master-cooks | The Store Bought Cheese You'll Never Find In Ina Garten's Fridge

Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, is renowned for her emphasis on high-quality ingredients and cooking from scratch. One item you won't find in her fridge is pre-shredded cheese. Ina prefers to grate her own cheese because pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can affect both texture and flavor. These additives prevent the cheese from clumping together in the bag, but they also hinder the cheese's ability to melt smoothly and can impart an undesirable taste. Ina believes that using freshly grated cheese enhances the overall quality of her dishes, allowing the pure flavor of the cheese to shine through. She often emphasizes that simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality meals at home. By grating her own cheese, she maintains control over the ingredient's freshness and purity, ensuring that her recipes deliver the best possible taste and texture. This preference is consistent with her culinary philosophy, which prioritizes authenticity and quality over convenience. For Ina, the extra effort of grating cheese by hand is a small price to pay for the elevated culinary experience it provides, a testament to her commitment to excellence in the kitchen.

Ina Garten swears by one type of Parmesan cheese

Ina Garten suggests that the only true Parmesan cheese worth purchasing is Parmigiano Reggiano. This Italian variety stands out because it carries a protected seal that ensures its quality, providing consistent flavor and texture, unlike unregulated Parmesan options.

Although Parmigiano Reggiano is the top choice, it often comes with a hefty price tag—except for perhaps the version available at Costco. A little of this cheese goes a long way, but if you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, Garten recommends Grana Padano, which is less expensive yet offers a similar flavor profile to Parmigiano Reggiano.

To keep your chosen cheese fresh, Garten advises wrapping it tightly in plastic and storing it in the refrigerator, where it can last from two weeks to a month. However, be vigilant for mold, as each wheel can differ. When it’s time to grate, you can use a cheese grater, or for a finer grind, Garten sometimes uses a food processor, which makes the task quick and effortless.

While purchasing a tub of pre-grated Parmesan from the store may seem convenient for speeding up meal preparation, it generally has more drawbacks than benefits. For a more satisfying and worry-free dining experience, stick with fresh Parmesan, just as Garten does.

The Store-Bought Cheese You'll Never Find In Ina Garten's Fridge

Ina Garten swears by one type of Parmesan cheese

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