How to Stop Shredded Cheese from Clumping: 4 Tips and Solutions for Perfectly Grated Cheese

Shredding cheese at home can feel like a satisfying culinary triumph, until you find it clumping together just when you need it. But fret not, cheese enthusiasts! Here, we unravel the secrets to keeping your shredded cheese as loose as your favorite band’s drummer. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness!

Corn Starch is Cheese's Best Friend

Corn starch is a magical kitchen ingredient that can keep your shredded cheese from becoming a sticky mess. By coating your cheese with a thin layer of cornstarch, you can absorb excess moisture, preventing clumping without affecting the taste.

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch over a block of shredded cheese. Gently shake the cheese and cornstarch mix to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Store the cheese in the refrigerator or freezer, and you’ll find it ready to sprinkle on your dishes without turning into a clumpy nightmare.

Cellulose or Potato Starch Are Also Fitting Solutions

Many commercial cheese manufacturers use cellulose or potato starch to keep their shredded cheese from sticking together. While cellulose might sound a bit too scientific, it’s simply the same stuff found in vegetables and trees. It effectively repels moisture, ensuring your cheese stays separated and easy to use. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to avoid cornstarch, these alternatives work just as well. Just think of it as giving your cheese a natural, non-clumping hug.

Store it in Airtight Containers

Airtight containers can be your shredded cheese’s knight in shining armor. Unlike ziplock bags, which can squish and pressure the cheese at the bottom into clumps, containers provide ample space and protection. When storing your cheese, make sure to leave some space at the top. Adding a layer of plastic wrap over the cheese can further reduce air contact, keeping it fresher for longer. It’s like tucking your cheese in with a cozy blanket, ensuring it’s always ready for action.

Freeze with Ease

Freezing shredded cheese is a fantastic way to prevent clumping and extend its shelf life. While not suitable for every type of cheese, freezing works wonders if you’re shredding a lot at once. The cold temperature hardens the cheese, making it impossible to stick together. However, be mindful that freezing can alter the texture of your cheese. It might not melt as smoothly as fresh cheese, but it’ll still be perfect for baking or sprinkling on top of your favorite dishes. Think of it as your cheese going into cryogenic stasis, ready to emerge perfectly preserved when you need it.