Quick Answer: How Do You Microwave Cheddar Cheese?

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Cheese is one of the most popular types of food to microwave. The process is simple. You place the cheese on a microwave-safe dish, and heat it in the microwave until it melts. This type of cheese is usually cheddar, as it is most commonly found in a jar.

Cheese is just one of those things that makes everything better. Want extra gooeyness on your pizza? Add more cheese. Not enough flavor in your sandwich? Grilled cheese is a must!

When it comes to deciding on what kind of cheese to buy, a classic choice is always cheddar. Although when it first came out several centuries ago, it was only produced in England, cheddar cheese is now the most consumed cheese in the world.

Cheddar is a hard type of cheese that often comes in a crumbly texture. It comes in white, pale yellow and orange flavors (if food coloring is added) and, when left to mature for a more extensive period of time, will also become more sharp.

It’s safe to say that in all of its forms, cheddar cheese never disappoints. But when you are looking for a smooth and creamy texture to compliment your dish, melted cheddar cheese is definitely the way to go.

So how exactly do you achieve this irresistibly silky consistency?

The key to getting the perfect melted cheddar cheese is all about the approach you implement and what tools you are utilizing.

In our opinion, the best method for melting cheddar cheese is using the microwave. It’s quick, easy and will give you deliciously creamy cheese every time.

To find out more about the specifics and what steps to take when using blocks of cheese as opposed to shredded, make sure to check out the rest of this article.

More cheese, please!

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How To Microwave Shredded Cheddar Cheese?

If there’s shredded cheddar cheese available at your local grocery store, we highly recommend going with this option as it is more efficient and will cut down on the amount of time it takes for you to achieve your melted consistency.

If you can’t find shredded cheese, don’t worry. DIY-ing it is also a great option!

how to melt cheddar cheese in the microwave

Pro Tips

Make sure you use a bowl and not a plate, as the melted cheese will run off of it!

If you’re shredding the cheese on your own, it’s really important that you complete this step while the cheese is still cold. In its cold state, the cheese is still firm and not rubbery, making it easier to break into smaller pieces with the box grater.

Do not skip the 20-minute resting period step! Bringing it to a warmer temperature is crucial for melting the cheese effectively in the microwave.

Stirring the cheese every 15 seconds is also highly recommended as it will ensure the cheese is being heated evenly throughout (do not stir too vigorously as it can cause clumping).

All microwaves are different, so the 15-second timeframe may vary depending on the brand and how much cheese you are heating up. Just remember to stir every 15 seconds and, once you’ve reached the desired liquid consistency, you’re done!

You may notice that pre-shredded cheese takes longer to melt in the microwave. This is because it is coated in a powder that ensures the individual pieces don’t stick together.

If you find your pre-shredded cheese won’t melt at all, try the DIY cheddar cheese method instead (freshly grated cheese melts more easily).

Be careful when you remove the bowl from the microwave as it will be very hot (we recommend using an oven mitt or tea towel for this step).

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How To Melt A Block Of Cheddar Cheese In The Microwave?

If you are working with a block of cheese opposed to shredded, there’s also a simple and fast set of steps for you, too.

This method is slightly more complicated than when you use pre-shredded cheese as you will have to break up the block into smarter chunks, but it’s just as easy.

Pro Tips

Make sure to cut up the cheese into cubes while it is still cold, as it will be easier.

When cutting up the cheese, try and make the cubes as small as you can. Smaller cubes will be easier to melt and will take less time in the microwave- ½ – 1-inch thick is a good benchmark.

Do not skip the 20-minute resting period step! Bringing it to a warmer temperature is crucial for melting the cheese effectively in the microwave.

Stirring the cheese every 15 seconds is also highly recommended as it will ensure the cheese is being heated evenly throughout (do not stir too vigorously as it can cause clumping).

All microwaves are different, so the 15-second timeframe may vary depending on the brand and how much cheese you are heating up.
Just remember to stir every 15 seconds and, once you’ve reached the desired liquid consistency, you’re done!

Be careful when you remove the bowl from the microwave as it will be very hot (we recommend using an oven mitt or tea towel for this step).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Way To Melt Cheddar Cheese?

The best way to melt cheddar cheese is in the microwave. Melting your cheese this way is super quick and easy and can be completed by simply heating up your cheese in 15-second intervals until it turns to a smooth, creamy consistency.

Just make sure to stir it during the 15-second breaks to avoid clumps and to make sure your cheese melts evenly (however, not too vigorously, as this can cause lumps).

What If My Melted Cheese Is Lumpy?

Sometimes, cheese can be stubborn and even after following the laid out instructions precisely, you find yourself looking at a rather lumpy bowl of melted cheese.

Don’t worry, this can be fixed! The first piece of advice we want to give you is to make sure you stir the cheese every 15 seconds.

If your cheese is still not smooth, try adding a bit of milk or cream to it. A tablespoon of milk or cream will not only help to make the cheese cook faster, it will also provide you with a creamier and more silky finish.

Other ingredients that you can add that will aid with this are flour, cornstarch, lemon, and even white wine.

How Much Shredded Cheese Does A Block Of Cheese Make?

The amount of shredded cheese that a full block will yield depends on the size but generally, for every 6 ounces of cheese you have, you will end up with 1.5 cups of it in shredded form.

Will All Types Of Cheddar Cheese Melt The Same?

It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to melting cheddar cheese in the microwave, different types may demand lengths of time to heat up.

For example, the more sharp or mature your cheddar cheese is, the more time it is going to require. If the cheese is extra-sharp, it will also need a higher temperature to melt efficiently.

These rules also apply to other types of cheeses. Most cheeses can be melted in the microwave, but some work better than others. For example, parmesan is not a great cheese to melt in the microwave as its texture makes it especially prone to burning.

How Long Does It Take To Melt Cheese?

The length of time it takes to melt cheddar cheese in the microwave depends on how much cheese you are working with.

On average, a normal-sized bowl of cheese will require approximately 15-30 seconds.

A good way of knowing when your cheese is going to melt is being aware of the temperature at which cheddar cheese melts.

At 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you will already notice your cheese starting to go soft. At 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the cheddar cheese should be totally melted.

Why Is My Cheddar Cheese Not Melting?

If you notice your cheddar cheese not melting, this could be due to the fact that you are using pre-shredded cheese.

When you buy cheddar cheese from the grocery store that has already been shredded, it contains a powder that prevents it from lumping together. This inevitably makes it difficult to melt.

Sometimes, it’s best to simply shred the cheese yourself to avoid this.

How Do You Store Melted Cheddar Cheese?

Storing your melted cheddar cheese is simple and can be done by placing it in an airtight container once it has cooled and putting it in the fridge.

Melted cheddar cheese can be stored here for 7-14 days, however, keep in mind it will only hold on to its original texture and flavor for approximately 48 hours.

You can also store the cheese in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it again, allow it to thaw overnight or for 2.5 hours.

How To Microwave Shredded Cheddar Cheese?: Pre-Shredded

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 seconds

Total Time: 20 minutes 15 seconds

Difficulty: Easy

Shredded cheddar cheese is brought to room temperature for 20 minutes and then placed in the microwave on medium heat for 15-second intervals until fully melted.

Materials

Shredded cheddar cheese

Tools

Microwave
Microwave-safe bowl
Microwavable vented lid
Oven mitts/tea towel
Spoon

Instructions

Microwave
Microwave-safe bowl
Microwavable vented lid
Oven mitts/tea towel
Spoon

Take the shredded cheddar cheese out of the fridge and set it on the counter
Allow it to rest for 20 minutes so that it can come to room temperature
Retrieve a microwave-safe bowl
Place the shredded cheese into the bowl
Set the temperature on the microwave to medium heat
Put the shredded cheese in the microwave and heat it up for 15 seconds
Remove the cheese and stir it well
Place it back in the microwave for 15 more seconds if needed
Remove from microwave and stir again

How To Microwave Shredded Cheddar Cheese?: DIY Shredded

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 seconds

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Cheddar cheese is shredded using a box grater before coming to room temperature. Cheese is then placed in the bowl on medium heat for 15-second intervals until fully melted.

Materials

Cheddar cheese

Tools

Cheese Grater
Cutting board
Microwave
Microwave-safe bowl
Microwavable vented lid
Oven mitts/tea towel
Spoon

Instructions

Take the cheddar cheese out of the fridge
Using a cutting board and a box grater, shred the cheese
Allow it to rest for 20 minutes so that it can come to room temperature
Retrieve a microwave-safe bowl
Place the shredded cheese into the bowl
Set the temperature on the microwave to medium heat
Put the shredded cheese in the microwave and put a vented lid on top
Heat the cheese up for 15 seconds
Remove the cheese and stir it well
Place it back in the microwave for 15 more seconds if needed
Remove from microwave and stir again

How To Melt A Block Of Cheddar Cheese In The Microwave?

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 seconds

Total Time: 20 minutes 15 seconds

Difficulty: Easy

The block of cheese is cut up into small cubes before sitting to come to room temperature. The cheese is then set in a bowl and put in the microwave for 15-second intervals until the cheese is totally melted.

Materials

Block of cheddar cheese

Tools

Knife
Cutting board
Microwave
Microwave-safe bowl
Microwavable vented lid
Oven mitts/tea towel
Spoon

Instructions

Take the block of cheddar cheese out of the fridge

Using a cutting board and a knife, cut the cheese into small cubes (½-1-inch cubes)
Allow it to rest for 20 minutes so that it can come to room temperature
Retrieve a microwave-safe bowl
Place the cubes of cheese into the bowl
Set the temperature on the microwave to medium heat
Put the cubes of cheese in the microwave and place a vented lid on it
Heat the cheese up for 15 seconds
Remove the cheese and stir it well
Place it back in the microwave for 15 more seconds if needed
Remove from microwave and stir again

Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!