The choice between block cheese, such as brick, and the convenient, pre-shredded variety is a common dilemma for home cooks. While the bagged option offers an undeniable time-saving shortcut, a closer look reveals that the block format, and specifically the Wisconsin-born brick cheese, holds significant advantages in terms of melt, flavor, and overall quality for many recipes.
The Core Difference: Additives and Processing
At the heart of the block versus shredded debate are the additives found in pre-packaged cheese. To prevent the shreds from sticking together and clumping inside the bag, manufacturers coat the cheese with anti-caking agents like potato starch or cellulose. While harmless, these agents have a notable impact on the cheese's behavior when heated. In contrast, brick cheese is sold in its purest form, without any additives, ensuring a cleaner flavor and melt. This minimal processing is what allows block cheese to retain its natural characteristics, which become apparent when cooking.
Melting Performance: Gooey vs. Gritty
The presence of anti-caking agents is most evident in how the cheese melts. When melted, pre-shredded cheese is less likely to form the smooth, uniform melt prized in dishes like mac and cheese or cheese sauces. The individual shreds tend to resist coalescing into a single, creamy texture. Conversely, when you grate your own cheese from a block, it melts together beautifully, creating a much smoother and more luxurious result. This is one of the most critical reasons chefs and home cooks recommend shredding your own cheese for recipes where a perfectly smooth sauce is the goal.
Flavor Profile: Fresher Taste from the Block
Block cheese often has a more pronounced and authentic flavor than its pre-shredded counterpart. The cheese's exposure to oxygen begins to degrade its flavor once it is shredded. The added starches and preservatives can also dilute the natural flavor of the cheese. Since brick cheese is kept in a solid block with less surface area, it is less exposed to oxidation and potential contaminants, preserving its rich, fresh, and often tangy flavor profile. A younger brick cheese is known for its mild, earthy flavor, while an aged variety develops a more pungent and tangy character. This flavor integrity is crucial for any recipe where cheese is a featured ingredient.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis: Convenience vs. Value
While pre-shredded cheese offers the ultimate convenience by saving you prep time, it comes at a higher price point. You are essentially paying extra for the processing and packaging. Buying a block of cheese, like brick, is typically more cost-effective per ounce. For those who buy cheese frequently or in larger quantities, the savings from buying block cheese can add up significantly over time.
The Versatility of Brick Cheese
Brick cheese is a Wisconsin-made cheese with a semi-soft texture that makes it incredibly versatile. Its excellent melting properties and rich flavor make it a preferred choice for several specific applications:
- Detroit-Style Pizza: Brick cheese is the traditional choice for this pizza style, creating the classic caramelized, buttery crust and creamy interior.
- Grilled Cheese: The way it slices and melts makes it an ideal cheese for a gooey, satisfying grilled cheese sandwich.
- Mac and Cheese: Its smooth melt contributes to a perfectly creamy and rich mac and cheese sauce.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: Both young and aged brick cheese can add a powerful flavor boost to sandwiches or a melted topping on a burger.
The Role of Pre-Shredded Cheese
Despite its disadvantages, pre-shredded cheese still has a place in the kitchen for its convenience. It is a suitable option for applications where a smooth, uniform melt is less critical. Consider using it for:
- Quick Toppings: Sprinkling over tacos, baked potatoes, or salads for a fast finish.
- Casseroles: Layering in baked dishes where the overall texture is less dependent on the cheese's melt.
- Time-Sensitive Meals: When you need a fast and easy meal and don't have time for grating, the pre-shredded bag is an acceptable shortcut.
Comparison Table: Brick vs. Pre-Shredded Cheese
| Feature | Brick (Block) Cheese | Pre-Shredded Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Melt | Smooth, creamy, and consistent | Uneven, can be gritty or clumpy |
| Flavor | Richer, fresher, more authentic | Less robust, flavor can be muted |
| Cost | Generally more economical per ounce | More expensive per ounce for convenience |
| Additives | Contains no anti-caking agents | Contains anti-caking agents like cellulose |
| Convenience | Requires manual shredding, more effort | Ready-to-use, saves preparation time |
Conclusion: Which One Is Truly Better?
Ultimately, the question of whether brick cheese is better than shredded cheese depends on your priorities. For those who prioritize flavor, a superior melt, and cost-effectiveness, freshly shredded cheese from a block, such as brick, is the clear winner. The absence of anti-caking agents and better preservation of flavor results in a richer, creamier, and more authentic cheesy experience. If time is of the essence and a perfect melt is not a priority, pre-shredded cheese remains a convenient option for quick applications. For serious cooks and cheese lovers, however, a few minutes with a grater is a small price to pay for a vastly superior culinary result. For more information on Wisconsin's famous brick cheese, you can visit the Wisconsin Cheese website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is brick cheese?
Brick cheese is a semi-soft, smear-ripened cow's milk cheese, first created in Wisconsin in the late 1800s, named for the bricks used to press the curds.
Why does pre-shredded cheese not melt as well?
Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch to prevent it from clumping in the bag, which also hinders its ability to melt smoothly and evenly.
Is it cheaper to buy block cheese instead of pre-shredded?
Yes, block cheese is almost always cheaper per ounce than pre-shredded cheese, as you are paying for the added processing and packaging of the pre-shredded version.
Can you freeze shredded cheese?
Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese. For best results, spread it out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent it from clumping.
How is brick cheese used in cooking?
Brick cheese is excellent for dishes where a rich, creamy melt is desired, such as Detroit-style pizza, mac and cheese, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Why does pre-shredded cheese mold faster than a block?
With more surface area exposed to air and contaminants, pre-shredded cheese is more susceptible to mold growth once the bag is opened compared to a solid block.
What is the best way to get a smooth cheese sauce?
To achieve a smooth cheese sauce, always shred your own cheese from a block, add it slowly to a low-heat roux, and avoid over-stirring.
