3 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Always Grate Your Own Cheese

Photo: Shutterstock / StepanPopov

On the menu tonight: Grandma’s famous baked ziti. While you’re at the store picking up ingredients, you reach the dairy aisle…and stop. Your recipe clearly calls for grated cheese, but should you buy a whole block of it or a bag of the pre-shredded kind? Does it really make a difference either way?

Turns out, there are some surprising reasons why you should grate your own cheese by hand.

1. It melts more smoothly.

Pre-grated cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, meant to keep the shreds from clumping together in the bag. That also means they don’t melt together as well when cooking. Freshly grated cheese lacks those additives so your bacon cheese dip will turn out less clumpy and much smoother.

2. You get more for your money.

An 8 oz block of cheese yields more grated shreds than an 8 oz bag of pre-grated cheese, making it a much better choice for anyone on a budget or looking to get the most bang for your buck. Remember, too, that when you buy the pre-grated cheese, you’re paying extra for the convenience.

3. 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. And fewer additives is always a healthier option.

Bonus; It’s an arm workout.

Tone up those triceps and biceps! A little manual labor (the back and forth motion of pressing the cheese firmly against the grater) in the kitchen is a great way to work out while cooking (two birds, one stone!).

Keep in mind that not all pre-grated cheese is equal, either, though. If you must go with the pre-grated option, look to see if your grocery store grates it onsite. These fresher options usually have fewer preservatives and will work better than super-processed bagged counterparts.

All in all, grating your own cheese by hand isn’t the most fun, but it can be well worth it when you’re digging into a pile of gooey macaroni and cheese or ladling a bowl of creamy spinach soup. So grab your grater, pick up a block of your favorite cheese and get to work!

Try these extra-cheesy recipes.

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Best Ever Mac & CheeseTo make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Skillet Mac & CheeseThis creamy mac ’n’ cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

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Slow-Cooker Mac and CheeseThis classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina

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Pizza Macaroni & CheeseMy grandma made this for us once when she came to visit and I never forgot just how good it was. Since my kids love anything with pepperoni and cheese, I thought they'd enjoy it just as much as I did. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

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Taste of Home

My Mother's Mac and CheeseI remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon

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Taste of Home

Chicken Ranch Mac & CheesePrep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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Easy Slow-Cooker Mac & CheeseMy sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania

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Porcini Mac & CheeseThis recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia

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Baked Mac and CheeseEven people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware

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Taste of Home

White Cheddar Mac & CheeseMy mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

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Taste of Home

Bistro Mac & CheeseI like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

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Creamy Cavatappi & CheeseDive fork-first into oodles of noodles baked to bubbly perfection and coated with a to-die-for sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this cavatappi, a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Hot sauce lends mild heat that’s delectable with the smoky topping. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida

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Homey Mac & CheeseI also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

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Taste of Home

Triple Cheese TwistsOur stovetop macaroni and cheese is extra special, thanks to the buttery crumb topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Potluck Macaroni and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Potluck Macaroni and CheeseYou'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

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Quick Chili MacThis combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan

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Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' CheeseThis recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin

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Taste of Home

Buttermilk Mac 'n' CheeseOnce you taste this version of an all-time favorite comfort food, you may never make the regular kind again. It's my most-requested recipe. —Donna Fancher, Lawrence, Indiana

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Veggie Macaroni & CheeseThis creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon

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Taste of Home

Chili Mac CasseroleThis cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

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Over-the-Top Mac ‘n’ CheeseThis delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food. A blend of five cheeses, it makes a beautiful entree or a special side. I served it at our Thanksgiving dinner, and it received rave reviews. —Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware. Whether you're hosting this year's meal or plan to be a guest, these mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipes will be a hit with everyone at the table.

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Stovetop Macaroni and CheeseWhen I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas

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Italian Three-Cheese MacaroniMy husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. —Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Spinach Beef Macaroni BakeThis hearty casserole is great for a family reunion or church supper. I've also made half the recipe for family gatherings. It's become a special favorite of my grandson-in-law and great-grandson, who often ask me to serve it when they're visiting. —Lois Lauppe, Lahoma, Oklahoma

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Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese ShellsI created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

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Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & CheeseAll my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. —Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan

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Deluxe Baked Macaroni and CheeseI've been cooking and baking for many years, but I've only recently begun creating my own recipes. By adding diced ham, tomatoes, several cheeses and a hint of Dijon mustard, I turned this super creamy mac and cheese into the ultimate comfort food. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida

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Hearty Mac & Cheese“Whether a cold winter night or rainy summer day, this is quick-and-easy comfort food at its very best!” And a great way to jazz up boxed macaroni mix. —Carol Wohlgemuth, Riding Mountain, Manitoba

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