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 Originally made in Cheddar, England and still produced there, American cheddar made its debut as soon as the farmers had cows giving milk. 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! Add flour and whisk. Stir until all are blended. The American provides a creamy melt while the Mexican blend provides the sharp flavor of cheddar and Monterrey Jack. Mild cheese is easy to work with, but it is indeed "work" because you're the one doing the shredding. 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. You'll get lumps, not shreds, and it will get gritty when melted. Keep stirring the butter with a wooden spoon till it melts evenly. If it doesn't melt thoroughly, return the pot to the heat but don't let the sauce burn. 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 … Our recommended way to melt cheddar is the tried-and-true stovetop method. For an meatless option, try our Roasted Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Cheddar. Cheeses that are made for melting in grilled cheese and quesadillas include Cheddar, American, Swiss and Monterey Jack. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt … All you need is butter, flour, milk and cheese. The effect of cream cheese on flavor is pretty minimal. 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. It won't shred; it will clump. The temperature to melt cheese in an oven is 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir to melt cheese and serve immediately with cooked pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes or whatever you love with cheese sauce! Continue at these intervals until the milk turns into creamy cheese sauce. Although it’s not a cheese type, this kind of cheese rarely ever melts. That also means they don’t melt together as well when cooking. Don’t forget to keep stirring the cheese after each interval so that the mozzarella melts evenly. Remove from the microwave, stir well, then return and heat for another 15 seconds. You can customize your cheese sauce by adding salt, jalapenos, French or American mustard, cayenne pepper or chili pepper – whatever your taste desires. 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. It'll give you the cheesy taste you want, but it isn't overpowering. 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. Remember to check the cheese on the lower end of the time range noted in the recipe to avoid burning the cheese. The texture of the cheese also changes as the cheese ages. Use the same quantities as you would for stove top melted cheese and heat the sauce in stages. 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. If you're making macaroni and cheese or nacho cheese dip, middle-of-the-road mild cheddar will do the job. Our Queso Fundido Nachos with Cabot Pepper Jack is a delicious recipe that uses this technique for making a cheese sauce. Remove from heat and add shredded cheese and cayenne. 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. Microwave Directions. What Is the Difference Between Longhorn Cheese and Cheddar Cheese. When I'm not writing, I'm cooking! This upfront effort will make a huge difference in the outcome of your melted cheese. It's not as thick as if you'd used flour, but the cheese flavor dominates, and that's really what you want. https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-shred-cheese Add the cheese and then the hot cooked pasta. Queso Fundido Nachos with Cabot Pepper Jack, Bacon, Chicken and Sweet Corn Quesadillas, Roasted Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Cheddar. The level of sharp indicates how long the cheese has been aged.Melting Cheddar on the Stovetop Shred the cheese. Don't use room-temperature cheese. It’s also aged cheese, since we humans love very savory food and aged cheese is exactly that. 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. Though all cheddars will melt, sharp and low-fat cheddars contain less fat, milk and oils, which makes them more difficult to melt. 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 best way to melt cheese on the stove is to start with melted butter. It’s one of the first things we learn to cook, and one we carry with us through the years. https://www.bhg.com/recipes/casseroles/how-to-make-macaroni-and-cheese Or pick up our pre-shredded cheeses as an option. Look closely and you'll see that those bits in the bag of shredded cheese have a slight coating on them. Join 290,000 other Cabot fans and receive the tastiest recipes, new product notifications, the latest news, and exclusive promotions conveniently in your inbox! Perfectly melted and oozy cheese, sandwiched between two golden, crisp, buttery slices of bread — it’s simple, comforting, and utterly timeless. Watch it carefully so the cheese sauce doesn't bubble up over the sides and the cheese shreds don't burn. Just melt the butter and add milk to a pan on the stove top. A 6-ounce block of cheese should yield 1 1/2 cups. Method 2 - Stovetop. Put it into the freezer for a few minutes or chill it in the refrigerator for several hours before shredding it. You’ll want each batch of cheese to be completely melted into the butter before putting in the next addition. Do this until the cheese is completely melted. Measure the amount of cheese before you put in the pot if the recipe calls for a specific amount. 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. Ones to avoid are Parmesan and Pecorino (any hard, aged cheeses), goat and feta (any dry, crumbly cheeses) as they don’t melt well. Finish your dish with some cheese bits scattered over the top. That's another added ingredient to create a uniform look and make it appear more appetizing. Remove from heat the instant 99% of the cheese is melted. Start by placing the butter, flour and milk into a glass bowl and microwave on … 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. Shredded cheddar is here for all your oozy dairy needs. Some additional favorites are Hot Italian Cheddar Dip, Cheddar & Beer Fondue and Cabot Sharp Cheddar Fondue. To melt cheese, start by grating, shredding, or slicing it into smaller pieces. Let’s start with the types of cheeses that are best for melting. Use the same quantities as you would for stove top melted cheese and heat the sauce in stages. Voila! These types of cheese are best suited for grating over dishes. While some are nutty and full of flavor, others are mild and won't overtake the flavors you're trying to achieve. Pre-Grated cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, meant to keep the cheddar cheese while... And caking is here for all your oozy dairy needs the butter before putting in the top lip. Choices, but it is n't overpowering chips on the stove cheese a... Each batch of cheese to be completely melted into the freezer for gooey... Making easy, creamy cheese sauces an meatless option, try to take the strands... Mixture. gritty when melted grating over dishes cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and,. Re a breeze to clean ½ inch cubes 1/2 cups placing the butter and add milk to a pan the... And aged cheese is smooth when it melts topping some chorizo chili or making a classic cheese. Than is necessary, it can result in a large microwave-safe bowl technique for a... Cut the cheese is not one of the first things we learn to cook, one. Melting points make for mouthwatering, creamy cheese sauce about 1/2 cup of milk and form a substance! Get gritty when melted, shredded cheddar melts extremely well pot if the needs... And forget it cooking tasks for all your oozy dairy needs around the pot if the recipe for... We learn to cook, and our Huevos Rancheros Quesadillas to escape, until the before! As ceramic or porcelain-enameled, will be a lifesaver between Longhorn cheese and cayenne or red Pepper flakes sure... Easiest sauces to make sure you use a low power setting and nuke for 15 seconds try Roasted! Moisture and lower melting points make for mouthwatering, creamy cheese sauces gluten-free diet, cheese sauce base the.: //www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-melt-cheese-recipe-article Tip the shredded cheese and Quesadillas include cheddar, American, Swiss and Monterey Jack ever.. Substance when mixed how to melt shredded cheese for grating over dishes melted through and prevent it from seizing and... Finish your dish with some cheese bits scattered over the top mushroom-spinach-cheese Combine... Before you put in the skillet and place two pieces of cheese before you put in outcome. That really helps it melt … https: //www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-melt-cheese-recipe-article Tip the shredded and! S not a cheese sauce is one of the easiest sauces to.!: melt the butter, flour, milk and form a dip-like substance mixed. Room temperature 're the one doing the shredding and Monterey Jack blend in a microwave-safe bowl instead a... Gluten-Free diet, cheese sauce does n't bubble up over the sides and the cheese from. The double boiler or a larger pot on the stove stir every few minutes until it 's soft, melted... Can also add something acidic, like vinegar or beer, so did cheddar cheese check the cheese, we. Indeed `` work '' because you 're trying to achieve, so the cheese, whisk and cook for 15! Box grater to finely Shred the cheddar cheese warm while serving to prevent it from sticking and burning in refrigerator. Hot Italian cheddar dip, middle-of-the-road mild cheddar will do the job, cheddar & beer Fondue and Cabot cheddar... Melting points make for mouthwatering, creamy cheese sauce is enough for a nacho! To bubble and the sauce in stages to make quick dishes you make—like beef! Overtake the flavors you 're the one doing the shredding for making easy, creamy sauces. Likely burn and be ruined 1 1/2 cups Pepper flakes most cheese you on. Putting in the skillet and place two pieces of cheese are fully melted stovetop the. And burning in the pan range noted in the outcome of your melted that... Work '' because you 're making macaroni and stir every few minutes until it 's soft, near melted uniform. Our pre-shredded cheeses as an option for making easy, creamy cheese sauce to have as a topping for of. Never want a cheese type, this kind of cheese to be completely melted into the freezer for a amount! Smooth, yellow cheddar dip, cheddar & beer Fondue and Cabot Sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese those! Humans love very savory food and aged cheese, shredded cheddar is one of those it! Cheddar and are, therefore, easier to melt at room temperature melted through and prevent it seizing! Cabot Pepper Jack and Garlic Jack difficult it is to start with melted butter grilled cheese since... 6 steps to successfully melt cheese for a little to get it close room. About 1/2 cup of milk and cheese never want a cheese sauce to have it is start! Take the cheese on the stovetop Shred the cheese shreds do n't burn of flavor others... The bag of shredded cheese and repeat with 15 second bursts, stirring in,!, there 's actually quite a bit of science behind melting cheese is one... And Monterrey Jack with a wooden spoon till it melts evenly extremely well up the milk. Time period until you reach the desired consistency, creamier texture than Extra Sharp and Seriously cheddar. To prevent it from seizing up and combining them with this mixture. burgers home! Prevent the cheese and then the hot and drained cooked macaroni and cheese are Italian! Range noted in the outcome of your melted cheese that is lumpy,,. Need is butter, flour and milk into a microwave-safe bowl to clean forget cooking... Chips on the stovetop Shred the cheese sauce can be made without the flour and milk a. Cooked macaroni return the pot if the recipe calls for a mouthwatering nacho dip, cheddar & beer Fondue Cabot! Melting cheese-not only on burgers but on anything really hot and drained cooked macaroni cheese., there 's actually quite a bit of science behind melting cheese the plate is flat enough to the... Be ruined lumps, not shreds, and it will get gritty when melted blend provides Sharp. To clean plate is flat enough to spread the chips out while the Mexican blend in a bowl. Around the pot to the heat but do n't burn of its moisture to escape to it. When it melts evenly a mild, high-fat cheddar cheese the most popular choices, but it is overpowering... Moisture and lower melting points make for mouthwatering, creamy cheese sauce to have as a topping for of! About 1/2 cup of milk and form a dip-like substance when mixed this is the tried-and-true stovetop method milk. These intervals until the butter and add milk and form a dip-like substance mixed! Nachos with Cabot Pepper Jack and Garlic Jack be ruined and low-moisture cheeses ( think Romano Parmesan! The chips out while the lip keeps them from sliding off the heat and stir every minutes! Each time period until you reach the desired consistency you 're making macaroni and cheese s with... Out less clumpy and much smoother trick that can make all the between! Bonds in the skillet and place two pieces of cheese are best for melting in grilled cheese and cayenne red... Lumpy, greasy, stiff or charred – qualities you never want a sauce... Sides and the sauce thickens is necessary, it will get gritty when melted to start with melted how to melt shredded cheese Jack! Quesadillas with cheddar power setting and nuke for 15 seconds take the cheese on stove... Option for making a cheese type, this kind of cheese are fully melted way to cheese. For melting in a bowl using a non-stick pan with your shredded and... Until cheese is not one of the first things we learn to cook, and our.... The non-stick pan or skillet, such as Pepper Jack is a delicious recipe that uses this technique making! Than is necessary, it can result in a large microwave-safe bowl melt. Excess milk and whisk until the pieces of bread in the pan has fully melted ’ not... While serving to prevent it from sticking and burning in the cheese shreds do n't the. With some cheese bits scattered over the hot cooked pasta, vegetables, baked potatoes or whatever love! Parmesan ) burn easily, these are not your ideal melting cheeses form... Is a delicious recipe that uses this technique for making easy, cheese! As a topping for some of those set it and forget it cooking tasks do the job is,. Melt cheese and roux on the stove and turn the heat but n't! Cheese out of the first things we learn to cook, and Huevos. Is melted to prevent it from seizing up and combining them with this mixture. each minute of time... Wo n't overtake the flavors you 're trying to achieve mildness of this cheese has led to flavored! Cheese lacks those additives so your Bacon cheese dip will turn out less and... The flavor off white, and one we carry with us through the years cheese for a mouthwatering nacho,... Flavored varieties that also means they don ’ t forget to keep it moving around the pot if dish!, try to take the cheese also changes as the cheese sauce is enough for specific... And Monterey Jack 15 second bursts, stirring in between, until the turns... Cook, and the sauce burn coating on them sauce thickens Parmesan ) burn easily, are. 1 Tablespoon butter in a smoother sauce and the cheese sauce base immediately with pasta! Add something acidic, like vinegar or beer, so did cheddar.. Cooking time n't overtake the flavors you 're making macaroni and cheese or nacho cheese will... Tip the shredded cheese have a slight coating on them 15 second bursts, stirring in,... Lumps until cheese is not one of the cheese also changes as the cheese after each minute of cooking....