This Is How to Shred Cheese So Nothing Sticks to the Box Grater
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023
Say goodbye to cheese that sticks to the grater!
Turns out, there are plenty of surprising reasons to grate your own cheese: it melts more smoothly, you get more bang for your buck and it tastes better, since freshly grated cheese doesn’t contain added preservatives and chemicals. And since you’re shredding it on the spot, it will have a fresher, creamier taste. Yum!
But grating cheese can be a hassle. The cheese sticks to the grater, making it difficult to tell if you’ve shredded enough to make your favorite baked macaroni and cheese recipe. It also makes washing the grater a total pain.
Luckily, we have an easy cheese grating hack to keep all that cheddar from sticking to your grater.
This Will Make Cheese Grating SO Easy
TikTok user @HowDoesShe shared a super easy trick that will save you the frustration of picking out cheese from the back of the grater.
Here’s how it works: give the surface of your grater a quick spray with a little olive oil (inside and out) and watch the shredded cheese fall right off the grater. Check out how it works in this TikTok video:
@howdoessheTakes one second, but so satisfying! #tipsandtricks #earthday♬ SUNNY DAY – Matteo Rossanese
You can even freeze shredded cheese once you’re done with prep. How grate is that?
You’ve Grated Your Cheese—Now What?
Now that you know how to grate cheese more smoothly, here are some of our favorite recipes that call for lots of delicious, freshly grated cheese:
- Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere and Parmesan
- Slow-Cooker Grits with cheddar and Parmesan
- Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks with mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan
If you buy big blocks of cheese to grate, this is the easiest way to store your leftover cheese.
Ways to Use Your Shredded Cheese
Loaded Pulled Pork Cups
Potato nests are simple to make and surprisingly handy for pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and other toppings. Make, bake and collect the compliments. —Melissa Sperka, Greensboro, North Carolina
Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich
Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese! —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Slow-Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup
I've taken this creamy slow-cooker soup to potlucks and teacher luncheons, and I bring home an empty crock every time. When my son's school recently created a cookbook, this was the first recipe he asked me to submit, and his teachers were glad he did. —Erica Winkel, Ada, Michigan
Mushroom and Olive Bruschetta
I tried this delicious bruschetta toast at a party and knew I had to make it myself. Since I couldn't find the person who brought the dish, I began trying to duplicate it on my own. The original was made on an English muffin, but party rye or baguette slices work as well. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California
One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
When the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas
Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Broccoli-Cheddar Beef Rolls
My grandma's recipe for beef rolls is easy to change up. Load them with ham, veggies, even olives — how ever you'd like. —Kent Call, Riverside, Utah
Slow-Cooker Grits
Since moving to the South, I have come to love grits! I also love my slow cooker, and I worked to find a way to make perfect grits without stirring on the stovetop. I knew this slow-cooker recipe was a winner when my mother-in-law overheard someone at a church potluck say that it just wasn't right that a Midwesterner could make such good grits! —Tacy Fleury, Clinton, South Carolina
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Deluxe Walking Nachos
This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches
I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Fast Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Cheesesteaks and pizza are such favorites, I just had to combine them. We top a pizza crust with roast beef, cheese and veggies for a hand-held feast. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you like quick and easy recipes that are spicy, you'll love this Instant-Pot Buffalo chicken dip. It's super cheesy and easy. and it has that real Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BLT Turkey Salad
This variation of a BLT salad is great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. —Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
Quick Focaccia Bread
Green olives complement this quick focaccia recipe for an easy pizza-like bread. With very few ingredients, it’s still packed with flavor. Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or alongside pasta, soup or salad for a mouthwatering meal.—Ivy J Laffoon, Ceres, California
Beer Dip
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Egg-Topped Avocado Toast
We always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Pulled Pork Taters
This recipe is as hearty as it gets—part barbecued pork, part potatoes, but completely delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting, warm-you-up baked potato dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas
Apple-Cheddar Pancakes with Bacon
After tasting a scrumptious grilled apple and cheese sandwich, I decided to try the same flavors with pancakes. The idea of adding bacon came from my bacon-fanatic sister. —Kim Korver, Orange City, Iowa
Cheesy Turkey Meat Loaf
Nothing says comfort food better than meat loaf! Get this one started in the morning and you’ll have a fantastic hot meal ready even by lunchtime. —Deanna Martinez Bey, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Quick Golden Squash Soup
This delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Confetti Cornbread
My grandmother Virginia always served Southwest cornbread. To honor her, I created a recipe that cuts down on the chopping but never skimps on flavor. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee
Cheese & Herb Potato Fans
It's downright fun to make and serve this potato recipe. The fresh herbs, butter and cheeses are just what a good potato needs. —Susan Curry, West Hills, California
Deviled Egg Spread
I tried this egg salad at a luncheon and had to have it. I punched it up with pickled banana peppers. It’s a hit with my kids and picky mother. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza
This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now the teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin
Fry Bread
While taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, my family drove through the Navajo reservation and stopped at a little cafe for dinner. I complimented the young waiter on the delicious Indian fry bread and he gave me the recipe. It is very easy to make. —Mildred Stephenson, Hartselle, Alabama
Jumbo Jalapeno Cheddar Rolls
Add some excitement to your buffet with these colorful rolls. The cheddar cheese and jalapeno flavors are mild, but everyone loves the zesty taste. —Linda Foreman, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Double Jack Mac
This spicy mac and cheese recipe came about when I asked my two sisters what they would like to add to mac and cheese to make it special. One said pepper jack cheese and the other said black beans. I liked both of the ideas and this is the result. The black beans add color and nutrition. The pepper jack cheese adds zip and fun. —Andrea Johnson, Freeport, Illinois
Cheeseburger Quesadillas
I created these fun cheeseburger quesadilla mashups in honor of my family's two favorite foods. They are so yummy and easy to make! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
French-Fry Bake
When a friend brought this to a gathering at church, I simply had to ask for the recipe—what a fast and fun way to serve potatoes! It's always good to find a recipe that can sneak in a few extra veggies; the kids never find the carrots hidden inside this one. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Chili-Topped Cornbread Waffles
My daughter inspired this cornbread waffles recipe. Everyone in my family loves chili except her, so we had an idea—cornbread waffles topped with chili and all the fixings! It was a hit. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cheesy Breakfast Egg Rolls
Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or you take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before, so in the morning, just roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
California Chicken Club Pizza
Inspired by the California Club pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, I decided to whip up my own version. It's loaded with tons of fresh veggies, so that means it has to be good for you, right? —Robert Pickart, Chicago, Illinois
Nacho Wings
Since I love both wings and nachos, I combined them for the perfect pairing! This recipe earned an award in a wings and ribs contest we held at our summer cottage. —Lori Stefanishion, Drumheller, AB
Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad
I turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine, carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Chicken Taco Quiche
I wanted to make a quiche but didn't want the usual flavors, so I used ingredients I had in my pantry and refrigerator to come up with this recipe. I was surprised at the great taste and how well the flavors came together. My neighbor asked for the recipe and had the same success! —Tamie Bradford, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Chipotle Ham 'n' Cheese Dip
If you enjoy throwing dinner parties for friends, you can't beat a convenient slow-cooker recipe like this one. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen? Just set the slow cooker on low and have fun visiting with guests. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Mashed Potato Cups
This recipe makes a tasty side dish that's a nice alternative to the standard potatoes or rice. —Jill Hancock, Nashua, New Hampshire
Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Sour Cream & Cheddar Biscuits
Here's my go-to recipe for biscuits. Brushing them with the garlic-butter topping before baking seals the deal! —Amy Martin, Vancouver, WA
Quick Cheesy Broccoli
Topped with crumbs, this cheesy broccoli is a decadent side dish for any occasion. Plus, it can be on the table in just 10 minutes! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Cheddar French Dip Sandwiches
The idea for this roast beef and cheddar sandwich came from a restaurant that serves theirs on garlic bread. It takes no time at all to put together. — Holly Szwej, Bridgeport, New York
Green Beans in Bacon Cheese Sauce
I like to take this side dish to potlucks because it is easy to make and is always popular. —Karen Lewis, Pleasant Grove, Alabama
Cheese & Red Pepper Latkes
These zesty latkes combine three cheeses with a handful of garlic and a colorful burst of red peppers. —Christine Montalvo, Windsor Heights, Iowa
Jalapeno Popper Spread
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Garlic Bread Mini Muffins
These little garlic bread bites make a terrific addition to any buffet spread. We make sure to serve them warm. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
This bacon cheeseburger soup brings two of my absolute favorite foods together in one! The tomato, fresh lettuce and crisp bacon toppers make this soup taste as if it's burger time. —Geoff Bales, Hemet, California
Pierogi Quesadillas
When I had hungry children in the kitchen and nothing but leftovers, I invented these quesadillas. Now it's how we always use up our potatoes, meats and sometimes veggies. —Andrea Dibble, Solon, Iowa
Sausage Cheese Crescents
My mother says that my grandmother made the best butterhorns. I never tasted hers, but my mom's were delicious and grandma, of course, taught her. Through the years, my mom filled butter horns with everything, from fruit, to seafood, to meats and all sorts of nuts and raisins. I always got a kick out of trying to guess what was in them. This recipe is ideal for brunch or lunch. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Garlic Swiss Fondue
I've been making this recipe for years—everyone flips over the wonderful flavors. When cooled, this cheesy appetizer is also fantastic as a cracker spread. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Roadside Diner Cheeseburger Quiche
My savory main-dish quiche tastes just like its burger counterpart. Easy and appealing, this cheeseburger quiche is pretty enough to serve guests. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Bacon Breakfast Pizza
I used to make this bacon breakfast pizza for my morning drivers when I worked at a delivery place. And they just loved it. Breakfast pizza is a quick and easy eye-opener that appeals to all ages. —Cathy Shortall, Easton, Maryland
Cheese-Stuffed Burgers for Two
Here’s a sandwich that does traditional burgers one better—with a surprise pocket of cheddar! My family really enjoys the melted cheese center. —Says Janet Wood, Windham, New Hampshire
Beer and Brats Nachos
Head to the Midwest for the big game with a platter of these crunchy snacks enlivened with a beer-laced cheese sauce. —Kelly Boe, Whiteland, Indiana
Yankee Rancheros
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I had to learn to make some Mexican dishes. These are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner!. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Golden Sweet Onion Cornbread
Bake up this hearty, savory cornbread, slather on delicious homemade cranberry butter and enjoy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BBQ Chicken Waffle Fries
This is one of those dishes that sounds so wrong but tastes so right! Trust me—barbecue chicken leftovers are fantastic with the fries. We like it with lettuce, tomato and pickle, but you can add almost any toppings you like. —Janet Telleen, Russell, Iowa
Chili Coney Dogs
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Speedy Cream of Wild Rice Soup
Add homemade touches to a can of potato soup to get comfort food on the table quickly. The result is a thick and creamy treat textured with wild rice and flavored with smoky bacon. —Joanne Eickhoff, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
Fajita Burger Wraps
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Pressure-Cooker Sausage & Waffle Bake
Here's an easy dish guaranteed to create excitement at the breakfast table! Nothing is missing from this sweet and savory combination. It's so wrong, it's right! —Courtney Lentz, Boston, Massachusetts
Originally Published: April 27, 2021
