How to Grate Cheese

4.84 from 6 votes

Published 10/15/2020 • Updated 10/20/2023

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Did you know there is more than one way to grate cheese? So, if you don’t have a cheese grater, don’t fret! You can also use a food processor, citrus zester, or a knife.

Many different grated cheeses on a cutting board.

No matter what recipe you use shredded cheese in, you are left with a big decision on whether or not to shred your own cheese or buy store bought shredded cheese. Though we also use store bought shredded cheese, if we have time, we try to always grate cheese ourselves.

Grating cheese at home leaves you with shredded cheese that has no added fillers (which prevent cheese from clumping) and tends to melt easier than store bought shredded cheese!

We’re sharing 4 different ways to grate cheese — >1. cheese grater 2. food processor, 3. zester, and 4. knife.

Grating Cheese with a Cheese Grater

The most common way to shred cheese at home is to use a cheese grater! When it comes to cheese graters, you will usually find two different kinds of cheese graters that are the most common!

Box Cheese Grater – A box cheese grater is a great kitchen tool to have on hand! it gives you three different sizes to shred your cheese and a shaved cheese option!
Handheld Cheese Grater– A hand held cheese grater usually comes with one shredding thickness, but is great if you need a quick cheese shred!

What is the downside to a handheld grater?

The only down side to a hand help cheese grater is that if you have a recipe that calls for a lot of shredded cheese, you can get a hand cramp!

However, we still highly recommend to all cheese lovers to keep one of these hand graters on hand at all times

A box grater with different kinds of shredded cheese on the cutting board.

Use a Food Processor to Grate Cheese

YES, you can use a food processor to shred your cheese! It is by far our favorite way to grate cheese. Let’s break down how to shred cheese with a food processor.

How to Shred Cheese in a Food Processor

First things, first. To grate cheese with a food processor you need a food processor (duh!) and that food processor needs to have a grating plate! Most food processors come with a shredding and slicing attachment, so be sure to check that out before purchasing a food processor! We have this food processor and LOVE it.
After you have your food processor, next you have to decide what size shred you would like. There are usually two shred options (fine and medium shred) when that come with every food processor. Choose your shred and place your attachment on your food processor.
After you have attached your shredding attachment, place the top on your food processor. There is a feed shoot where you can place food into the food processor while it is one. Be sure that is open and ready for cheese!
Next up, prepare THE CHEESE! Chop up a block of cheese into long rectangles or cubes (depending on the size of your food processor).
From there turn your food processor on and carefully feed the cheese through the feed shoot using the feeding tool to push the cheese down into the food processor.

here’s a tip!

Be sure that your cheese cube is COLD. It is easier to shred cheese when it comes straight out of the refrigerator!

Placing cheddar cheese into to a food processor to grate cheese.

Grate a Block of Cheese with a Zester

If you don’t have a cheese grater or a food processor you may have a zester! Guess what, that will work just fine, too! Zesters usually offer a finely shredded cheese option, which works for most recipes!

A zester works just like a hand grater! Grate and go, people!

A zester and a piece of cheese on a cutting board.

Use a Knife + Chop to Shred Cheese

If you don’t have a cheese grater, food processor, or zester don’t loose hope! You still have one final option! Hopefully you have a sharp knife at home. You can create a shred like consistency using a sharp knife!

To make shreds with a knife, grab a cold cheese block and cut a thin slice of cheese from the block.
Next, take that slice of cheese and chop it into thin matchsticks (like matchstick carrots).
Repeat until you end up with as much shredded cheese as you need!

Shredded cheese on a cutting board by a knife.

4.84 from 6 votes

How to Grate Cheese (without a grater)

Did you know there is more than one way to grate cheese? That’s right! Whether you have a box grater at home or find yourself in need of grated cheese and no grater, we’ve got you covered on how to grate cheese without a cheese grater!

By: Honeycomb Media

Prep: 10

Cook: 0

Total: 10

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 8 oz. hard cheese, any kind, cold

Instructions

Cheese Grater + Zester

Place a cheese grater or zester on a cutting board.
Carefully put pressure on a box grater or set the side of a cheese grater or zester firmly on the cutting board.
Take the block of cheese and push firmly against the grain of the cheese grater to shred cheese.
Shred as much cheese as needed.

Food Processor

Cut the cheese into small cubes or long rectangles.
Prepare the food processor for use. Place the cheese shredding attachment on the food processor.
Place the top on your food processor and open the food shoot where the cheese will go.
Turn on the food processor and feed the cheese cubes or rectangles through the feed shoot.

Knife

To make shreds with a knife, grab a cold cheese block and cut a thin slice of cheese from the block.
Next, take that slice of cheese and finely slice it into thin matchsticks (like matchstick carrots).
Repeat until you end up with as much shredded cheese as you need.