We hope this doesn’t sound too cheesy, but we have a grate tip that will change the way you cook. Most dairy lovers would agree that nothing hits the spot like a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or a plate of nachos dripping with melted cheddar. But if all you have is a big block of…
How It Works
To start, lay the box grater flat against a rimmed baking sheet. It should be positioned on its side, as opposed to standing upright. Grab the handle of the box grater and the edge of the baking sheet with the same hand, and hold them firmly together. With your free hand, take a small chunk of cheese and glide it along the top of the grater in a firm, consistent motion away from your body. Repeat as necessary until you’ve grated enough cheese.
Why This Works
You may be wondering, why not just grate the cheese in a normal, up-and-down motion? Well, that way requires more arm strength, and you may grow tired if it’s a particularly dense block of cheese. This alternative method harnesses your body weight instead of your physical strength, so you get more force with less effort. That extra bit of pressure can be extremely helpful when grating harder cheeses like aged cheddar or manchego.
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But Wait, There’s More!
This isn’t just a useful hack when it comes to cheese — it applies to any shreddable food. Use this same technique for shaving carrots, zucchini, and other hard veggies, or grate up some aromatics to add powerful flavor to any dish.
