Processed cheese can be used to garnish and flavor many dishes. You can prepare it on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure you choose a type of cheese that can actually melt. Also add cornstarch and liquid to keep it from becoming chewy. Let it heat over medium heat or at short intervals in the microwave until it is the desired consistency.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose and Prepare the Cheese
Step 1. Choose a hard cheese
Hard cheeses have a lower melting point. They are often used to make sauces, dishes such as grilled cheese and soup bases. Cheddar, Gruyere and Emmentaler melt smoothly.
Cheeses that contain less fat can be melted, but the process takes longer, and you may find them thicker when stirring
Step 2. Avoid soft or low-fat cheeses
Low-fat cheeses that contain little water, such as Parmesan and pecorino, burn easily and do not allow to obtain the fluid and homogeneous consistency typical of dips and sauces. Extremely soft cheeses, like feta and ricotta, never melt, so avoid them when you want to make melted cheese.
Step 3. Grater, cut the cheese into strips or slices
Cheese cut into small pieces melts faster. Before proceeding, grate it, cut it into strips or slice it.
Since the type of cut you make does not affect the final result, choose the one you think is most practical for your needs
Step 4. Wait for the cheese to come to room temperature
When the cheese is cold, it may melt unevenly or take longer. Remove it from the refrigerator and wait for it to come to room temperature before continuing.
Most cheeses come to room temperature in about 20-30 minutes. Don't leave it out for more than 2 hours
Method 2 of 3: Melt the Cheese on the Fire
Step 1. Use a non-stick pan
During the process the cheese can easily stick to the sides of the pan. Choose one with a non-stick coating to avoid this problem.
Step 2. Set the focus to low
Put the pan on the stove and set it to low. Avoid medium or high temperatures, otherwise the process can take place unevenly.
Step 3. Add a sprinkle of cornstarch and evaporated milk
Incorporating a pinch of cornstarch and milk prevents the cheese from separating too quickly. Otherwise it could become lumpy and uneven. The doses depend on how much cheese you use, but a pinch of starch and evaporated milk are enough to obtain a smooth and homogeneous result.
Step 4. Try adding slices
You can also use slices of slices during preparation, as they have properties that help melt the cheese more evenly. Add a slice or two to the mixture, but only if you don't mind the taste.
Step 5. Add an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or beer
If the cheese becomes lumpy during cooking, it may be helpful to add an acidic liquid. Some alcoholic beverages, such as white wine or beer, are very effective and help flavor the cheese. However, those who prefer to avoid alcohol can try ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice instead.
Step 6. Beat the cheese constantly
Beat the cheese incessantly as it melts using a whisk or fork. This way you will incorporate the ingredients you have added and the mixture will remain smooth and homogeneous.
Step 7. Remove the cheese from the heat as soon as it finishes melting
You should remove it from the stove as soon as it reaches the desired consistency. Since cheese has a low melting point, letting it melt longer than necessary will cause it to burn.
Method 3 of 3: Melt the Cheese in the Microwave
Step 1. Place the cheese in a microwave safe container
You may want to use a non-stick container. However, it can be difficult to find one that fits in the microwave. A ceramic bowl or similar container can do just as well, although it's best to coat it with a non-stick spray.
Step 2. Add cornstarch and evaporated milk
Before putting the cheese in the microwave, you need to add a pinch of starch and some evaporated milk. These ingredients help prevent it from clumping during cooking. The exact doses depend on how much cheese you use, but usually minimal amounts are enough.
Step 3. Add an acidic ingredient
It can intensify the taste of the cheese and keep it smooth while cooking. White wine and beer allow you to flavor it. Do you prefer to avoid alcohol? Try white vinegar instead.
Step 4. Melt the cheese on full power for 30 seconds
Place it in a non-stick microwave-safe dish. Cook it on full power for 30 seconds. It usually takes half a minute for it to dissolve completely.
Step 5. Remove the cheese and stir it
Once out of the oven, stir it again. It should have a smooth, homogeneous and lump-free consistency. Put it back in the microwave if some parts are firm and lumpy.
Step 6. Melt the cheese every 5-10 seconds
Remove it from the microwave if it hasn't melted after 30 seconds, stir it, and then put it back in the oven for another 5-10 seconds. Continue to cook it at short intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.
