
Cheese is a universal ingredient enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re preparing a cheese board, making a sandwich, or adding a touch of cheesy goodness to your favorite dish, having the right tools is essential. One such tool is the cheese slicer, a handy device that makes slicing cheese effortless and precise. But using a cheese slicer can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the proper techniques. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you slice cheese like a pro. From choosing the right type of cheese slicer to mastering the art of slicing soft and hard cheeses, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned cheese connoisseur or a beginner in the art of cheese slicing, read on to discover our top tips and tricks for using a cheese slicer like a pro.
Why use a cheese slicer?
Using a cheese slicer has several advantages over using a knife. Firstly, it allows you to slice cheese with precision and consistency, ensuring that each slice is the same thickness. This is especially important when you’re serving a cheese platter or using cheese as a garnish, as it helps to create a visually appealing presentation. Secondly, a cheese slicer makes slicing cheese effortless, as it requires less force than a knife. This means that you can slice cheese quickly and easily, without having to worry about the cheese breaking or crumbling. Lastly, a cheese slicer is a safer option than a knife, as it reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
When it comes to using a cheese slicer, there are several types to choose from. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Types of cheese slicers
The most common type of cheese slicer is the wire cheese slicer. This type of slicer consists of a wire that is stretched between two handles. To use the slicer, you simply place the cheese on a flat surface, hold the handles, and slide the wire through the cheese. Wire cheese slicers are great for slicing soft and semi-hard cheeses, as they allow you to create thin, even slices.
Another type of cheese slicer is the plane cheese slicer. This type of slicer uses a flat blade to slice cheese, similar to a vegetable peeler. To use the slicer, you simply run the blade over the cheese, creating thin slices. Plane cheese slicers are great for slicing hard cheeses, as they allow you to create thin, even slices without breaking the cheese.
A third type of cheese slicer is the rotary cheese slicer. This type of slicer consists of a drum with a blade inside, which rotates as you turn a handle. To use the slicer, you simply place the cheese in the drum, turn the handle, and the blade slices through the cheese. Rotary cheese slicers are great for slicing hard and semi-hard cheeses, as they allow you to create thin, even slices without breaking the cheese.
Proper grip and technique for using a cheese slicer
No matter what type of cheese slicer you’re using, it’s important to have the right grip and technique. When using a wire cheese slicer, hold the handles firmly and apply gentle pressure as you slide the wire through the cheese. When using a plane cheese slicer, hold the handle firmly and use a smooth, even motion to slice through the cheese. When using a rotary cheese slicer, hold the handle firmly and turn the handle smoothly and evenly to slice through the cheese.
It’s also important to use the right amount of pressure when slicing cheese. Too much pressure can cause the cheese to break or crumble, while too little pressure can make it difficult to slice through the cheese. Experiment with different amounts of pressure to find the right balance for the type of cheese you’re slicing.
Adjusting the thickness of your cheese slices
One of the advantages of using a cheese slicer is that you can adjust the thickness of your cheese slices. Most cheese slicers have a knob or lever that allows you to adjust the thickness of the slices. To make thinner slices, turn the knob or lever to the left. To make thicker slices, turn the knob or lever to the right. Experiment with different thicknesses to find the right one for your needs.