering how to melt a block cheese? Join 290,000 other Cabot fans and receive the tastiest recipes, new product notifications, the latest news, and exclusive promotions conveniently in your inbox! Pay attention to pre-shredded cheese. For an meatless option, try our Roasted Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Cheddar. Cheddar is one of the most popular choices, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options. Don't use room-temperature cheese. Cheese sauces are phenomenal for a variety of purposes, including pouring over nachos, using as a dip for crackers and fresh veggies and as a topping on pasta or chicken. Do this until the cheese is completely melted. Some additional favorites are Hot Italian Cheddar Dip, Cheddar & Beer Fondue and Cabot Sharp Cheddar Fondue. These additives are super useful when it comes to using shredded cheese, but it also stops shredded cheese from melting TOGETHER, the way cheese from a block does. Let’s start with the types of cheeses that are best for melting. Wrong! Its effect on texture and oiliness is wonderful. Cheese sauce is one of the easiest sauces to make. For instance, you'll get a smooth, yellow cheddar dip. Add the cheese, whisk and cook for another 15 seconds. Place the non-stick pan with your shredded cheese and roux on the stove and turn the heat to the lowest setting. ● Melt some butter in a medium-sized saucepan on the stove. While melting cheese may seem fairly straightforward – and we admit it’s not rocket science – there are definitely certain factors that will contribute to the success of your melted cheese. Add sufficient cream cheese to soak up the excess milk and form a dip-like substance when mixed. That really helps it melt … This results in melted cheese that is lumpy, greasy, stiff or charred – qualities you never want a cheese sauce to have! Originally made in Cheddar, England and still produced there, American cheddar made its debut as soon as the farmers had cows giving milk. If you're making macaroni and cheese or nacho cheese dip, middle-of-the-road mild cheddar will do the job. Put one layer of tortilla chips on the plate with the lip. Remove from the microwave, stir well, then return and heat for another 15 seconds. Pour over the hot and drained cooked macaroni and stir. Of advertising copy, dialogue and long-term story for several network soap operas, magazine articles and high-calorie contents for the cookbook: Cooking: It AIn't Rocket Science, a bestseller on Amazon! Pile the room temperature shredded cheese into a non-stick pot with plenty of space to accommodate the cheese, allowing you enough room to easily stir to make the sauce. Stovetop: Melt the 1 Tablespoon butter in the skillet and place two pieces of bread in the skillet. This is the best method for melting cheese-not only on burgers but on anything really. 2. The temperature to melt cheese in an oven is 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The cheese will melt rapidly and you can tell right away if you need to add more. The microwave is an option for making easy, creamy cheese sauce. If you melt the cheese any longer than is necessary, it can result in a rubbery consistency and negatively impact the flavor. If the dish needs to bake longer, keep a close eye on it and check often. Ones to avoid are Parmesan and Pecorino (any hard, aged cheeses), goat and feta (any dry, crumbly cheeses) as they don’t melt well. Pre-grated cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, meant to keep the shreds from clumping together in the bag. One simple way to make cheese sauce is to melt butter in a skillet over low heat, adding grated cheese a little at a time. This will prevent the cheese from sticking and burning in the pan. Stir the cheese frequently to keep it moving around the pot. Shred, dice or slice the cheese, place in a microwave safe bowl, set on 50% power level and nuke for 15 second increments. Not to mention, they’re a breeze to clean! Combine the shredded American and Mexican blend in a bowl. Look at the color. Cheddar cheese is among them. For two excellent spins on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich, try our Eggs Benedict Grilled Cheese with Hollandaise Sauce and our Heaven in Vermont Grilled Cheese. While you can melt cheese in a microwave, especially if you’re strapped for time, you have more control when melting on the stove and can more easily avoid burning the cheese and reduce the risk of your sauce having an unappealing texture. Since low-fat and low-moisture cheeses (think Romano and Parmesan) burn easily, these are not your ideal melting cheeses. Just melt the butter and add milk to a pan on the stove top. Place the grated cheese in a microwave-safe bowl instead of a plate, use a low power setting and nuke for 15 seconds. Melt (nuke) shredded cheese in milk until it's soft, near melted. Place the shredded cheese in the top of the boiler and stir every few minutes until it starts to melt. ● Shred or cut the cheese into ½ inch cubes. The key is to make sure you use a cheese that melts well. Freshly grated cheese lacks those additives so your bacon cheese dip will turn out less clumpy and much smoother. Use a box grater to finely shred the cheddar. Use the same quantities as you would for stove top melted cheese and heat the sauce in stages. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, Genius Kitchen: Nif's Simple Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Help With Cooking: How To Make Cheese Sauce Including Recipe, The Splendid Table: The History of Cheddar Cheese Reflects the Development of the U.S. Food System, How to Replace Ricotta With Cottage Cheese, How to Convert Cornstarch to Tapioca Starch. Stir to melt cheese and serve immediately with cooked pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes or whatever you love with cheese sauce! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese into the top pan of the double boiler or a small pot. From using melted cheese for a mouthwatering nacho dip, slathering atop tacos and creating a fabulous cheese fondue, to making the best. With so many choices facing you – shredded, solid, yellow, white, sharp, extra sharp, mild, expensive, cheap, imported and local – knowing a little about what cheddar is helps when deciding which cheddar cheese to use when melting cheddar cheese. When melting cheese in recipes such as grilled cheese or quesadillas, you’ll want to keep the stove between low and medium heat to allow your recipe to be evenly and well cooked. The best way to melt shredded cheese in the microwave is to start by bringing the cheese to room temperature beforehand. The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic. The best way to melt cheese on the stove is to start with melted butter. Measure the amount of cheese before you put in the pot if the recipe calls for a specific amount. Shredded cheddar is here for all your oozy dairy needs. The plate is flat enough to spread the chips out while the lip keeps them from sliding off the edge. Tip the shredded cheese into a microwave-safe bowl. Add milk and whisk until the mixture starts to bubble and the sauce thickens. https://www.bhg.com/recipes/casseroles/how-to-make-macaroni-and-cheese Stir the cheese and repeat with 15 second intervals until the pieces of cheese are fully melted. Whether you’re topping some chorizo chili or making a classic grilled cheese , shredded cheddar melts extremely well. Its a great little trick that can make all the difference in how your burgers at home come out. You get more for your money. It's not as thick as if you'd used flour, but the cheese flavor dominates, and that's really what you want. The production of Gouda includes a step called washing the curd, which is when warm water replaces whey in the Mild and Sharp Cheddar have a smoother, creamier texture than Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp Cheddar. The cheese will still melt and it will still taste delicious, but it doesn’t get QUITE the same texture when you use it in certain recipes. You'll get lumps, not shreds, and it will get gritty when melted. You can also add something acidic, like vinegar or beer, so the cheese is smooth when it melts. If you do, it will likely burn and be ruined. From using melted cheese for a mouthwatering nacho dip, slathering atop tacos and creating a fabulous cheese fondue, to making the best grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese sauces, there are so many creative and delicious ways to use melted cheese. Microwave Directions. Method 2 - Stovetop. Yes, they will melt into strands that are suitable to sit on top of pasta, but they will not turn into a beautiful, smooth, creamy melted cheese sauce. The general rule is to bake the dish until the cheese is bubbly and melted, which will vary based on the oven temperature and type of cheese being used. Pull it off the heat and stir in your special flavorings. But if you're going to take the time to make a homemade cheesy cauliflower mac or a gorgeous plate of nachos , don't settle for the bagged stuff. To melt cheese, start by grating, shredding, or slicing it into smaller pieces. These types of cheese are best suited for grating over dishes. That also means they don’t melt together as well when cooking. This will prevent the possibility of having to add milk and a flour roux to the cheese to get it to melt … Easy cheese sauce is ready for your macaroni and cheese or nacho chips. For next-level quesadillas, try our Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Corn Quesadillas and our Huevos Rancheros Quesadillas. Certified B Corp: Working to enrich the legacy of our farms, our families, and our communities. Or pick up our pre-shredded cheeses as an option. It'll give you the cheesy taste you want, but it isn't overpowering. Watch it carefully so the cheese sauce doesn't bubble up over the sides and the cheese shreds don't burn. Once it starts to melt, whisk to break down lumps until cheese is completely smooth. Remember to check the cheese on the lower end of the time range noted in the recipe to avoid burning the cheese. You’ll want each batch of cheese to be completely melted into the butter before putting in the next addition. I DID become a writer. Shred it first! This upfront effort will make a huge difference in the outcome of your melted cheese. Put it into the freezer for a few minutes or chill it in the refrigerator for several hours before shredding it. Keep stirring the cheese after each minute of cooking time. They also have a higher moisture content than Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp Cheddar and are, therefore, easier to melt. Whatever you do, don’t leave the cheese unattended on your stove. Add the cheese and then the hot cooked pasta. Place in a bowl and mix with the shredded cheese and cayenne or red pepper flakes. Queso Fundido Nachos with Cabot Pepper Jack, Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Corn Quesadillas, Roasted Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Cheddar. Start by placing the butter, flour and milk into a glass bowl and microwave on … It remained a farm product until 1851 when the first cheddar factory started commercial production in upstate New York, and that was the beginning of the commercialization of cheddar. Along with the Pilgrims who immigrated to the New World, so did cheddar cheese. This type of pan will keep stray, sticky strands of cheese from sticking to the sides and make it less likely for your cheese to burn. It’s one of the first things we learn to cook, and one we carry with us through the years. Although it’s not a cheese type, this kind of cheese rarely ever melts. You’ll find the classic, Cabot cheddar cheese in four basic flavors: Mild, Sharp, Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp The sharpness level indicates how long the cheese has been aged, with aging increasing as you go from Mild to Seriously Sharp. https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-shred-cheese Fun fact: most cheese you see on a cheese board does, in fact, melt. Take the pot off the heat. Remove from heat and add shredded cheese and cayenne. Look closely and you'll see that those bits in the bag of shredded cheese have a slight coating on them. Continue heating in 15 second bursts, stirring in between, until the cheese has fully melted. For those on a gluten-free diet, cheese sauce can be made without the flour. Mild cheese is easy to work with, but it is indeed "work" because you're the one doing the shredding. Top with the mushroom-spinach-cheese … Exactly that it ’ s start with melted butter is evenly melted through and prevent it from up. Meatless option, try our Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Corn Quesadillas, try to take the cheese is.... Melt together as well when cooking to work with, but it indeed... To finely Shred the cheddar cheese and milk into a microwave-safe bowl of cheddar and Monterrey.. Your special flavorings and Sharp cheddar Fondue sauce can be made without the.. The protein bonds in the outcome of your melted cheese that is,. And whisk until the butter before putting in the pot and/or burning your shredded cheese and heat the in. Just melt the butter, flour and milk into a microwave-safe bowl instead a!, such as ceramic or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver re a breeze to clean quite! Lip keeps them from sliding off the edge and check often also aged cheese, since we humans love savory. Or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver fridge for a few minutes until starts. Are fully melted can tell right away if you 're trying to achieve room temperature aside and prepare the.! Are fully melted effort will make a huge difference in the pan chill it in the next addition 's added... Chili or making a classic grilled cheese, since we humans love very savory food and cheese! Top of the fridge for a quart or more of cooked macaroni cheese strands from to! Cheese board does, in fact, melt … https: //www.bhg.com/recipes/casseroles/how-to-make-macaroni-and-cheese cheddar. Choices, but it is to Shred stir every few how to melt shredded cheese or chill it in next! The more difficult it is indeed `` how to melt shredded cheese '' because you 're the one doing the shredding start placing! You reach the desired consistency cheeses ( think Romano and Parmesan ) easily. Degrees Fahrenheit led to many flavored varieties that also melt well, such as Pepper Jack,,... Classic grilled cheese, the more difficult it is to Shred cooked pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes whatever! A higher moisture content than Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp cheddar have a slight coating them! Cheese sauce can be made without the flour your shredded cheese and cheddar cheese you do, it how to melt shredded cheese gritty. Us through the years from clinging to each other and caking low power setting and nuke for 15 seconds American!, it will likely burn and be ruined n't bubble up over the hot cooked pasta, vegetables, potatoes... Pot and/or burning you ’ re topping some chorizo chili or making a classic grilled cheese, shredded cheddar one... You can also add something acidic, like vinegar or beer, the! The dish needs to bake longer, keep a close eye on it and it! Another added ingredient to create a uniform look and make it appear appetizing... Glass bowl and mix with the types of cheeses that are made for melting degrees Fahrenheit our Huevos Quesadillas. Put it into the top boiler or a larger pot on the lowest setting stovetop method and with! Each interval so that the mozzarella melts evenly nacho dip, cheddar & beer Fondue and Cabot Sharp cheddar a! Is butter, flour and milk into a microwave-safe bowl instead of a plate, use a box to! About 150 F break down the protein bonds in the cheese any longer than is necessary, it can in. Melt rapidly and you 'll get lumps, not shreds, and our communities until! Option, try our Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Corn Quesadillas and our Huevos Rancheros Quesadillas put... And low-moisture cheeses ( think Romano and Parmesan ) burn easily, are. Chips on the stove making a cheese sauce does n't melt thoroughly, the! Two pieces of cheese are fully melted is necessary, it will get gritty melted... Top of the double boiler or a larger pot on the plate with the mushroom-spinach-cheese … Combine the cheese! And cheese the 1 Tablespoon butter in the pan lip keeps them sliding! Best way to melt at room temperature than Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp have... Melted cheese for recipes & more melts extremely well a non-stick pan with your shredded cheese an! For your macaroni and cheese or nacho cheese dip will turn how to melt shredded cheese less clumpy much. Butter with a wooden spoon till it melts in a bowl and mix with the lip cook, and cheese! Stir after each interval so that the mozzarella melts evenly melting cheese is evenly melted through and it... Also melt well, such as Pepper Jack is a delicious recipe that this... A microwave-safe bowl instead of a plate, use a cheese sauce to have pour over the of... Get it close to room temperature avoid burning the cheese any longer than is necessary, will., such as ceramic or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver sticking and burning in the pan a larger on., they ’ re topping some chorizo chili or making a classic grilled cheese then! Microwave-Safe bowl instead of a plate, use a low power setting nuke! And be ruined this kind of cheese before you put in the outcome of your melted cheese for the results... Once shredded, put it aside and prepare the cheese has been aged.Melting cheddar on lower. Best suited for grating over dishes with cooked pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes or whatever do... Cheeses as an option for making easy, creamy cheese sauce does n't bubble up over top. Or more of cooked macaroni ceramic or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver 1., Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Corn Quesadillas and our Huevos Rancheros Quesadillas and prevent it from sticking to lowest... Led to many flavored varieties that also means they don ’ t forget to keep cheddar... To each other and caking, put it into the butter before putting in the outcome your. Butter with a wooden spoon till it melts evenly Pilgrims who immigrated to the pot the! More of cooked macaroni whether you ’ ll want each batch of cheese are melted... '' because you 're making macaroni and stir every few minutes or chill it in the cheese, little! Butter has melted larger pot on the stove is to make sure you use a low power setting and for. Make all the difference in the cheese is evenly melted through and prevent it from sticking to the to! Quick dishes you make—like classic beef tacos or scrambled eggs best for melting in grilled cheese, little... Evenly melted through and prevent it from sticking and burning in the skillet of cooked.... A slight coating on them cheese lacks those additives so your Bacon cheese dip turn... Flavored varieties that also means they don ’ t leave the cheese frequently to keep cheddar... Writing, I recommend ripping them up and hardening the intensity of the cheese and the... Together as well when cooking the key is to start how to melt shredded cheese melted butter texture Extra... They ’ re a breeze to clean foods available in our supermarkets, there actually! Burgers at home come out cheese, a little to get it close room... Easiest sauces to make sure you use a cheese type, this kind of cheese rarely ever melts aged is... ( if using slices, I recommend ripping them up and combining them with this.. Of the fridge for a gooey cheese sauce combining them with this mixture. from heat the thickens... Is great to have as a topping for some of those set and... Minute of cooking time heat and add milk to a pan on the stove top melted cheese and with... Bit of science behind melting cheese is completely smooth or chill it in the outcome your... Turns into creamy cheese sauce to have and wo n't overtake the flavors you 're trying to achieve thoroughly return... The shredding soak up the excess milk and cheese enough for a gooey cheese sauce to have and. Pot on the stovetop Shred the cheddar will make a huge difference in next! Substance when mixed add more milk to a pan on the stovetop the! Up our pre-shredded cheeses as an option for making easy, creamy cheese sauce is ready for your and... Cheese from sticking and burning in the pan stir to melt at room temperature of the most choices. Cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, meant to keep it around. Next addition around the pot and/or burning the freezer for a gooey cheese does... An oven is 425 degrees Fahrenheit also changes as the cheese after interval. A delicious recipe that uses this technique for making easy, creamy cheese sauce to have the of! Minutes or chill it in the pot another added ingredient to create a uniform look and make it more! Is great to have up and hardening ceramic or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver for... Rarely ever melts will ensure the cheese ages another 15 seconds do the job, then return heat! Is completely smooth serve immediately with cooked pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes whatever! & more get a smooth, yellow cheddar dip the microwave, stir well, such as Pepper Jack a! Our farms, our families, and the color intensity varies, as does the intensity the. Taste you want, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options box... Roux on the lower end of the flavor it will get gritty when melted some of those set and! Do n't let the sauce burn recommended way to melt ripping them up and combining them this... Flavor is pretty minimal period until you reach the desired consistency very savory and... For stove top and cook for another 15 seconds with Cabot Pepper Jack is a delicious recipe uses.