Mastering Cheese Grating: Techniques, Tools, and Tips

Did you know there is more than one way to grate cheese? If you don’t have a box grater, don’t worry — you can use a food processor, a citrus zester, or even a knife to get great shredded cheese at home.

When a recipe calls for shredded cheese, you can choose between store-bought shredded cheese or grating your own. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, grating cheese at home gives you fresher-tasting shreds without the anti-caking additives found in many packaged blends. Freshly grated cheese also melts more smoothly, which makes a difference in dishes like mac and cheese, soups, and casseroles.

Below are four simple methods to grate cheese: 1) cheese grater, 2) food processor, 3) zester, and 4) knife.

Grating Cheese with a Cheese Grater

The classic method is a cheese grater. The most common styles are the box grater and the handheld grater:

• Box cheese grater — A box grater usually has multiple grating surfaces for coarse, medium, fine shreds and sometimes a slicing side, making it versatile for different recipes.
• Handheld cheese grater — A handheld grater is compact and quick to use for small amounts. It typically offers a single shredding thickness and is handy for fast prep.

Use a Food Processor to Grate Cheese

Using a food processor is one of the fastest ways to grate cheese and ideal when you need larger amounts. Most food processors include a shredding disc or attachment; when available, this method produces even, consistent shreds quickly.

How to Shred Cheese in a Food Processor

1. Check that your food processor includes a shredding disc or shredding attachment.
2. Decide whether you want a fine or medium shred and attach the appropriate disc.
3. Cut a cold block of cheese into pieces that will fit in the feed chute — either cubes or long rectangles.
4. With the lid in place, turn the food processor on and feed the cheese through the chute, using the pusher to guide it safely.

Grate a Block of Cheese with a Zester

If you don’t have a grater or food processor, a zester will work well for finely grated cheese. A zester produces small, delicate shreds that are perfect for garnishes, citrusy salads, or finely textured toppings.

Use the zester the same way you would a hand grater: hold the cheese firmly and run it across the zester’s holes until you have the amount needed.

Use a Knife + Chop to Shred Cheese

If you lack a grater, food processor, or zester, a sharp knife and a bit of time can produce a shredded-like texture. This method works best with a cold, firm cheese.

1. Start with a cold block of cheese. Slice off a thin piece from the block.
2. Lay the slice flat and cut it into thin strips, then cut those strips into thin matchsticks (similar to matchstick-cut carrots).
3. Continue until you have the desired amount of cheese.