Heating and Melting Cheese - Big Y® World Class Market®

HEATING AND MELTING

When melting cheese, shred, grate or cut cheese into small pieces for efficient melting or for combining with other ingredients
To melt, heat shredded or finely cubed cheese in a saucepan or double boiler on low heat, stirring frequently, just until melted.
High heat and/or cooking too long make the cheese stringy and tough.
When making a sauce, add cheese as the last ingredient, stirring over low heat until melted. If the sauce mixture is extremely hot, remove from heat and cool several minutes before adding the cheese.
Bake cheese dishes/casseroles at 350° F to prevent overcooking the cheese.
Add cheese toppings to casseroles during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to allow cheese to melt perfectly.
Broil cheese-topped dishes 5 to 6 inches from the heat source. Watch carefully, as the cheese will melt quickly.
Softening cheese in a hurry? Remove from the foil wrapper and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave at 50 percent power about 30 seconds for a 3-ounce package, 60 seconds for an 8-ounce package. Cooking times will vary among microwave ovens.