Tips To Stop Shredded Cheese From Clumping
Homemade shredded cheese is notorious for how easily it gets clumped, which is quite frustrating since the store bought version doesn't clump together. Read ahead for simple and inexpensive ways to stop your shredded cheese from clumping.
It is disheartening to shred your cheese by hand only to find them clumped together after a few minutes. Fortunately you've found this page and are about to discover some useful tips that can help you prevent your homemade shredded cheese from sticking together.
How do you stop homemade shredded cheese from clumping?
Use Corn Starch
You can coat your shredded cheese with a thin layer of cornstarch to prevent clumping. Corn starch works by absorbing excess moisture, meaning the cheese will not become sticky. It’s also flavorless, so it won’t affect the taste. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch per 1 block of shredded cheese.
How to use:
- Sprinkle some corn starch on your shredded cheese.
- 1-2 tablespoons per block of cheese is enough.
- Shake the cheese and corn starch mix to ensure an even mix
- Store the cheese in the refrigerator or the freezerIf you don’t have any cornstarch, you can substitute it with regular flour.
Use cellulose or potato starch
Cellulose comes from trees, but it’s exactly the same as the cellulose in vegetables. Many manufacturers of shredded cheese coat them with cellulose or potato starch because the coating repels moisture so the cheese won't get sticky and clump together.
Use an airtight container
Storing shredded cheese in an airtight container can help you prevent it from sticking together. Do not use ziploc bags because all the cheese will get piled up causing tbe cheese at the bottom to clump from the pressure.
A bag can also be squished if it is not handled properly. A container gives you more space to spread the cheese and the hard exterior will protect its content.
If you have extra space at the top of your container, put a layer of plastic wrap over the cheese. This will reduce air contact and preserve the cheese for longer.
Freeze the cheese
It is not advised to use the freezer for every type of cheese but it is very useful if you want to shred a lot of cheese in one go and save it.
Freezing cheese will harden it but prevent it from clumping together. It will also extend its shelf life but at the cost of altering its texture.
Now, you never have to worry about your shredded cheese clumping up or getting moldy quickly!
