How to Keep Shredded Cheese from Clumping

Shredded cheese is a wonderful addition to any meal, but a few tricks can help prevent splitting and clumping. This article on how to keep shredded cheese from clumping will help you keep your shredded cheese from clumping, making it super easy to prepare and use.

You can keep shredded cheese from clumping by enclosing it in a Ziploc Zipper bag before tossing it in the fridge. As the name implies, a zipper-lock bag is a bag with a round lock. Also, mix the shredded cheese with mayonnaise or sour cream before baking and then pour it into a greased baking dish. The mayonnaise or sour cream fat will keep the cheese from sticking together when it melts.

Another way is to separate and rinse all the milk residue before grating so the cheese will not stick to itself and form clumps. If you use a mechanical grater and have this problem, the holes are too large, and the cheese cannot pass through. For a manual grater, use a sharper tool rather than something with large holes. 

However, Shredded cheese can keep for several months in the freezer, but if you find it clumps together after being thawed, you can force freeze it to prevent it.

How to Keep Shredded Cheese from Molding

Shredded cheese bought in a bag is convenient, but it’s also more prone to molding than a chunk of cheese. The surface area increases dramatically when the cheese has been shredded, and the mold can grow much faster.

One of the ways to keep shredded cheese from molding is to buy it in smaller quantities and store it properly.

Here are some tips:

1. Store shredded cheese in its original packaging. Store it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags if you need to transfer it.

2. If you’ve opened the package of shredded cheese but haven’t used it, wrap the remaining portion tightly in plastic before returning it to the package. It will keep air away from the cheese.

3. Keep shredded cheese cold between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes the time between when you purchase it at the store and when you put it into your refrigerator or freezer at home.

4. When stored properly, shredded hard cheeses like cheddar will last six months in your refrigerator or eight months in your freezer if kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Soft cheeses such as Mozzarella will last one to two months in the freezer.

Additionally, when you buy shredded cheese, divide it into smaller portions and put it into airtight containers before freezing it. Then, when you’re ready to use some of your shredded cheese, just take out what you need and allow it to thaw in the fridge until you’re ready to do some cooking.

How to Remove Cellulose from Shredded Cheese

A whole lot of shredded cheese is manufactured with cellulose. It is a common food additive that comes from wood pulp and plant fiber, and it’s added to foods like shredded cheese to keep it from caking together. 

It’s completely safe, but some people get grossed out by the idea of eating wood pulp. Luckily, there are methods for removing cellulose from your shredded cheese at home.

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and salt. Let the salt dissolve completely and stir to mix it thoroughly. Next, put your shredded cheese in the bowl and let it soak for ten minutes. The cellulose will dissolve into the water, while the actual cheese will stay intact because it’s fat-based instead of water-based.

2. Take your shredded cheese out of the water using a slotted spoon or a strainer, then put it on a towel to dry off any excess liquid. You can eliminate this step if you add your cheese to a hot dish, but you might have a better texture if you dry it first for cold dishes and snacks like salad or nachos.

3. If you want extra assurance that all the cellulose has been removed from your cheese, you can rewash your cheese

Alternatively, you can remove cellulose from shredded cheese by heating it until it melts and then running it through a filter. The cellulose will remain behind in the filter, while the molten cheese will pass through.

How to Store Grated Cheddar Cheese

The easiest way to store grated cheese is by using an airtight container with a silicone seal ring. These seals prevent water condensation from being absorbed into your food, which keeps your cheese from getting soggy and gross. 

They also allow for easy stacking to organize your fridge without wasting space.

You can also use Ziploc bags, but we prefer reusable containers because they’re more environmentally friendly and will save you money. If you use Ziplocs, get the ones with a double zipper for extra freshness.

There are two options for longer-term storage:

1. Storing grated cheese in the fridge

Step 1

Put the grated cheese into a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before securing it. If you use a container, ensure it is fully sealed before storing it in your refrigerator.

Step 2

Preserve it in the fridge for 2-4 days for the best quality.

2. Storing grated cheese in the freezer

When you buy shredded cheese, it’s often in larger quantities than you need at the time. It’s easy to store shredded cheese for later use, but there are a few things you must not forget, depending on how you plan to use it.

If you’d like to freeze shredded cheese for later use in baking, the best way is to use a vacuum sealer to seal a bag of cheese, then put that sealed bag into another freezer-safe container or bag. It will prevent freezer burn and any strange smells from seeping into your cheese while it’s stored. 

And if you can’t get a vacuum sealer, you can wrap the cheese tightly in several layers of plastic before putting it in a Ziploc bag or other freezer-safe container.

To freeze shredded cheese for later use in cooking, simply place the unopened bag of shredded cheese into a freezer-safe container, add about a tablespoon of cornstarch or potato starch, and shake it up. 

It will help with moisture retention and give your shredded cheese the texture and consistency you’re looking for later on when you cook with it.

How to Melt Pre Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is a convenient way to add extra flavor without the hassle of grating your own. So whether you’re sprinkling it on pizza, adding it to a sandwich, or topping some nachos, shredded cheese is one of life’s simplest luxuries.

There are some caveats, though. First, it can be difficult to melt because pre-shredded cheese has anti-clumping agents. If you’ve ever tried melting it in a saucepan on the stove, you might have found that it sticks together in clumps and doesn’t melt evenly.

For an easy way to melt your shredded cheese so that you can create dishes like creamy macaroni and cheese or cheesy enchiladas, follow these steps

1. Place the shredded cheese on a plate or baking sheet.

2. Heat the cheese in the oven at 350 degrees for five minutes.

3. Remove from the oven and enjoy.

Also, you can melt pre-shredded cheese by heating it in a microwave-safe container and microwaving it for three minutes on high heat.

If your pre-shredded cheese is not melting as you would like, try mixing it with milk or cream before heating it in the oven or microwave. It will help make your cheese more liquid to melt more easily.

Can You Store Shredded Cheese in Tupperware?

You can store shredded cheese in Tupperware, but it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure.

Tupperware is great for storing leftover pasta, potato salad, and other foods prepared with cheese, but if you plan to keep the container in your fridge for more than a day, you might want to reconsider.

And according to the Department of Agriculture in the US, placing the cheese in plastic containers is not ideal because the porousness of the plastic makes it prone to absorbing odors and flavors from other foods stored nearby, including other cheeses. The porousness also increases the rate at which the cheese dries out and becomes tough.

To preserve your shredded cheese and prevent it from absorbing other flavors, wrap it in a paper towel before storing it in Tupperware or another airtight container.

The paper towel helps protect the cheese from becoming stale too quickly, and it’s easy to remove when you’re ready to enjoy your food.

Why Does Pre Shredded Cheese Not Melt

It turns out that pre-shredded cheese is coated with additives to prevent it from clumping together. That’s great for storage and convenience in the kitchen, but it also means that your cheese won’t melt as quickly or easily as the block.

The added ingredients (like potato starch and powdered cellulose) that keep the shredded cheese from forming into one solid block during transport and storage also keep the cheese from melting properly.

Another reason is that there’s not enough surface area for the cheese to form the proteins that give melted cheese its signature flavor. As a result, pre-shredded cheese tends to become stringy and clumpy rather than smooth and melty.

Also, shredded cheese has a larger surface area than block cheese, which means that cheese shreds can get browned more quickly than an entire block of melted Mozzarella.

However, you can still get that perfect melted cheese on a sandwich or burger with pre-shredded cheese. The key is to add a little oil to help it melt evenly. You can also grate your cheese instead of pre-shredded while you’ll have to do the work yourself; you’ll find that the taste and texture of the result are worth it.

How to Make Shredded Cheese Stick Together

The easiest way to get shredded cheese to stick together is to mix it with a binder and form it into a shape. Next, add the cheese to a bowl and mix in one of the following binders until it forms a stiff paste.

• Mayonnaise: Use about 1 tablespoon for every cup of cheese.
• Yogurt: Use about 1 tablespoon for every cup of cheese.
• Egg Yolks: Use about 1 egg yolk for every cup of cheese
• Gelatin: Use about 1 tablespoon of gelatin and 2 tablespoons of water per cup of cheese.

Once the binder has been added, form the mixture into your desired shape. For example, simply pack the cheese into a small bowl if making a ball.

To make slices or bars, press the mixture into a square plastic container with a lid. Place in the refrigerator overnight, then use the lid to push out slices or bars.

If you want to serve your shaped cheese as is, you can sprinkle it with spices or coat it in nuts or herbs before refrigerating.

Alternatively, another way to make cheese stick together is to add a few drops of water and mix it in. Cheese has a very high melting point (over 300 degrees Fahrenheit), and when you add water, you reduce the overall temperature of the cheese.

The best part about this method is that you don’t need any special equipment or ingredients.

However, you must add a few drops of water and stir to get the desired result. You can also use milk for your cheese to be softer, but this will take longer than just adding water.

How to Store Cheddar Cheese After Opening

Once you open cheddar cheese, you’ll want to keep it in the fridge, but not just anywhere because putting your cheddar in the fridge door is one of the worst places to store cheese. Although it’s where most people keep it, the temperature fluctuates a lot because the door opens and closes so often, which can cause your cheddar to go bad more quickly. 

Instead, keep your cheese safe in the middle of your fridge, where it stays at a more consistent temperature.

 Here’s how to store it in a refrigerator:

1. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you plan to eat it within two weeks.

2. If you don’t want to wait that long, store the cheese in a container with an airtight seal; just be aware that it will lose some flavor after about four months.

3. For long-term storage, wrap the cheese tightly in aluminum foil and then another layer of freezer paper, ensuring all sides are covered.

Meanwhile, If the block has not been opened yet, store the whole thing in a dry place at room temperature (between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit). If the cheddar has already been opened, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture out and stick it in the fridge.

After taking it out of the fridge, let it sit for about 20 minutes before eating it.

How to Melt Shredded Cheese with Milk

To melt shredded cheese with milk, start by adding the milk to a pot and heating it on medium heat until it bubbles. Then, add the shredded cheese, stirring a little at a time.

After adding all your cheese and stirring it in thoroughly, remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool. You can use your melted cheese immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days.

How to Melt Shredded Cheese for Fries

When it comes to melting shredded cheese for fries, you can use a few different methods. Here’s how to do it

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place your fries on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and spread them out evenly, so they do not overlap.

3. Sprinkle your shredded cheese on top of the fries. You can either use pre-shredded cheese or buy a block of cheddar and make it yourself with a grater. After that, it’s up to you. If you’re using pre-shredded, try buying one in small, uniform pieces. It will help the cheese melt evenly without clumping together.

4. Set the timer for 3 minutes and put the fries in the oven. Keep checking on them while they cook so you don’t get distracted and let them overcook. When they are well cooked, they should be golden brown and delicious.

How to Melt Cheddar Cheese in Microwave

What you need:

• Cheddar cheese
• Microwave
• A microwave-safe container

Instructions:

1. Put the cheese in a microwave-safe container. You can cut it into small pieces or left whole.

2. Microwave for 30 seconds.

3. Take out the container and stir the cheese if you want to melt it better. Normally, some parts of the cheese will melt while others will not. The more you stir, the more uniform your melted cheese will be.

4. Put back in microwave and heat for another 10 seconds. Repeat until all of your cheese has melted.

Another way to microwave cheddar cheese is to place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, fill a second bowl with water and place it next to the cheese in the microwave. 

Heat the bowl of water and cheese at 50% power for 30 seconds. Next, take the bowls out of the microwave and stir the melted cheddar cheese. If your cheese is not completely melted, place it back in the microwave with the water bowl and heat it at 50% power for another 30 seconds.

How to Melt Cheddar Cheese in Microwave

Whether you prefer your cheese shredded, sliced, or in a block, it’s important to remember that these types are highly perishable. So while cheese will last longer than milk, it’s still not good to leave out an opened package of shredded cheese for too long.

If you have an unopened package of shredded cheese, it’ll usually last in the fridge for up to two months. The same goes for opened packages; you can store them in the fridge for up to two months after opening.

Shredded cheese is different from sliced or block cheese because it has been cut into small pieces and mixed with preservatives that prevent the cheese from sticking together. It means that it will typically last longer than sliced or block cheeses.

However, If you’re unsure how long your shredded cheese has been sitting in your fridge, just take a pinch and rub it on your hand. If it feels like sand, then toss it out.

How Long Is Shredded Cheese Good For

Several factors affect how long shredded cheese lasts, including its moisture content and storage conditions. But generally, if the shredded cheese is stored properly, and unopened, it will last about 5-7 days past its “sell-by” date. If opened, you should use it within 1 week.

The best way to store shredded cheese is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It ensures it stays dry and doesn’t get freezer burn or pick up odors from other foods.

Meanwhile, Mozzarella lasts for 60 days, Parmesan lasts for 70 days, Colby Jack lasts for 70 days, Cheddar Jack lasts for 70 days, and American cheese lasts for 100 days.

If your cheese has been frozen, you can double its shelf life.

Can I Shred Cheese in My Vitamix?

You can shred cheese in your Vitamix, and it will work great. However, cheese is a hard food, so it’s good to start at the lowest speed and work up. You may stop the blender and push the cheese down with a spatula a few times throughout the process.

Also, remove the lid plug and use it as a tamper while blending the cheese.

Here is a guide:

1. Cut up your block of cheese.

2. Put the chunks into the Vitamix container.

3. Pulse the Vitamix a few times to blend the cheese.

You can start using your Vitamix-shredded cheese on tacos, pasta, and sandwiches.

Conclusion

This article on how to keep shredded cheese from clumping will help to avoid the dreaded clumping of your shredded cheese.

Additionally, always check your bag of shredded cheese after you open it. If the shreds look clumped together, don’t throw these away thinking they’re bad.

To be safe, throw any unused shreds away after a week in the fridge, but you can carefully separate them and use them for your favorite recipes.