Yes, a food processor grates cheese quickly using the shredding disc, turning a block into a bowl of shreds in seconds. For best results, use firm, cold cheese, push it through the feed tube with the pusher, and avoid very soft cheeses, which smear. Hard cheeses like parmesan can also be grated finely with the standard blade by pulsing chunks. It is far faster than a box grater for large amounts.

Quick Answer

Yes. Use the shredding disc with firm, cold cheese pushed through the feed tube. For hard cheese like parmesan, pulse chunks with the S-blade for a fine grate. Avoid very soft cheeses, which smear and clog.

Short Answer

A food processor grates cheese fast with the shredding disc. Keep the cheese firm and cold, use the pusher, and pulse hard cheeses with the S-blade for a fine grate. Soft cheeses do not grate well.

How to Grate Cheese in a Food Processor

  1. Chill the cheese so it is firm; cold cheese grates cleanly.
  2. Fit the shredding disc.
  3. Cut the cheese to fit the feed tube.
  4. Run the processor and push the cheese through with the pusher.
  5. For hard cheese like parmesan, instead pulse chunks with the S-blade for a fine grate.

Key Takeaway: Cold cheese is the secret. Warm or soft cheese smears and clogs the disc, while firm, chilled cheese shreds cleanly and quickly.

Best Cheeses to Grate

Cheese Method
Cheddar, mozzarella (firm) Shredding disc, cold
Parmesan, pecorino (hard) S-blade, pulse chunks
Gruyere, Swiss Shredding disc, cold
Soft cheeses (brie, fresh mozzarella) Not suitable; they smear

Why Grate Cheese in a Food Processor?

It is much faster than a box grater for large amounts, with no grated knuckles. Freshly grated cheese also melts and tastes better than pre-shredded, which is coated to stop clumping. For big batches, the food processor wins easily.

Tips

  • Freeze the cheese for 10 to 15 minutes if it is too soft.
  • Do not overfill; grate in batches for a clean shred.
  • Clean the disc promptly so cheese does not harden on it.
  • Use the S-blade pulse method only for hard cheeses.

Safety Notes

  • Always use the pusher in the feed tube.
  • Handle the shredding disc by the hub.
  • Lock the bowl and lid before running.
  • Unplug before cleaning the disc.

FAQ

Can you grate cheese in a food processor?

Yes, the shredding disc grates firm cheese quickly. Keep the cheese cold and use the pusher. For hard cheeses like parmesan, pulse chunks with the standard blade.

Why is my cheese smearing in the food processor?

The cheese is too soft or warm. Chill or briefly freeze it so it is firm, and it will shred cleanly instead of smearing on the disc.

Can a food processor grate parmesan?

Yes. For a fine parmesan grate, pulse chunks with the S-blade rather than the shredding disc, which suits firmer block cheeses.

Bottom Line

A food processor grates cheese fast with the shredding disc for firm cheese and the pulse method for hard cheese, as long as the cheese is cold. It beats a box grater for big batches. To choose a model with good discs, see our best food processors guide.

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