Storing shredded cheese doesn’t need to be an issue if you can follow the step-by-step guide on how to store shredded cheese without spoilage.
To store shredded cheese, store it in a refrigerator in a sealed container. After shredding your cheese, wrap it tightly with plastic food wrap so that air cannot get at it.
The plastic wrap will wick away any humidity still present in the cheese, which will keep it from clumping together.
However, the three main things to consider when storing shredded cheese are humidity, air circulation, and light.
Best way to store shredded cheese
Here are the following ways to store shredded cheese
1. Storing in a fridge
Refrigerate cheese in its original wrapper to retain the quality of the food.
It is best to shred only what you need and then use it within a short period of time.
Additionally, if the cheese comes with a plastic or wax coating, remove it before storing; this may be washed off and used for waxing cheese boards later on.
2. Freezing
You can freeze shredded cheese in unopened or opened bags. You can then remove slices as you need them.
It will last up to 6 months in the freezer when stored properly and thawed in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 30 minutes before use.
Additionally, Freezing cheese prolongs its shelf-life and allows you to use cheese in different ways.
3. Wrapping in parchment paper
You can keep your cheese for a long time by simply wrapping it in parchment paper. It will stay fresh for a long time.
By wrapping it in the parchment paper, the moisture from the cheese will be locked inside. The moisture is what causes the cheese to go bad Overtime.
Moreso, this method prevents air from getting to the cheese and causing it to dry out or mold.
4. Wrap in tinfoil
You can store shredded cheese by wrapping it in tinfoil. Tinfoil will prevent the cheese from going bad.
The longer the storage time, however, the more flavor and aroma is lost, so it is best to use within a few days.
However, Instead of purchasing pre-shredded cheese in bags or containers and wasting the rest, try storing your shredded cheese in aluminum foil so you can use the rest when you need it.
5. Leaving it out
If you plan on using your shredded cheese right away or storing it in the refrigerator for less than two weeks, you can leave it out if you cover the unused portion with plastic wrap to keep air from reaching it.
But if you want to store unused shredded cheese for more than two weeks in the refrigerator, it is best to re-seal the package and put it in an airtight
However, if you leave your shredded cheese unwrapped on the counter, the cheese will take on a dried-out, hardened consistency and it will begin to taste stale as well.
6. Grating the cheese
Grated cheese can be stored in an airtight plastic container with just a spoonful of butter to keep it from clumping.
The butter slows down the hardening process, keeping the cheese fresh and soft for up to a week.
7. Shredded cheese container
Your shredded cheese stays fresher longer in the fridge if it’s covered. A resealable container is a great way to keep your shreds fresh.
However, it needs a good seal to really work.
In general, shredded cheese will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days if wrapped in plastic wrap, and about 6 months if stored in an airtight container at 41 °F (5 °C) or colder.
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How to keep shredded cheese fresh
Keeping grated cheese fresh makes it easy to add to a variety of dishes.
You can keep shredded cheese fresh for up to 2 weeks by placing each individual shred into an air-tight sandwich bag and seal.
This will help keep moisture from getting to the shredded cheese, this will ensure it tastes good and remain fresh.
However, the best thing you can do for preserving freshly shredded cheese is to wrap the entire amount in plastic wrap or place it in a zippered bag.
If you’re going to be keeping unused cheese for more than two days, transfer it to a covered container that can be stored in the refrigerator.
How to keep block cheese fresh
Block cheese should be kept in a well-ventilated refrigerator.
It is important to keep the cheese cold and wrapped tightly in plastic wrapping to prevent it from drying out and becoming rubbery.
Then, take the block cheese out of the wrapper and rewrap it in plastic every time you use some for a fresher flavor.
Finally, block cheese will last about a week in the fridge if you store it properly.
The best way to keep the cheese from getting moldy and stale is to eat it. Fresh, delicious cheese should be in everyone’s refrigerator.
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How to keep shredded cheese from clumping
There are several ways to keep shredded cheese from clumping; you can use a Ziploc bag, a food dryer, or a dishwasher.
Some cheeses are more inclined to clump than others, so the first thing you need to do is identify whether the cheese you are using tends to clump.
Next, look at your shredding technique to see if the pieces might be being squeezed together as you shred them.
Another way to prevent shredded cheese from clumping is by mixing in a little melted butter.
Additionally, If you add a small, moist paper towel to the bottom of a storage container, and then add your shredded cheese, the towel will help prevent clumping.
Finally, you can also buy shredding devices that will place small cuts in the shred or grate cheese whirling as it falls into a bowl, which will help keep it from clumping.
How to store shredded cheese in fridge
To store shredded cheese and keep it fresh, it is actually pretty simple. Just follow the basic steps below and your cheese will stay fresh in your refrigerator for weeks at a time.
To store shredded cheese in the fridge, transfer it to a plastic container with a lid that has been lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Cover the shredded cheese and place it in the fridge.
Storing shredded cheese in the fridge will keep it fresh longer than any other method.
How to keep cheese fresh without a fridge
Here are a few tips to keep cheese fresh without refrigeration.
- Keep your cheese wrapped in paper bags with a little salt or sugar sprinkled over it.
- Place your cheese inside a salt-filled mesh produce bag and tie it tightly closed. The salt will absorb the moisture that causes mold
- Place the cheese on a plate or in a small container and surround it with cold water. Change the water every day.
How long will shredded cheese last in the fridge?
It all depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Different cheeses have different storage requirements.
Shredded cheese stored in a covered airtight container will generally last up to a week in the refrigerator while fresh shredded cheese could last for up to 2 weeks.
Additionally, you can help it last longer by storing it in a container that’s sealed or contains an oxygen absorber to block out air and extend shelf life.
However, it can be kept in the refrigerator for as long as a year if properly wrapped and stored.
Unopened blocks of cheese can be left at room temperature for up to three weeks, and whole wedges may be refrigerated for several days.
How to store shredded mozzarella cheese for long time
Storing Mozzarella so that it stays fresh and safe to use is very easy by following the simple instructions below.
Place it in an airtight container in your refrigerator and make sure that you are storing it between 33⁰ and 40⁰.
However, shredded mozzarella cheese can be stored for up to six months in an airtight, moisture-proof container in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze shredded mozzarella cheese by stuffing it in an airtight freezer bag, which allows for single servings of cheese in your recipes and eliminates the need for thawing.
Be sure to remove any excess air from the bag and seal it shut before putting it in the freezer.
How to keep shredded cheese from molding
Here’s an easy way to keep shredded cheese from molding:
Place a dry paper towel over the top of the opened bag of shredded cheese, and then seal it with a twist tie. The paper towel will be slightly damp after 5 days so you might need to change it.
Another method for preserving shredded cheese is by placing it in an airtight container immediately after opening.
Also, you can freeze it, after shredding a block of cheese, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it on a dinner plate in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the contents onto a zip-lock bag where you can keep it fresh and last longer.
Finally, you can keep it in a sealed container and put it in the refrigerator immediately.
How to store grated parmesan cheese
The best way to store Parmesan cheese is in a resealable plastic bag. The cheese will have a longer shelf life if kept this way.
However, if you’ve grated it yourself, and didn’t purchase it in one of those nifty hand-held containers that you squeeze the cheese out of, make sure to close the container airtight.
Take a few seconds to squeeze out as much air as possible. Then, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Or you could wrap it in a piece of cheesecloth or muslin and place it in the fridge. This prevents other food from coming into contact with it and keeps away from being exposed to air which can affect the taste.
How to keep grated parmesan cheese from molding
To prevent your parmesan cheese from molding, store it in a plastic container. After you grate your cheese, toss it in the container and then seal it for maximum freshness.
Next time you want some parmesan on your spaghetti or pizza, just take out as much as you need. Plastic wrap works too, but sealing it helps maintain its freshness longer.
Can You Store Shredded Cheese in Tupperware?
You can undoubtedly store shredded cheese in Tupperware. Just make sure that the cheese is completely cool and dry before adding it to your container. Ideally, store the container on its side and allow air to circulate it.
It will help to prevent mold from forming on the cheese. The container’s lid will ensure that any humidity that does collect does not get in contact with your cheese — keeping it fresh for as long as possible.
Just remember not to stack too many containers together, as this will increase the amount of moisture on your cheese and cause your storage containers to sweat.
Note: A tight-fitting lid will prevent your cheese from drying out, which can make it taste stale. Don’t store the container on its side or upside down, as this will cause moisture to collect, and the cheese will become wet and soggy. Keep the container away from direct heat sources because this could melt your cheese.
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How to Store Mozzarella Cheese in Freezer
Preserving mozzarella cheese in your freezer is easy to make cheese last longer.
First, before you place the cheese in your freezer, wrap it with plastic wrap. It will protect the cheese from any freezer burn.
Second, make sure that after you store the mozzarella for some time, check for any ice crystals forming on the cheese. If there are any ice crystals present, remove the cheese and let it thaw out at room temperature.
Then, wrap up the mozzarella again with the plastic wrap and return it to the freezer.
However, storing your mozzarella cheese in the freezer will not detrimentally affect the cheese’s flavor, texture, or shelf life. It can extend the shelf life of your mozzarella. Freezing is a great way to keep your cheese fresh and safe from mold or bacteria growth.
How to Store Opened Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days past its sell date, on the counter for up to 1 week, and in your freezer for many months. Here is how:
To store opened cheddar cheese, unwrap the entire block, wrap each piece individually in a paper towel, and then place in an airtight container. For an extra measure of protection, cover the container tightly with plastic wrap.
How Can You Tell If Shredded Cheese Is Bad?
Shredded cheese has a long shelf life, but it should not be kept in your refrigerator for longer than three months. The biggest indicator of whether or not shredded cheese is bad is its color. At first, the cheese starts to discolor slightly, and the surface slowly becomes dry.
Over time, the surface becomes harder and drier, and a powder-like white coating will develop. When this happens, you should ideally throw the cheese away.
However, it can be hard to tell if your cheese is bad a lot of times. Most of the time, you’ll know if you open a package of shredded cheese and find an ugly slimy or darker color on the inside. Examine that outside packaging for signs that the food may have been tampered with. Most of all, if it smells bad or looks a little fuzzy, throw it out.
How Do You Stick Shredded Cheese Together?
Cheese sticks are a great snack that you can easily make yourself. Put shredded cheese on a baking sheet and put the sheet in an oven at 350 degrees F. Take out the sheet when the cheese sticks are golden brown and crispy.
They will come out of the oven stuck together, so they need to be separated by your hands or a spatula when they’ve cooled down.
Additionally, place the shredded cheese between two pieces of parchment paper, place another sheet on top, press down firmly and roll the cheese out using a rolling pin. This technique evens out the thickness of the cheese and improves its consistency for more uniform melting.
Why Does Shredded Cheese Not Stick Together?
Shredded cheese may not stay together for several reasons. It might be too dry or not have enough moisture to allow the fat and the protein to stick. If you are using preshredded cheese from a bag in your recipes rather than shredding it fresh, then the cheese most likely has a coating on it that prevents it from sticking.
However, the main reason that you may not want it to stick together is that it melts quicker than solid blocks of cheese. Therefore, when preparing your favorite Mexican dish or grilled cheese sandwich, the best way to shred cheese is to buy a block and shred it yourself.
What Is Added to Shredded Cheese to Keep It from Clumping?
Three ingredients will keep shredded cheese from clumping. The most common one is to add cellulose or wood pulp. Another one is calcium chloride, and the other is enzymes. Cellulose works by absorbing water from moisture in the cheese. Some people think that wood pulp is a derivative of trees, but it’s just sawdust, a processed form of cellulose.
Also, food scientists add an anti-caking agent such as calcium silicate or magnesium carbonate to shredded cheese to keep the shreds from clumping together. It is added to prevent sticking and clumping of the shreds, present in their natural form. Adding these agents helps keep shredded cheese fresh for extended periods by preventing it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze shredded cheddar cheese?
You can freeze shredded cheddar if you keep it in an airtight container. However, freshly shredded cheese will stay fresher and longer when you freeze it.
Is it OK to freeze shredded cheese?
It is completely OK to freeze shredded cheese. It is better to make it handy that you can use within a month or so, as cheese really can take on other flavors and smells over time.
Is it OK to wrap cheese in aluminum foil?
It is not recommended to wrap cheese in aluminum foil. Since cheese can mold, some experts suggest that wrapping it in aluminum foil can increase the risk of this happening.
The best way to make your cheese last longer is to keep it in a covered (airtight) container or wrap it in wax paper.
Can I store cheese in a glass container?
You can store cheese in a glass container, glass is an excellent long-term storage container for cheese as long as it is sealed with a gasket and a lid that fits tightly. (A gasket is just a seal between two pieces of glass.)
Conclusion
Storing shredded cheese can be tricky. If you want your cheese to stay moist follow the step by step guide above on how to store shredded cheese as this will help you keep your cheese fresh and healthy.
Equipment
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cheese
Instructions
- Place a cheese grater or zester on a cutting board.
- Use a box grater with caution, or firmly place the side of a cheese grater or zester on the cutting board.
- Take the block of cheese and push firmly against the grain of the cheese grater to shred cheese.
- As much cheese as necessary to shred
Video
Nutrition
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