Say no to “cheese paste” and pieces of cheese all over the counter.

So I know that it can be a dangerous job.

One wrong move and Ive suddenly grated more than just cheese.

Photo of a bowl of shredded cheese and a blue and white checkered kitchen towel on a wooden tray with yellow illustrations

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Getty Images

This happens when the cheese gets smashed through the grates instead of gliding over them.

Give your cheese about 30 minutes in the freezer before shredding it.

A longer freeze time isnt necessarily better.

A grilled cheese sandwich cut in half on a plate with the cheese stretched between the two halves in oooey gooey goodness. There are shredded cheese bits strewn about and basil leaves on a cutting board nearby.

Alison Bickel

And if you dont end up shredding the whole block, no problem.

Wrap it up and store it in your refrigerator.

3 More Helpful Tips for Grating Cheese