Some cheese varieties are finely grated, whereas others are shredded more coarsely.
There are two different types of cheese: grated and shredded.
What’s the difference between grated and shredded cheese?
Both grated and shredded cheese come in many varieties, but they have some key differences that affect how you use them.
For example, you can make sandwiches with shredded cheese and it will still hold its shape well.
But if you want to make a pizza, you need to use grated cheese.
Another major difference between grated and shredded cheese is that shredded cheese has a lot more surface area in each bite than grated cheese does.
This means that when you eat shredded cheese, you get more taste, which makes it more satisfying.
In addition to this, since shredded cheese is so much bigger in size, it’ll melt faster.
It also melts easier when heated since there are more small pieces of cheese melting at once.
To put it simply, shredded cheese is “better” than grated cheese.
Here are the most popular shredded cheeses and their benefits/differences:
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
This cheese is great for a variety of uses because it holds its shape and doesn’t crumble as easily as other shredded cheese such as American or Colby.
You can use this cheese on top of grilled meats like steak and chicken or on salads as an accompaniment.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is often used in pizzas and calzones because it melts quickly, making it perfect for quick cook-and-serve meals.
Since it’s smaller in size, mozzarella shreds more easily and melts faster than other shredded cheeses.
The texture of this cheese is a little grainier than other shredded cheeses due to the fact that it’s not as smooth.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey jack cheese is another common shredded cheese that many people love.
It’s great for both savory and sweet dishes because it works well with spicy, salty foods or desserts with creaminess.
It also comes pre-shredded on many grocery store shelves.
Shredded Pepperjack Cheese
Pepperjack is another delicious shredded cheese that’s great for Mexican food.
It’s got a nice spice to it so you can add it to your favorite sauces and salsas without overpowering the flavor of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a classic shredded cheese that you can find almost anywhere.
Its strong cheesy flavor pairs perfectly with anything from pasta to meatballs.
Because it’s so good tasting, you can sprinkle it on just about any dish.
Swiss Cheese
The Swiss cheese is one of the most versatile shredded cheeses out there.
It’s very flavorful and goes well with everything from soups to eggs, but it’s particularly great in fondues.
Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere is another wonderful shredded cheese.
It’s a bit milder than other shredded cheeses but it’s still quite flavorful.
It’s great in fondue because it melts slowly and doesn’t break apart easily.
It’s also great in macaroni and cheese, because it adds a slight nutty flavor to the dish.
Brie Cheese
Brie is a soft cheese that’s usually found in croissants and quiches.
People love using brie because it’s creamy, light, and has a lovely aroma.
Brie also tastes great on top of fruit, especially apples and pears.
Which is better for cheese lovers?
If you don’t care too much about keeping the cheese together, then shredded cheese might be the way to go.
However, if you want to make a pie or a lasagna and keep everything together, then you should probably choose grated cheese.
If you want to make sandwiches or a pizza, then you can either buy grated cheese or shred the cheese yourself.
Either way, you’re sure to enjoy these tasty treats!
Grated or shredded cheese?
It’s really up to you whether you prefer grated or shredded cheese.
Many people think that shredded cheese is better because it’s more flavorful and meltable, but if you don’t mind a little more work, then you can always purchase grated cheese instead.
Just remember that grated cheese is more expensive and harder to find sometimes so you may want to opt for shredded cheese if you can.
What’s the best way to grate or shred cheese?
You can do either of these things with your cheese.
Here’s how:
- To shred cheese, place the block into a bowl along with a knife, and cut across the blocks of cheese until it resembles fine shreds. This method is a bit messy but is the easiest way to shred cheese. Just be careful not to spill the cheese all over your kitchen counter.
- To grate cheese, you’ll need a grating tool. They vary depending upon what type of cheese you plan to use. These tools are easy to clean and last forever. Just make sure to wash them right after you use them.
What’s the difference between grated and shredded cheddar cheese?
Cheddars are known for being creamy and rich.
They make great pizza toppings and in certain dishes, like macaroni and cheese, they add a creaminess that no other cheese can match.
One of the ways that you can tell that you’re eating shredded cheddar cheese is that it breaks apart into big chunks.
It’s great for using in lasagnas, fondues, and pies.
What’s the difference between grated and shredded mozzarella cheese?
Mozzarella cheese is similar to cheddar cheese.
Both are creamy and rich.
In fact, mozzarella cheese is the same as cheddar cheese except for the fact that it’s yellow and has a stronger tang to it.
Like cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese is great in macaroni and cheese and is a staple in Italian cooking.
What’s the difference between grated and shredded Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a very strong flavored cheese.
It’s typically used in Italian recipes because it complements the flavors of other ingredients.
It’s also a popular topping for pizzas.
The difference between shredded and grated parmesan cheese is that grated parmesan cheese is finer and has a smoother texture.
It’s best to use grated parmesan cheese for making pastas or pizzas.
What’s the difference between grated and shredded Swiss cheese?
Swiss cheese is a firm cheese that is often eaten in fondue.
It’s great for dipping bread into, but it’s also a good choice for topping pizzas.
The difference between grated and shredded Swiss cheese is that shredded Swiss cheese is larger in size and has a coarser texture.
Gruyere Cheese
Like Swiss cheese, gruyere cheese is a firm cheese that’s often used in fondue.
Gruyere cheese is a French version of Swiss cheese and has a slightly nuttier flavor.
It’s also great on pizza or any dish that requires a creamy, rich flavor.
Just like Swiss cheese, the difference between grated and shredded gruyere cheese is that shredded gruyere cheese is larger in size.
Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese
Equipment
- 1 saute pan or skillet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 8 ounces mushrooms such as baby bella aka cremini, button, shiitake, and oyster
- ¼ cup thyme finely chopped fresh
- ¼ cup oregano finely chopped fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 3 cups kale or spinach
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 4 ounces goat chees soft
- Kosher salt
- Pepper Fresh ground
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente in salted boiling water. Set the timer for a few minutes less than the package instructions, then taste: the pasta should be just done, but still firm. The salted water should impart a salty flavor to the pasta. Save 14 cup pasta water after draining the pasta.
- Meanwhile, clean and slice the mushrooms. Prepare the herbs.
- Heat the olive oil in a saute pan or skillet over medium high heat and cook the herbs, mushrooms, and several pinches of kosher salt for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the mushrooms are tender, reduce the heat to low and add the lemon juice, greens, and a few more pinches of kosher salt. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the greens are wilted but still bright green. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and pasta water until the cheese is melted.
- Mix in the drained pasta with the mushrooms. To taste, season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt. Break off crumbles of goat cheese with your fingers and add them to the pasta; stir them in if desired. Serve right away.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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