Grated cheese facts for kids
Grated cheese is simply cheese that has been cut into small pieces using a special tool called a grater. People often use aged, hard cheeses for grating because they have a strong flavor and a firm texture. You can grate cheese yourself at home with a hand grater, or you can buy it already grated from the store. Sometimes, the grated cheese you buy is a mix of different cheeses.
Shredded cheese is a bit different from grated cheese. It has larger, longer pieces, which means it melts and cooks in a slightly different way.
Contents
What is Grated Cheese?
Grated cheese is made by rubbing a block of cheese against a grater. A grater is a kitchen tool with many small holes that have sharp edges. When you push the cheese against these holes, it breaks into tiny bits or strands. This makes the cheese easier to sprinkle over food and helps it melt smoothly.
Why Grate Cheese?
Grating cheese helps to spread its flavor evenly over a dish. It also makes the cheese melt faster and more smoothly, which is great for things like pizza or pasta sauces. The texture of grated cheese can also add a nice touch to your meal.
Popular Cheeses for Grating
Many different types of cheese can be grated, but some are much more popular because of their flavor and texture. Hard cheeses are usually the best choice for grating.
Common Grated Cheese Types
Here are some popular cheeses that are often grated:
- Parmesan: This is a very famous hard Italian cheese with a strong, salty flavor. It's often grated over pasta dishes, soups, and salads.
- Cheddar cheese: A widely loved cheese that can be mild or sharp. It's great for grating over tacos, chili, or baked potatoes.
- Reggianito: An Argentine cheese similar to Parmesan, often used in the same ways.
- Red Leicester: A firm English cheese with a reddish-orange color and a mild, nutty taste.
- Cheshire cheese: Another English cheese, known for its crumbly texture and mild, salty flavor.
- Edam cheese: A semi-hard Dutch cheese that is mild and slightly nutty.
Grated vs. Shredded Cheese
While both grated and shredded cheese involve breaking down a block of cheese, there's a small difference. Grated cheese usually has very fine, small pieces. Shredded cheese, on the other hand, has longer, thicker strands. This difference in size affects how they melt and how they feel in your mouth. For example, shredded cheese might give you a chewier texture when melted, while finely grated cheese will blend in more smoothly.
How We Use Grated Cheese
Grated cheese is a super versatile ingredient in kitchens all over the world. It adds flavor, texture, and a creamy richness to many different meals.
Dishes with Grated Cheese
You'll find grated cheese used in many popular dishes:
- Pasta: Many pasta dishes, like spaghetti or lasagna, are topped with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.
- Pizza: While often using shredded cheese, finely grated cheeses can also be sprinkled on pizzas for extra flavor.
- Soups and Salads: A sprinkle of grated cheese can add a burst of flavor to a bowl of soup or a fresh salad.
- Baked Dishes: Casseroles, gratins, and baked potatoes often use grated cheese for a crispy, melted topping.
- Tacos and Nachos: Grated cheddar or a blend of cheeses is a common topping for these Mexican-inspired dishes.
See also
In Spanish: Queso rallado para niños
