How You’re Actually Supposed to Use Your Cheese Grater
July 17, 2019
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It would appear that using a cheese grater is a relatively simple process. And it is — you just might not be using it properly. To make cheese grating easy as pie and get the best grated cheese possible, check out the tips below!
1. Small Holes
You know the smaller size holes on a box cheese grater? Use that side when you want cheese that will melt super quickly (like to top pasta or chili, for instance).
2. Prickly Holes
Those prickly, somewhat sharp holes on a cheese grater are perfect for creating extremely fine, powder-like cheese consistencies. This side of the grater is awesome for topping pasta dishes and sprinkling on salads.
3. Wide, Curved Holes
You know those wide, curved holes that you’re never really sure what to do with? Well, this side of the grater is useful when you want thin, long chunks of cheese (for aesthetically pleasing presentations of pasta, chicken, and more).
4. Microplane Grater
A microplane grater is perfect for use with harder cheeses that you want finely grated. It also works excellently for lemon and other citrus zest. Microplane graters don’t work well with soft cheeses, so keep this in mind.
5. Use Downward Motions
When grating cheese, don’t rub the block back and forth across the grater. Not only will this wear you out, but it makes the cheese become caught in the grater and will actually give you less cheese. Only grate the cheese in a downward motion to speed up the process and provide you with more cheese.