For instance, when a recipe calls for cheddar, use mild or sharp cheddar for a mild flavor. For a bolder cheddar flavor, use extra sharp, which is aged longer giving it a drier, stronger taste. And don't overlook Washed Curd. It melts creamy smooth and tastes similar to sharp cheddar. To cook or reheat dishes with cheese in the microwave, use the lower power settings and stir and rotate frequently .
Cheese is best when heated slowly at low temperatures.
To soften cheese in the microwave, remove wrapper, place on microwave safe plate, and heat on low to medium power. An 8-ounce piece of hard cheese will take about 30 seconds to come to room temperature. To save cooking time and use less heat, grate or shred cheese before adding it to your recipe. To prevent cheeses such as Swiss and Mozzarella from becoming stringy during cooking, add a little wine or lemon juice before melting them. You will be able to heat the cheese for an extended period of time and the sauce will remain smooth and creamy.