Melted cheese can be used as a delicious dip for a variety of dishes. Cheese can be melted on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure you choose a type of cheese that melts and add cornstarch and liquid to prevent it from hardening. Heat the cheese on the stove over low heat or in a bowl in the microwave until it starts to melt.
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Method 1 of 3: Selecting and Preparing Cheese
Step 1. Choose a hard-textured cheese
Hard cheeses have a lower melting point. This cheese is commonly used as a dip in dishes such as grilled cheese or as a base for soups. Cheddar cheese, Gruyere, and Swiss cheese are some cheese choices that are suitable for melting.
Low-fat cheese melts, but takes longer to cook and is tougher when stirred
Step 2. Avoid soft cheeses
Low-fat, low-water cheeses, such as Parmesan and Romano, burn easily and don't melt like sauces. Very soft cheeses, such as feta and ricotta, will not melt and should be avoided when making melted cheese.
Step 3. Grate, mince, or slice your cheese
Cheese will melt faster when cut into small pieces. Grate, chop, or slice your cheese before melting it.
There's a big difference between grating, chopping, and slicing cheese. You can use whichever option you think is easiest
Step 4. Let the cheese sit at room temperature
If you melt frozen cheese, the process will take longer or less evenly. Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before trying to melt it.
Most cheeses will reach room temperature after 20 to 30 minutes. Don't let the cheese sit for more than two hours
Method 2 of 3: Melting Cheese on the Stove
Step 1. Use a nonstick frying pan
Cheese can stick easily to the sides of the pan or plate during the melting process. Choose a container lined with nonstick material to melt the cheese to avoid this problem.
Step 2. Heat the cheese over low heat
Place the cheese on the stove over low heat. Don't start heating the cheese over medium or high heat so it melts evenly.
Step 3. Add a pinch of cornstarch and evaporated milk
A little flour and milk can prevent the cheese from crumbling too quickly, clumping, and cooking unevenly. The amount needed will vary depending on how much cheese you've melted, but you'll only need a little flour to smooth the texture of the cheese.
Step 4. Try adding American cheese
You can add a few small slices of American cheese as this type of cheese can help smooth the melting process. If you like the taste of American cheese, add a sheet or two of the cheese to the melted cheese.
Step 5. Add ingredients with a sour taste, such as vinegar or beer
If the cheese clumps as it melts, use an acidic ingredient to help with the process. Alcohol, such as wine or beer, can work well as well as add flavor. If you don't want to use alcohol, try something else like vinegar or lemon juice.
Step 6. Stir in the cheese without stopping
Use a dough mixer or a fork to stir the cheese continuously throughout the melting process. This method will even out the mixed ingredients and keep the cheese texture smooth.
Step 7. Remove the melted cheese
You'll need to remove the cheese from the stove once it reaches the desired consistency. Cheese has a low burning point, so heating it too long can burn the cheese.
Method 3 of 3: Melt the Cheese in the Microwave
Step 1. Place the cheese in a special microwave-safe container
Cheese should be melted in a nonstick container. However, you may have a hard time finding a container that fits in the refrigerator. Ceramic bowls or similar containers can also be used, but you'll need to spray them with nonstick liquid.
Step 2. Add a little cornstarch and evaporated milk
Before putting the cheese in the microwave, first add a little flour and evaporated milk. This will prevent the cheese from clumping during the cooking process. The amount will depend on the amount of cheese melted, but basically you only need a little.
Step 3. Mix the sour ingredients
Sour ingredients can add flavor and keep the cheese texture smooth as it melts. White wine and beer can add flavor to melted cheese. If you don't want to add alcohol, try kitchen vinegar as a substitute.
Step 4. Melt the cheese on high heat for 30 seconds
Place the cheese in a non-stick microwave container. Turn on the microwave for 30 seconds on a high temperature setting. Usually, that's enough time to melt the cheese.
Step 5. Remove and stir in the cheese
Stir in the cheese that has been removed from the oven. Ideally, the texture of the cheese should be smooth and not lumpy. If the cheese is still lumpy and a bit firm, put it back in the microwave.
Step 6. Melt the cheese at intervals of 5 to 10 seconds
If the cheese doesn't melt after 30 seconds, remove it from the microwave, stir, then place it back in the microwave for another 5 to 10 seconds. Continue to cook the cheese in the microwave at short intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.
