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Home Freezer Cooking

5 Reasons to Shred Your Own Cheese

Polly Conner
By: Polly ConnerPosted: 7/2/24Updated: 2/17/25

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

When it comes to convenience, store bought pre-shredded cheese is hard to beat. However, there are several reasons why you might want to consider shredding your own cheese at home and how to shred your own cheese. From flavor and texture to health benefits and cost savings, here are some of the top reasons to take that extra step.

Glass bowl of freshly shredded cheddar cheese. this …


 
Table of Contents
  • 1. Better Flavor
  • 2. Fewer Additives
  • 3. Improved Texture
  • 4. Cost Savings
  • 5. Longer Shelf Life
  • How to Shred and Store Cheese
  • Can You Freeze Shredded Cheese?
  • How to Prep and Freeze Shredded Cheese
  • FAQs

1. Better Flavor

One of the most significant advantages of shredding your own cheese is the superior flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like cellulose (a plant fiber) to prevent clumping and to keep the cheese from sticking together.

While these additives are safe to consume, they can affect the taste. Freshly shredded cheese, on the other hand, has a richer and more pronounced flavor because it doesn’t contain these anti-caking agents.

2. Fewer Additives

As mentioned earlier, pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to keep it from clumping and to extend its shelf life. While these additives are generally safe, some people prefer to avoid them for dietary reasons.

Shredding your own cheese ensures that you’re consuming a product without any unnecessary additives. This can be particularly important for those with food sensitivities or allergies.

Photo of the ingredient list of store-bought shredded cheese.

3. Improved Texture

The texture of freshly shredded cheese is another reason to consider doing it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese can have a slightly waxy texture due to the anti-caking agents used.

Freshly shredded cheese is softer, melts more evenly, and creates a creamier consistency in dishes like Mac and Cheese, Stromboli Pizza, or Ground Beef Quesadillas. The difference in texture can be particularly noticeable in recipes where the cheese plays a starring role.

Shredded Beef Nachos on a pan with toppings ready to be served.

4. Cost Savings

Buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-shredded cheese.

Cheese blocks are often sold at a lower price per pound compared to their shredded counterparts. Additionally, you get more cheese for your money since pre-shredded cheese is often sold in smaller quantities. Over time, these savings can add up, especially if you use a lot of cheese in your cooking.

5. Longer Shelf Life

A block of cheese generally has a longer shelf life compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Once cheese is shredded, it is exposed to more air, which can cause it to spoil faster. By keeping the cheese in block form until you’re ready to use it, you can help preserve its freshness and reduce food waste.

Two bags of frozen shedded cheese.

How to Shred and Store Cheese

I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of manually shredding large amounts of cheese. I mean, who is? It gives you hand cramps, tired arms, and shredded skin if you start getting sloppy.

This is why it is critical that you know how to shred cheese with a food processor. Most food processors come with a handy-dandy attachment that will shred a block of cheese in seconds. I use this same attachment when freezing shredded zucchini or making our Roasted Vegetable Hash.

Shredding attachment for a food processor.

Can You Freeze Shredded Cheese?

Yes, shredded cheese freezes very well. Read our post for more information about “Can you Freeze Shredded Cheese?”.

We often recommend freezing shredded cheese in popular freezer meals like Shredded Beef Tacos, Southwest Chicken Wraps, or Taco Kits.

Freezer meal kit for southwest chicken and bacon wraps.

How to Prep and Freeze Shredded Cheese

  1. Divide the shredded cheese into portions that you typically use in recipes. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need. I prefer 2-cup portions.
  2. Place the shredded cheese in airtight freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  3. Freeze for up to 6 months (or longer if packaged well).

Thawing and Using Frozen Shredded Cheese

  1. Thaw in the Refrigerator:
    • For best results, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator. This allows it to thaw gradually and maintain its texture.
    • Place the bag or container in the fridge a few hours or overnight before you plan to use the cheese.
  2. Use Directly from the Freezer:
    • For some recipes, such as casseroles, pizzas, or other baked pasta dishes, you can use the shredded cheese directly from the freezer without thawing. It may take a bit longer to melt, but it will work just fine.
Two quart-size freezer bags filled  with freshly shredded cheddar cheese each labeled 2 cups.

FAQs

What types of cheese are best for shredding at home?

Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, and Parmesan are ideal for shredding. Softer cheeses can be shredded but may require a different approach or special equipment.

Can I freeze shredded cheese?

Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese. Place the shredded cheese in airtight freezer bags or containers, label them with the date, and use within two to six months for the best quality.

Does shredding cheese affect its nutritional value?

Shredding cheese does not affect its nutritional value. However, pre-shredded cheese may contain additives like anti-caking agents that freshly shredded cheese does not.

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Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

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  1. Carole Tarter says

    Posted on 11/5/22 at 4:15 pm

    What type of food processor did you use and what brand of mozzarella. I was told mozzarella can’t be done but you did . Thank you

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 11/7/22 at 12:52 pm

      Hi Carole. We have all had a few food processors over the years of various brands. Polly uses a Cuisinart 11-cup. You can find our affiliate link to it under the Shop dropdown on our homepage – and then Shop Our Favorites. I have personally not shredded mozzarella, but Polly has. She says it can get a little globby towards the end, but it should work. She also recommended to another reader to freeze in a single layer to avoid clumps. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  2. Annu Verma says

    Posted on 8/3/22 at 11:08 am

    HI! I think the only reason why I purchase already shredded cheese because it does not clump up. How can you avoid that with fresh cheese block?

    Reply
    • Polly ConnerPolly Conner says

      Posted on 8/8/22 at 2:54 pm

      If I’m stocking up on it, I try to spread it out in a single layer. Because it doesn’t have the additives, there will indeed be some clinginess but it can be worked around pretty easily if you don’t store it as a big pile. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  3. Fallon says

    Posted on 7/19/21 at 9:20 am

    Hello! Thank you so much for the cheese info. I want to start shredding my own regularly, but the last Cheddar cheeses we used to shred and make quesadillas was Soo greasy when cooked… any recommendations o. The best brands to use.. healthier.. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 7/19/21 at 11:19 am

      I’m not sure what the best brand would be, but you could always look for a reduced fat version if you’re wanting less grease. Not sure if it will melt as well, though.

      Reply
  4. Erin says

    Posted on 2/11/18 at 11:27 am

    I agree with points 2 & 3, fresh shredded tastes better, and doesn’t have the additives to prevent clumping.
    However, at least in my neck of the woods, a 2 lb bag of pre-shredded runs $2.44, while a 1 lb block is $2.00. (However, when this was posted 3 years ago, maybe that wasn’t the case) 🙂

    Reply
    • PollyPolly says

      Posted on 2/12/18 at 11:27 am

      Probably depends on where you shop too!

      Reply
  5. Sharon says

    Posted on 10/1/16 at 10:05 am

    I totally agree that shredding your own cheese is best. I have done that for years and years. However, find it crazy that you would grate the entire block – just grate what you need and put the block back into the refrigerator wrapped securely. NOTE Never touch the cheese block with your hands – it will cause mold to grow. Use some plastic wrap to hold the cheese while grating – I use the old fashioned cheese grater.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      Posted on 10/2/16 at 10:12 pm

      Thanks for the tip! I didn’t know that.

      Reply
    • PollyPolly says

      Posted on 10/4/16 at 9:24 pm

      Well, I have a different school of thought on this. I like to shred all of my cheese at once to save time and dishes. We almost always use it up! I use a cheese grater for small amounts but if I’m wanting a few cups of shredded cheese, the food processor is my best friend!

      Reply
  6. Sargento says

    Posted on 11/19/15 at 7:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing such an informative post. I’m a cheese lover, I can’t wait to try your recipes. Worth reading!

    Reply
  7. Darcel says

    Posted on 10/1/15 at 11:32 pm

    Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes. We keep replacing the stuff that Mother Nature put into food with ….. you guessed it! Starch. Simple carbohydrates. You pay more, for less. Convenience foods remove good stuff like fibre and nutrients, and replace it with edible cheapness that cheats us out of quality time making meals with our loved ones.

    I remember being “allowed” to shred the cheddar and swiss for my Mom’s Christmas quiche, and thinking it was such a privilege. (Mom was so smart!) Let’s get away from our screens and enjoy our family while we all do meaningful and tasteful work in the kitchen!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      Posted on 10/2/15 at 12:37 pm

      Thumbs up to this comment!

      Reply
  8. Teresa says

    Posted on 7/14/15 at 4:48 pm

    The link for Mac N Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato recipe links to the recipe above it…can you please email it to me? Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Abby @ abbysilerfitness.com says

    Posted on 2/9/15 at 3:37 pm

    I love this! I think shredding your own cheese tastes so much better! The other points are always a good bonus as well!

    Reply

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