Why Shred Your Own Cheese?
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“Why would I waste time shredding my own cheese when I can just buy a bag of pre-shredded cheese?”
Reason #1 to Shred Your Own Cheese: It Saves Money!
For most people, the motivating factor to shred one’s own cheese will likely be to save money. But does shredding your own cheese really save money?
YES!
At my grocery store, a bag of 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese costs close to $5.00. So that’s $2.50 a cup.
In contrast, when buying a 24oz block of cheese for about $8.00 and shredding it yourself (which makes about 8 cups), it turns out to be about $1.00 a cup. This makes my heart happy.
Reason #2 to Shred Your Own Cheese: Avoid Consuming Additives
Do I think eating store-bought shredded cheese will kill you? No. Is your kid going to sprout green hair and grow a third arm from the additives in store-bought shredded cheese? Probably not. (I’d have quite the blog post to write if they did!) BUT for lots of reasons, around Thriving Home, we strive to keep our food REAL and as close to its original form as possible.
The truth is, in store-bought shredded cheese there are a few more additives. Let’s compare:
One to pay attention to is the cellulose.
You know that light powder you can see on shredded cheese? That my friends is, cellulose. It keeps the cheese shreds from sticking together. It is also indigestible and made from wood or cotton. Like I said, it’s not going to kill you but, I’m not a beaver…or a termite… just saying.
Reason #3 to Shred Your Own Cheese: It Just Tastes Better!
Please, do a taste test and prove me wrong. You won’t. Freshly shredded cheese tastes richer, creamier, fresher (from lack of cellulose), meltier (is that even a word?), and is just better. Recipes using freshly grated cheese have a clear edge over those that don’t.
The Best Way 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. You won’t last long shredding your own cheese that way. 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!
With extra cheese that you may not use in the next two weeks, simply divide it up into 2-cup portions (or whatever portion your little heart desires) and freeze it!
Yes, shredded cheese freezes very well. Read our post for more information about freezing different types of cheese.
Carole Tarter says
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
Carla from Thriving Home says
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!
Annu Verma says
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?
Polly Conner says
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.
Fallon says
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!
Rachel Tiemeyer says
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.
Erin says
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) 🙂
Polly says
Probably depends on where you shop too!
Sharon says
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.
Rachel says
Thanks for the tip! I didn’t know that.
Polly says
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!
Sargento says
Thanks for sharing such an informative post. I’m a cheese lover, I can’t wait to try your recipes. Worth reading!
Darcel says
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!
Rachel says
Thumbs up to this comment!
Teresa says
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!
Abby @ abbysilerfitness.com says
I love this! I think shredding your own cheese tastes so much better! The other points are always a good bonus as well!