How do I choose between shredded and finely shredded cheddar cheese?
I use shredded cheese for spur of the moment enchiladas or to top burgers with. I learned the hard way that my supermarket store brand sharp cheddar does not melt well, so my next purchase will be for a mild cheddar. They have both "shredded" and "finely shredded" and I'm wondering what the optimal use case is for each. Obviously finely shredded will melt faster so I'm wondering is there any reason not to get that? (Btw, I know hand shredding block cheddar is best for melting but I like the convenience of having a bag of preshredded cheddar in the freezer I don't have to worry about molding over.)
Best Answer
You probably want to check for the lowest proportion of added anti-caking agent (here potato starch is used). That's the reason it doesn't melt very well.
If you're going to freeze it, you could grate a large batch of a block you like and freeze that - the best of both worlds but a fair bit off effort in one go. If I was doing a lot I'd use the grater attachment for my food processor.
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Does finely shredded cheese melt better?
Potato starch and cellulose work together to prevent clumping, and natamycin is an anti-mold agent. Freshly grated cheese lacks these preservatives, so it tends to taste better, and melt more smoothly. You also get more bang for your buck.What kind of shredded cheese melts the best?
What Cheese Is the Best for Melting?- Colby. An all-American cheese, Colby is firm but mild-flavored and creamy. ...
- Havarti. This Danish easy-melting cheese has a mild aroma and flavor with hints of butter and sweetness. ...
- Swiss. ...
- Fontina. ...
- Monterey Jack. ...
- Muenster. ...
- Provolone. ...
- Smoked Gouda.
Is it better to buy shredded cheese or block?
You get more for your money.An 8 oz block of cheese yields more grated shreds than an 8 oz bag of pre-grated cheese, making it a much better choice for anyone on a budget or looking to get the most bang for your buck. Remember, too, that when you buy the pre-grated cheese, you're paying extra for the convenience.The Best Tricks for Shredding Cheese
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