How to Cut Cheese Into Cubes: A Guide for Perfect Portions
Cutting cheese into cubes is simple: use a sharp knife appropriate for the cheese’s texture, cut the cheese into even slices, stack the slices, and then cut the stack into cubes. The key is maintaining a consistent size for appealing presentation and uniform melting if using in cooked dishes.
Why Perfect Cheese Cubes Matter
Achieving perfectly cubed cheese might seem trivial, but it elevates culinary experiences in several ways. Whether crafting a visually appealing cheese board, preparing ingredients for a gourmet mac and cheese, or simply enjoying a satisfying snack, uniformly shaped cheese cubes offer several benefits:
- Aesthetics: Consistent cubes enhance the visual appeal of platters and dishes.
- Texture: Uniform pieces ensure a balanced mouthfeel.
- Melting: Even cubes melt uniformly, preventing uneven pockets of flavor in cooked dishes.
- Portion Control: Cubes provide a quick and easy method for measuring and managing cheese intake.
Choosing the Right Knife for the Cheese
Selecting the right knife is crucial for cleanly cutting cheese into perfect cubes. Different cheeses require different blades:
- Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert): Use a cheese wire or a thin-bladed knife with holes to prevent sticking.
- Semi-Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda): Opt for a sharp chef’s knife or a cheese knife with a slightly serrated edge.
- Hard Cheeses (Parmesan, Pecorino): Employ a hard cheese knife or a sturdy chef’s knife. Sometimes, a small cleaver can work too.
The Step-by-Step Process for Cubing Cheese
Follow these steps to achieve flawlessly cubed cheese:
- Prepare Your Cheese: Ensure the cheese is properly chilled for easier handling. Softer cheeses can benefit from a short stint in the freezer (around 15 minutes) before cutting.
- Cut into Slices: Using your chosen knife, cut the cheese into even slices of your desired cube thickness. Aim for consistent slices.
- Stack the Slices: Carefully stack the slices on top of each other, ensuring they are aligned. This makes uniform cuts easier.
- Cut into Strips: Cut the stacked slices into strips, maintaining the same width as the initial slices.
- Cube the Strips: Rotate the strips 90 degrees and cut them into cubes. Aim for a smooth, even motion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls for achieving perfect cheese cubes:
- Dull Knife: A dull knife tears the cheese, resulting in jagged edges and an uneven appearance.
- Warm Cheese: Warm cheese is difficult to handle and prone to smearing. Ensure the cheese is adequately chilled.
- Inconsistent Slices: Inconsistent slices lead to irregular cubes. Take your time and focus on precision.
- Rushing the Process: Rushing the process can result in uneven cubes and wasted cheese. Work deliberately and carefully.
Troubleshooting Sticky Situations
Dealing with sticky cheeses can be frustrating. Here are some tips:
- Chill the Knife: Place your knife in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting.
- Apply Oil: Lightly oil the blade of the knife to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Use Cheese Wire: A cheese wire is specifically designed for cutting soft cheeses without sticking.
- Clean the Knife Regularly: Wipe the knife blade frequently with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated cheese.
Cheese Cube Sizes: A Practical Guide
The size of your cheese cubes will depend on their intended use. Here’s a handy guide:
| Size | Dimensions (approximate) | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ¼ inch (6 mm) | Salads, pizza toppings, small appetizers |
| Medium | ½ inch (12 mm) | Cheese boards, snacking, mac and cheese, skewers |
| Large | ¾ inch (19 mm) | Grilling skewers, larger appetizers, cheese and cracker pairings |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to prevent cheese from crumbling when cutting?
Ensure your knife is extremely sharp. A dull knife tears at the cheese, causing it to crumble. Also, chilling the cheese beforehand helps solidify it, making it less likely to crumble. For particularly crumbly cheeses, try using a cheese wire.
Can I use a vegetable peeler to cube cheese?
While unconventional, a vegetable peeler can be used to create thin ribbons of cheese, which you could then stack and cut into small cubes. However, this method is best suited for semi-hard cheeses and may not be as efficient as using a knife.
How do I clean a cheese knife properly?
Wash your cheese knife with warm, soapy water immediately after use. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the blade. For knives with wooden handles, dry them thoroughly to prevent water damage.
What type of cutting board is best for cutting cheese?
Wooden or bamboo cutting boards are generally preferred for cutting cheese. They are gentle on knife blades and provide a stable surface. Avoid glass or marble cutting boards, as they can dull your knives and make it harder to grip the cheese.
How do I store cheese cubes properly after cutting?
Store your cheese cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent them from drying out, wrap them in cheese paper or wax paper before placing them in the container. Consider adding a small piece of damp paper towel to the container to maintain humidity.
Is it better to cut cheese right before serving or can I do it in advance?
It’s best to cut cheese as close to serving time as possible to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. If you must cut it in advance, store it properly as described above and bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
What’s the best temperature for cheese before cutting?
Generally, chilling the cheese before cutting is recommended, especially for softer varieties. However, avoid freezing, as this can alter the texture. Aim for a temperature between 35°F (2°C) and 45°F (7°C).
Can I use a mandoline to cut cheese into cubes?
While a mandoline is useful for slicing vegetables, it’s generally not recommended for cutting cheese into cubes. The pressure required to push the cheese through the blade can be excessive, and the cheese may crumble or stick.
What’s the best way to cut soft, sticky cheese like Brie?
The best method for cutting soft, sticky cheese is to use a cheese wire or a thin-bladed knife with holes. Chilling the cheese and the knife beforehand can also help.
How do I prevent cheese cubes from sticking together?
Lightly tossing the cheese cubes in a small amount of cornstarch or powdered sugar can help prevent them from sticking together. Ensure they are completely dry before storing.
What’s the difference between a cheese knife and a regular knife?
Cheese knives are specifically designed for cutting cheese. They often have specialized blades for different types of cheese, such as holes to prevent sticking or a forked tip for serving. Regular knives may not be as effective at cleanly cutting cheese.
Can I cut cheese into other shapes besides cubes?
Absolutely! While this article focuses on cubes, you can use the same principles of slicing and stacking to create other shapes, such as rectangles, triangles, or even diamonds. Experiment and find what works best for your needs.