10 Ways To Cut The Cheese

Cutting the cheese isn't just for bean eaters. Yankee Hollow gives you tips on the proper way to cut the cheese, depending on what type of cheese you're eating. Want cheese to try this out on? Use code BUZZ for $5 off at www.yankeehollow.com.

1. Why a wedge?

That cheese was made as a wheel – so its shape is a wedge, or pie shaped.

2. Try a slicer or a wire.

If your cheese is sticking or crumbling when trying to cut, try a different tool. Cheese slicers and wires are great for thin, solid slices.

3. Chip away at the hard stuff.

For hard cheeses like parmesan, use a small knife with a short handle. Make sure it's sharp – and "chip" away at small slices. This will create flakes!

4. Use a knife with holes.

The holes in the knife prevent the cheese from sticking. Use this type of knife with cheeses that have a high moisture content, or are really "sticky".

5. Speaking of holes...

Which ones do you use on a cheese grater or shredder? Well, here's what they all do:

1) The medium holes, the ones with the edge that cuts at the bottom of the grater/shredder, are used for most shredding.

2) The small holes, the ones with the cutting edge on the top, are also used for shredding, but for when you want a smaller grate. Do not use these if you're using a really sticky piece of cheese though...they'll get stuck!

3) The protruding holes that are sharp all around are your all purpose, get it done quickly shredder. Also known as the knuckle shredder.

4) The wide holes that look like the joker are used for slicing.

6. Use your food processor!

If you have one. Use a hard cheese though...otherwise it will be hard to get out of the bottom.

7. Do. Not. Saw.

Don't move your knife back and forth when cutting. It will make a mess. Also, you risk someone snapping a cheesy picture, like this one.

8. Don't play just the tip...

The tip on a wedge of cheese is the softest, most delicious part. When in company, start from the rounded edge and work your way in. If you're eating the entire wedge yourself...who cares.

9. Do not cut off the rind or wax.

Some people like to eat the rind, especially on bloomy cheeses like camembert. Leave the rind for presentation, let the individual choose whether or not they'd like a piece with our without!

The wax, however, cannot be eaten. If you're creating a cheese plate, leave this on too...most cheeses are waxed in red wax, and it creates a prettier cheese plate with the wax on. Just make sure your guests don't eat it.

10. Cutting fresh cheese like mozzarella? Use dental floss!

Waxed, unflavored dental floss can be used to cut right through your fresh cheeses! Then you can turn your slices into this delicious Caprese!