Ever found yourself in a cheese-grating nightmare? You know the scene: a mountain of cheese to shred for a family mac and cheese night, a sore arm, and knuckles that have seen better days. It makes you wonder if there’s a better way. Well, what if I told you that trusty meat grinder sitting on your counter holds the secret? If you’re asking yourself, Can You Grind Cheese In A Meat Grinder, the answer is a resounding yes, and it’s about to change your kitchen game forever.
Why Use a Meat Grinder for Cheese, Anyway?
Let’s be honest, a meat grinder sounds like a one-trick pony. Its name literally says what it does. But thinking of it only for meat is like thinking of your oven only for baking cakes. This machine is a powerhouse of versatility. A food processor can turn your cheese into a powdery mess, and a box grater… well, we’ve already talked about the sore knuckles.
A meat grinder, however, works differently. It uses an auger to gently push the cheese through a grinding plate. This action results in perfectly uniform, fluffy shreds that melt beautifully, rather than the compacted clumps you often get from other methods. It’s the difference between a good dish and a great one.
The Unbeatable Benefits of Grinding Your Own Cheese
You might be thinking, “Why not just buy pre-shredded cheese?” It’s a fair question. But once you’ve tried freshly ground, it’s hard to go back. Here’s why:
- Superior Meltability: Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch or cellulose to prevent clumping in the bag. These additives also prevent the cheese from melting smoothly, often resulting in a grainy or oily texture. Freshly ground cheese is pure, unadulterated goodness that melts into a velvety, creamy dream.
- Incredible Flavor: Cheese begins to lose its flavor nuances the moment it’s cut. Grinding it fresh, right before you use it, releases all those wonderful aromatic compounds. The taste is simply brighter, richer, and more authentic.
- Cost-Effective: Buying cheese in blocks is almost always cheaper than buying it pre-shredded. Over time, grinding your own can save you a surprising amount of money, especially if your family loves cheesy dishes as much as mine does.
- Speed and Efficiency: For large quantities, a meat grinder is your best friend. What would take you 15 minutes of manual grating can be done in under a minute. It’s a total game-changer for meal prep or cooking for a crowd.
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Our Picks for the Best Meat Grinder in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | STX International Turboforce II 4000 Electric Meat Grinder | Grinds Soft Bones | Foot Pedal | 6 Grinding Plates | Stainless Steel Blades | Sausage Tubes | Kubbe Maker | Meat Claws | Patty Press & More |
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| 2 | LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use |
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| 3 | AAOBOSI Meat Grinder Electric 3000W Max with Touch Color Screen, Auto-Reverse & Built-in Storage - 3 Speed Settings,Grinding, Sausage & Kibbe Making for Home Use, Stainless Steel |
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| 4 | Commercial Meat Grinder #12,0.9HP Electric Meat Mincer,Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Industrial Meat Mincer w/2 Blades & Meat Pusher,Food Grinders Machine for Home Kitchen Regular Use |
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| 5 | MEAT! 1.5 HP Meat Grinder with 3 Stuffing Tubes, 2 Stainless Steel Grinding Plates, and a Stainless Steel Stuffing Plate for Making Ground Meat |
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| 6 | Weston Pro Series Electric Meat Grinder 7 Sausage Stuffer, Commercial Grade, 1500 Watts, 2 HP, 21lbs. Per Minute, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel (10-3201-W) |
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| 7 | MEAT! 1.5 HP Meat Grinder with 3 Stuffing Tubes, 2 Stainless Steel Grinding Plates, and a Stainless Steel Stuffing Plate for Making Ground Meat |
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| 8 | Electric Meat Grinder, Sausage Stuffer with 3 Sausage Tubes, 2 Blades, 3 Plates, 3200W Max, Meat Grinder Heavy Duty for Home Kitchen Use, Stainless Steel (Black) |
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| 9 | VEVOR Commercial Meat Grinder, 550LB/h 1100W Electric Meat Mincer, ETL Approved Heavy Duty Industrial Meat Mincer Machine |
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| 10 | LEM Products BigBite #22 Meat Grinder, 1.0 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Heavy Use |
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Manual vs. Electric: Which is Best for Grinding Cheese?
The battle between old-school charm and modern convenience extends to meat grinders, too. Both have their place, but one might be better suited for your cheesy ambitions.
Manual Meat Grinders
A manual, hand-crank grinder is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. They clamp onto your counter and are powered by good old-fashioned elbow grease. I still have the one my grandfather used, and it’s built like a tank. For grinding cheese, they work surprisingly well, especially for harder varieties. The main drawback is the physical effort required, which might be a deal-breaker if you’re processing a five-pound block of cheddar.
Electric Meat Grinders
This is where the magic really happens. An electric meat grinder makes the process effortless. You simply feed chunks of cheese into the hopper, and the motor does all the work, churning out perfect shreds in seconds. If you plan on grinding cheese regularly or in large batches, investing in a quality electric model is a no-brainer. Look for one with a powerful motor and stainless steel components for the best results and longevity.
Expert Tip from Appliance Expert Sarah Jenkins: “When choosing an electric grinder for cheese, pay attention to the wattage. A higher wattage motor (500W or more) will handle dense, cold cheese without straining, giving you a consistent grind every time.”
The Secret to Perfect Cheese Grinding: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, can you grind cheese in a meat grinder without making a huge mess? Absolutely, but there’s a crucial trick to it. The secret is temperature. Cold is your best friend here. Follow these steps, and you’ll achieve cheese-grinding perfection.
- Prep Your Grinder: Disassemble the grinding head of your machine. This includes the auger, blade, and grinding plate. Place all these metal parts in a bowl and pop them in the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes. A thoroughly chilled machine is non-negotiable.
- Prep Your Cheese: Cut your block of cheese into cubes or strips that will easily fit down the feed tube of your grinder. Spread the cheese pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes as well. You want the cheese to be very firm and cold to the touch, but not frozen solid.
- Assemble and Go: Quickly assemble your chilled grinder. Place a large, chilled bowl under the output to catch the cheese. Turn the machine on (or get ready to crank) and start feeding the firm, cold cheese cubes into the hopper. Use the food pusher to gently guide them down—never use your fingers!
- Work Quickly: Process all your cheese in one go. The chilled parts will help prevent the cheese fats from warming up and smearing, which is what causes a gummy, clogged mess. You’ll be amazed at how quickly a mountain of cheese is transformed into a pile of fluffy shreds.
- Store or Use Immediately: Your freshly ground cheese is now ready for your favorite recipes! If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
How to Clean Your Meat Grinder After Grinding Cheese
Cleaning up might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. The key is to tackle it right away before the cheese fat has a chance to solidify and stick.
- The Bread Trick: Before you disassemble anything, run a few slices of stale bread through the grinder. This is a classic trick for a reason! The bread acts like a sponge, pushing out the last bits of cheese and soaking up residual oils, making the actual washing process much easier.
- Disassemble and Soak: Take the grinder apart. Place all the components in a sink filled with hot, soapy water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen any stubborn bits.
- Scrub and Rinse: Use a bottle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub every nook and cranny of the auger, plates, and housing. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
- Dry Completely: This is the most important step to prevent rust, especially with carbon steel parts. Hand-dry every single piece with a clean towel immediately after washing. To be extra sure, you can lay them on a rack to air dry completely before storing.
Beyond Meat and Cheese: Other Creative Uses
Your meat grinder is far more versatile than you imagine. Once you’ve mastered grinding cheese, why not try:
- Grinding vegetables: Perfect for making relish, veggie burgers, or sneaking extra veggies into sauces for picky eaters.
- Making breadcrumbs: Run stale bread through for fresh, custom breadcrumbs.
- Grinding fruits: Create bases for jams, jellies, or fruit leathers.
- Making homemade baby food: Control exactly what goes into your little one’s meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of cheese is best for a meat grinder?
A: Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Parmesan, and Gruyère work best. They hold their shape when chilled and grind into beautiful, distinct shreds.
Q: Can you grind soft cheese like mozzarella in a meat grinder?
A: Yes, but it’s trickier. You need to get it very cold—almost frozen—to prevent it from smearing and clogging the machine. Low-moisture mozzarella works much better than fresh mozzarella.
Q: Is it better to use a food processor or a meat grinder for cheese?
A: For a fluffy, shredded texture ideal for melting, a meat grinder is superior. A food processor with a shredding disc is faster for large amounts, but the texture can be less consistent and more prone to clumping.
Q: Which grinding plate should I use for cheese?
A: The coarse grinding plate is usually the best choice. It produces thick, satisfying shreds that are perfect for casseroles, tacos, and homemade mac and cheese. The fine plate can sometimes cause the cheese to compact.
Q: Can grinding cheese damage my meat grinder?
A: No, as long as you do it correctly. The key is to use very cold cheese and chilled grinder parts. Forcing warm, soft cheese through can strain the motor on an electric model, but proper preparation eliminates this risk.
Your Kitchen’s New Most Valuable Player
So, the next time you’re faced with a big block of cheese, don’t reach for that painful box grater. Look to your meat grinder instead. By now, you know the answer to “can you grind cheese in a meat grinder” is not just “yes,” but a “yes, and you absolutely should!” It’s faster, produces a superior product, and unlocks a new level of flavor and texture in your cooking. Give it a try; your knuckles—and your taste buds—will thank you.