How To Melt String Cheese in the Microwave? (3 Easy Steps)

Categorized as Microwave Cooking
How to melt string cheese in the microwave

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Have you ever found yourself with a hankering for some ooey, gooey melted cheese but without any fancy equipment to make it happen? Fear not, my friends, for the microwave is here to save the day (and your taste buds).

In this article, we’ll show you the proper technique to melt string cheese in the microwave, so you can enjoy that cheesy goodness in no time. And don’t worry, we won’t judge if you end up eating the entire bag in one sitting (we’ve been there too). So grab your favorite string cheese brand and let’s get to microwaving!

Can String Cheese Melt in the Microwave?

First of all, before we learn how to microwave string cheese, let us confirm if it can even be melted. If you already know, skip this part.

String cheese melts just fine in the microwave, just like any other cheese. However, keep in mind that since most string cheeses are never designed to melt, they may not become as creamy as other cheeses when melted. It will still taste yummy, though.

In some cases, the microwaved string cheese often doesn’t melt completely like Parmesan, it just softens, so if you are interested in melting the cheese to become smooth, try using fresh mozzarella cheese instead.

How To Melt String Cheese In the Microwave

Now that we know that string cheese can melt let’s learn how to microwave it:

  1. Prepare a microwave-safe bowl and transfer the string cheese slices into it.
  2. Cut the cheese into thin slices
  3. Microwave the cheese on medium for 1 minute

1. Transfer the String Cheese into a Microwave Safe Dish

First, you need to transfer the cheese into a microwave-safe bowl or container. Don’t use the original wrapper that the cheese came in because it will not be microwavable.

2. Slice the String Cheese into Thin Slices

Next, we need to melt the string cheese evenly, which can be difficult to do if you microwave it as a whole piece. So grab a knife and slice the string cheese into thin slices to expose more surface area for quick and even melting.

3. Microwave Until Melted

After slicing into thin strips, lay them on top of the food you plan to use it with. Then put everything in the microwave and set your microwave to medium power for about 1 to 1.5 minutes (this is usually enough). Watch carefully to make sure the cheese doesn’t start to turn brown.

And there you have it! Now you know how to melt string cheese in the microwave so you can use it in all of your favorite recipes.

Note: avoid adding milk or other similar substitutes while microwaving because it can cause the cheese to clump up.

What Temperature Does Cheese String Melt?

Usually, string cheese starts to melt at around 32° Celsius or just about 90° Fahrenheit. The rule of thumb when it comes to melting string cheese is to use the lowest heat possible because using too much heat will cause the string cheese to lose its moisture and fat.

Once it reaches 140° Fahrenheit or 60° Celsius, the milk proteins begin to align, and the cheese begins to get stringy.

What Is String Cheese Made Of?

String cheese is a popular semi-hard, milky cheese that has been consumed widely in various parts of the world.

In the US, string cheese is mostly made from mozzarella cheese heated to about 135 to 140 ° Fahrenheit. The cheese is then stretched, kneaded, and pulled to form long, thin strings. It is then cut into pieces 6-inch in length and sold as sticks.

Some brands even experimented with a combination of mozzarella and other cheeses (such as cheddar and Colby Jack) to make a more flavorful taste.

Is String Cheese Healthy?

If you need to add extra dairy into your diet and want to increase your calcium intake, then string cheese might be for you. It has a high level of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. One stick of string cheese provides about 6.7g of protein and 85 calories (1).

Furthermore, research has shown that eating dairy products like string cheese can help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, fortify bones, and reduce blood pressure.

Although it’s healthy, you want to make sure to opt for low-fat string cheese, as too much string cheese can cause you to gain weight.

What Can I Do with String Cheese?

Besides eating on the spot, string cheese can also be used in a wide variety of dishes.

For instance, you can shred it and sprinkle it over your pasta before adding sauce or melted butter. Or you can alternate cut-up string cheese sticks with tomatoes, bell peppers, and other vegetables to make an appetizing Caprese skewer.

You can also use it for pizza toppings, serve the sticks with crackers or bread, or alongside a bowl of chili or soup, alternate them with fruits to dunk in a healthy yogurt, or you can use them to stuff meat strips.

There are so many things you can do with string cheese. Here are some recipes to help you get started.

Some String Cheese Recipes

1. Fried String Cheese

In a similar way to mozzarella sticks, you can take regular string cheese strips, and deep fry them. Once fried, you can sprinkle some ranch seasoning over the string cheese sticks for flavor.

Related: Microwaving Mozzarella Sticks: Is It Possible and How to Do It?

2. String Cheese Rolls

Take a slice of ham or turkey and place it on top of the mozzarella cheese strip. Roll it up to make a log, then wrapped in plastic wrap until you are ready to eat them. Alternatively, you can also use tortilla wraps mixed with spinach leaves and/or any other healthy herbs and vegetables you have on hand to make a cheese roll.

Related: Is microwaving ham feasible and what is the technique?

3. String Cheese Kebabs

Chop the string cheese into small pieces and alternate with cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, bell peppers, mushrooms, cucumber slices, or whatever else you have in the refrigerator. Add in some proteins like shrimp, chicken breasts, or lean beef to make it a complete meal.

4. String Cheeseburgers

Mix slices of string cheese into your patties to add a cheesy twist to your traditional cheeseburgers.

5. String Cheese Pizza Roll

Make puff pastry strips, and then add string cheese along with your favorite pizza toppings to make a crunchy pizza roll. Dip in marinara sauce for an even tastier treat.

Related Questions

1. Can you substitute string cheese for mozzarella cheese?

Depending on what you’re trying to make, you can use string cheese in place of mozzarella. But if your dish requires a more specific type of cheese like mozzarella, then make sure to stick to that one and enjoy the dish as it is.

Related: Is it possible to melt mozzarella cheese in the microwave and what is the method?

2. Can string cheese be consumed regularly?

Yes, you can eat string cheese every day. In the US, string cheese makes a convenient, nutritious, and tasty snack that people of all ages can enjoy.

3. Does string cheese melt on pizza?

Yes, you can use it to top your pizza, burgers, and other dishes. It melts quite nicely and matches up quite well with most pizza recipes. However, remember that since string cheese does not melt like mozzarella, it is best to add it to the top of your pizza right before you put it in the oven.

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!