Master the Art of Grating Cheese: How to Grate Cheese in a Breville Food Processor

Are you tired of struggling with a cheese grater that leaves you with uneven, chunky cheese? Do you dream of perfectly shredded cheese for your pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to master the art of grating cheese in your Breville food processor, transforming your culinary experience.

Understanding Your Breville Food Processor

Before diving into the cheese-grating process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your Breville food processor. Different models may have varying features and attachments, so consult your user manual for specific instructions. The key components for cheese grating typically include:

• Grating disc: This is the essential attachment responsible for shredding your cheese. Breville food processors usually offer multiple grating disc options, each with varying sizes for fine, medium, or coarse shredding.
• Work bowl: This is where you’ll place your cheese for processing. Ensure it’s securely attached to the food processor base.
• Feed tube: This is the opening through which you’ll insert the cheese into the work bowl. Use the pusher provided to safely guide the cheese.

Preparing Your Cheese for Grating

Choosing the right cheese is crucial for achieving optimal results. Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and pecorino romano work best in food processors. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or brie can be more challenging to grate and may result in a sticky mess. Here are some tips for preparing your cheese:

• Chill your cheese: Cold cheese is easier to grate and produces less cheese dust. Place your cheese in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before grating.
• Cut the cheese into smaller pieces: This allows for easier handling and prevents the cheese from clogging the feed tube. Aim for pieces that are no larger than 1 inch in size.
• Avoid overfilling the work bowl: Overcrowding can lead to uneven grating and may even cause the motor to overheat. Fill the work bowl only halfway with cheese.

Choosing the Right Grating Disc

Breville food processors typically offer a range of grating discs with different sizes and shapes. Selecting the appropriate disc depends on your desired outcome:

• Fine grating disc: This disc produces fine shreds, perfect for delicate cheese sauces, gratins, and sprinkle toppings.
• Medium grating disc: This disc provides a versatile shred size, ideal for pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads.
• Coarse grating disc: This disc creates chunky shreds, suitable for adding texture to salads, soups, and stews.

Assembling Your Breville Food Processor for Cheese Grating

Once you’ve chosen your grating disc and prepared your cheese, it’s time to assemble your food processor:
1. Attach the grating disc: Securely attach the desired grating disc to the food processor base according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Attach the work bowl: Place the work bowl securely on top of the grating disc.
3. Secure the feed tube: Insert the feed tube into the work bowl and ensure it is securely fastened.
4. Turn on the food processor: Plug in your Breville food processor and turn it on to the desired speed.

Grating Your Cheese

Now comes the exciting part! Follow these steps for smooth and efficient cheese grating:
1. Insert the cheese: Carefully guide small pieces of cheese into the feed tube using the pusher. Avoid pushing too hard, as this can cause the cheese to clog the feed tube.
2. Process the cheese: Allow the food processor to do its magic as it grates the cheese. You may need to stop the processor periodically to clear any cheese that has accumulated around the grating disc.
3. Monitor the cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese as it grates to ensure it is shredding evenly. If the cheese is becoming too fine, you may need to adjust the speed or switch to a coarser grating disc.
4. Stop the processor: Once you have grated all of your cheese, turn off the food processor and unplug it.

Cleaning Your Breville Food Processor

After enjoying your perfectly grated cheese, it’s important to clean your food processor thoroughly to prevent any cheese residue from building up and affecting future use. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Disassemble the food processor: Remove the work bowl, grating disc, and feed tube.
2. Wash the parts: Wash the work bowl, grating disc, and feed tube in warm, soapy water. You can use a sponge or a brush to remove any stubborn cheese residue.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse all parts thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.
4. Dry completely: Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling the food processor.
5. Clean the base: Wipe down the food processor base with a damp cloth.

Tips for Grating Cheese Like a Pro

• Use a firm grip: Hold the pusher firmly when guiding cheese into the feed tube to prevent it from slipping.
• Don’t overload the feed tube: Avoid pushing too much cheese into the feed tube at once, as this can cause clogging.
• Use a cheese grater for small amounts: If you only need a small amount of grated cheese, it’s easier and faster to use a traditional cheese grater.
• Store grated cheese in the freezer: To preserve grated cheese for later use, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Mastering the Art of Cheese Grating: A Final Word

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to grate cheese like a pro in no time. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet meal or simply adding a touch of cheesy goodness to your everyday dishes, your Breville food processor will become your go-to tool for perfect, consistent cheese grating. Embrace the art of cheese grating and enjoy the culinary delights it brings!

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: What if my cheese sticks to the grating disc?
A: This is a common issue. Try chilling your cheese for longer or using a slightly coarser grating disc. You can also try spraying the grating disc with a non-stick cooking spray before grating.
Q: Can I grate different types of cheese in my Breville food processor?
A: While hard cheeses are ideal for grating in a food processor, you can experiment with softer cheeses like mozzarella or brie. However, these cheeses may be more prone to sticking and may require a different approach, such as using a lower speed or a finer grating disc.
Q: How do I clean the cheese dust from the food processor base?
A: Remove the work bowl, grating disc, and feed tube. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the base and surrounding areas. For stubborn cheese dust, you can use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment.
Q: Can I grate other ingredients besides cheese in my Breville food processor?
A: Absolutely! Your Breville food processor can handle a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables, nuts, and even chocolate. Check your user manual for specific instructions on grating different ingredients.
Q: How do I know if my Breville food processor is the right model for cheese grating?
A: Most Breville food processors come with a grating disc attachment. Check your user manual to confirm that your model includes this attachment and the appropriate grating discs for cheese. If you’re unsure, contact Breville customer service for assistance.