Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese: A pinch of kitchen magic

Shredded cheese is like pixie dust in the kitchen – it transforms average dishes into scrumptious delights. A little sprinkle of shredded cheese adds big-time flavor to omelets, creamy goodness to tacos, and milky wonder to baked potatoes, lasagna, nachos, and pastas. There’s almost nothing that a little shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan can’t fix. Whether it’s a chunk of cheese you shred yourself or a pre-grated variety, shredded cheese is nothing short of magic.

Types of shredded cheese from Wisconsin

Wisconsinites are among the best cheese shredders on the planet. It’s only natural, given that our state produces over 600 flavors, styles, varieties of cheese – more than anywhere else in the world. When you want the convenience of a bag of pre-shredded mozzarella or cheddar, many of our 1,200 cheesemakers are happy to oblige. But the best shredded cheese from Wisconsin is the stuff you shred yourself. Like Roth’s Grand Cru®, an award-winning alpine-style cheese that’s perfect shredded over roasted vegetables. Sartori SarVecchio® Parmesan, a highly decorated variety, shreds into delicate, flavorful flakes on pastas and salads. Crave Brothers Farmstead Mozzarella is the perfect shredded cheese for stretchy, melty toppings on pizzas and lasagna. And Hook’s 5-Year Aged Cheddar, when shredded, adds oomph to any dish that needs a punch of sharp flavor.

All about shredded cheese

Shredded cheese is simply cheese that has been cut or grated into small, thin pieces. Shredding increases the surface area of the cheese, allowing it to melt faster than cubes or slices. As a result, shredding promotes a more uniform mix and maximizes coverage with a minimum amount of cheese.

What cheeses can be shredded?

Not all cheeses can be shredded easily. Good shredders are typically firm cheeses with lower moisture content like cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cheeses with high moisture and fat content, like Havarti, may get messy and gummy when shredded, while very firm and dry cheeses like cotija may crumble into smaller pieces. Aged varieties are easier to crumble or flake than to shred, while very fresh cheeses may fall apart on a shredder. To shred a softer cheese, try chilling it first.

How to shred cheese at home

Shredding cheese is simple when you have the right tool:

• Box cheese grater: This classic tool is one of the best cheese graters available, with multiple surfaces for fine, medium, or coarse shreds.
• Food processor: Many processors can be equipped with a shredding attachment for quick, uniform shredding.
• Microplane: This is a fine grater with a handle for shredding harder cheeses like parmesan into small, delicate flakes.

How commercially shredded cheese is made

Commercial shredding usually involves feeding blocks of cheese into a shredder, which may use rotating knives or cylindrical cages lined with blades that spin in opposite directions. Anti-caking agents like cellulose, which is derived from plant fibers, may be added to keep the cheese from clumping and to prevent mold growth on the cheese. While these additives are generally safe to consume, some people prefer to avoid them by shredding their cheese at home. Additionally, preservatives are sometimes used to extend the shelf life of pre-shredded cheese.

The most popular shredded cheese varieties

When reaching for shredded cheese, most home cooks are likely to grab one of these varieties.

• Mozzarella: The go-to choice for pizza and Italian dishes, mozzarella is prized for its soft texture and ability to melt beautifully.
• Cheddar: A staple for everything from tacos to baked potatoes, shredded cheddar can range from mild to extra sharp cheese depending on how long it is aged.
• Parmesan: With a salty, nutty flavor, shredded parmesan is ideal for sprinkling over pasta, salads, and roasted vegetables.
• Colby jack: This marbled cheese is mild, creamy, and commonly shredded for use in Mexican dishes, quesadillas, and casseroles.
• Swiss: Known for its nutty taste and slightly firmer texture, shredded swiss is often used in sandwiches, omelets, and fondues.

What to cook with shredded cheese

There are so many things you can do in the kitchen with shredded cheese.

• Pizza topping: Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, but try blending in some cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
• Casseroles and lasagna: Shredded cheese is key for achieving those gooey, cheesy layers in baked pasta dishes.
• Quesadillas and tacos: Melt cheddar, colby jack, or queso quesadilla – a Mexican cheese for quesadillas – for the perfect filling or topping on Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Mac and cheese: Shredded cheese melts evenly into creamy sauces, making it the ideal choice for homemade mac and cheese.
• Salads: Sprinkle a bit of shredded parmesan or cheddar over your salad for an extra layer of flavor.
• Soups: Top your soups with shredded cheese to add a creamy texture and a touch of sharpness to the broth.
• Stuffed peppers: Mix shredded cheese with cooked rice, ground meat, and spices to create a flavorful filling for bell peppers.
• Cheesy bread: Combine shredded cheese with garlic and butter, spread it on sliced baguette or Italian bread, and toast it in the oven. The result is a deliciously cheesy garlic bread perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
• Baked potatoes: After baking potatoes, top them with a generous handful of shredded cheddar or monterey jack along with sour cream, bacon bits, or chives.
• Breakfast burritos: Add shredded cheese to scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, and sautéed veggies before rolling them up in a tortilla.
• Cheesy cauliflower bake: Toss cauliflower florets in a mixture of shredded cheese, cream, and seasonings, then bake until bubbly and golden.