Do you buy blocks of cheese or already shredded in the bag?

[Imzadi]

That's more of a fine grater like you'd use to grate cheese for sprinkling on pasta or pizza. There are other graters that have different sections that can be used for fine grating, coarse grating similar to a commercial cheese shredder, and a wide blade that cuts cheese like a cheese plane.

That is exactly what I use my shredded cheese for. The holes are just a bit bigger on my own grater. I've found better pictures.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Microplane-Professional-Extra-Coarse-Grater/dp/B0000CFFRO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1374894251&sr=8-7

The cheese would be grated sprinkles if it was a HARD cheese like an aged parmesan, which doesn't shred. But, softer cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, this type of grater makes thin shreds, that melt wonderfully on pizza or pastas.

And I'm surprised how few times the word grate or grater has been used in this thread. A cheese shredder is supposed to be an electric or hand cranked device that shreds cheese similar to a meat grinder.

I use whatever gets the cheese on the food quickly, which is the grater I showed. I have no need to use something bigger, more expensive, requires more time to wash & store, or something else just to be anally "correct."

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I tend to buy blocks as they last longer and are cheaper.

 

[tigercat]

I buy the blocks because it is a lot cheaper than the pre shredded one's. I keep it in a container and wrap it in paper towels to keep it fresher and keep the mould away. I have a grater as well as an electric one. I use which ever one is needed for the amount that I need.
tigercat

 

[tar heel]

Pre-shredded cheese is coated to keep it from sticking together. It can ruin your dish if you needed it to melt smoothly. I sometimes buy it for tacos for convenience, but I do it knowing it's an inferior product.

I use a lot of cheese and buy what I can get a good deal on. I also stock up when it's on sale. Cabot is my favorite, but I"ll buy store brand if I need it and there's not a good deal on anything else.

I just store opened cheese in ziploc -- it keeps for a long time.

 

[DisneyWalle]

I buy block cheese and just shred it myself. Saves money and only takes a minute to shred. If I'm melting it anyway, I just cut my block and throw it in the food processor --- super fast.

 

[maslex]

OP here. Thanks for all of your replies. I'm doing my grocery shopping tomorrow and a couple blocks of cheese are definitely on my list. Going to give it a whirl.

Do you ever pre-shred the whole block and then use as needed?

 

[Squirlz]

OP here. Thanks for all of your replies. I'm doing my grocery shopping tomorrow and a couple blocks of cheese are definitely on my list. Going to give it a whirl.

Do you ever pre-shred the whole block and then use as needed?

Yes. My Wife will fill a quart container with shredded sharp cheddar to use for whatever.