Melted cheese can be used as a delicious sauce for many dishes. It can be melted on a stove or in a microwave. Be sure to choose the type of cheese that melts and add a little starch and liquid to it to prevent it from getting stringy. Heat the cheese over low heat or in small increments in a microwave until it begins to melt.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose and Prepare the Cheese
Step 1. Choose the toughest cheeses
Harder cheeses have a lower melting point. These are the types most often used in sauces, in dishes like grilled cheese, and as a base for soups. Cheddar, Gruyère, and Swiss are great for melting.
Low-fat cheeses can be melted; however, they may take longer to melt and thicken when stirred
Step 2. Avoid soft cheeses
Low-fat and low-moisture cheeses, such as Parmesan and Romano cheese, burn easily and do not have the consistency of a sauce when melted. Very soft cheeses, such as feta and ricotta, will never melt and should not be used to make melted cheese.
Step 3. Grate the cheese or cut it into strips or chunks
This will melt faster if you cut it into smaller pieces. Grate it or cut it into strips or chunks before melting.
There is no major difference between grating and cutting into strips or chunks. You can use whatever option is most convenient for you
Step 4. Let the cheese come to room temperature
Melting frozen cheese could cause it to melt slowly or unevenly. Let it sit until it is almost room temperature before trying to melt it.
Most cheeses will be at room temperature in about 20 to 30 minutes. Don't let it sit for more than 2 hours
Method 2 of 3: Melt the cheese on a stove
Step 1. Use a nonstick skillet
Cheeses can stick very easily to the pan or plate during the melting process. Choose a plate with a nonstick coating to avoid this problem.
Step 2. Put the cheese on low heat
Put the cheese on a stove over low heat. Never start melting it over medium or high heat, as it will cause it to heat unevenly.
Step 3. Add a pinch of cornstarch and evaporated milk
A little starch and milk will prevent the cheese from melting too quickly, resulting in a lumpy and uneven mixture. The amount of each product will vary depending on how much cheese you are melting; however, you will only need a small pinch of each to keep it smooth.
Step 4. Add American cheese
You can also add a few small slices of American cheese, as this has properties that help the cheeses melt smoothly. If you don't mind its taste, add a slice or two to your cheese mixture.
Step 5. Add an acidic ingredient like vinegar or beer
If the cheese gets lumpy when you melt it, a small amount of a sour ingredient may do the trick. Alcohol (like white vinegar and beer) will work great and add flavor. However, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can try something like lemon juice or vinegar.
Step 6. Beat the cheese continuously
Use a fork or wire whisk to whisk it continuously when you melt it. This will mix all the ingredients you add and also keep the mixture smooth.
Step 7. Remove it as soon as you melt it
You should remove the cheese from the stove as soon as it reaches the consistency you want. This has a low flash point; therefore, you can make it burn if you melt it for longer than necessary.
Method 3 of 3: Melt it in a microwave
Step 1. Put the cheese in a microwave safe container
This will melt best in a non-stick container. However, it can be difficult to find one that will fit your refrigerator. A ceramic bowl or similar container might work, although you may need to spray them with a nonstick spray.
Step 2. Add some cornstarch and evaporated milk
Before putting the cheese in the microwave, you will need some cornstarch and evaporated milk. This will help prevent it from getting lumpy during the cooking process. The exact amounts will vary depending on how much cheese you melt, but you will only need a small pinch of each.
Step 3. Mix an acidic ingredient
An acidic ingredient can add flavor and help the cheese stay soft when you melt it. White wine and beer can add flavor to cheese. If you'd rather not add alcohol, try something like white vinegar.
Step 4. Melt it at a high temperature for 30 seconds
Put the cheese on a microwave safe, non-stick plate. Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a high temperature. This will usually be long enough to melt it properly.
Step 5. Remove and stir the cheese
Stir the cheese after removing it from the oven. Ideally, you should blend it evenly until it reaches a smooth, lump-free texture. If it's still lumpy and a little solid, put it back in the microwave.
Step 6. Melt it in 5-10 second intervals
If it doesn't melt after 30 seconds, remove it from the microwave, stir it, and reheat it for an additional 10 seconds. Microwave the cheese for short intervals until it is the consistency you want.