Can You Slice Cheese with a Mandoline? Yes, Here's How

A mandoline slices firm and semi-hard cheese well, but not soft or very hard varieties.

Chill cheese, use the hand guard, and apply even pressure for safe, uniform slices.
Top mandolines for cheese include Benriner, OXO, and Mueller, each with distinct strengths.

What Types of Cheese Can You Slice with a Mandoline?

Firm cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and gouda slice cleanly. Semi-hard cheeses such as provolone and Monterey Jack also work well. Soft cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella will smear or tear. Very hard cheeses like Parmesan can be sliced, but they may crumble. Choose a cheese that holds its shape at room temperature.

How to Slice Cheese on a Mandoline Safely

Chill the cheese for 30 minutes before slicing. This firms it up and reduces sticking. Use the hand guard to protect your fingers; the blade is extremely sharp. Apply steady, even pressure as you glide the cheese across. Adjust the thickness setting to your preference. Clean the blade immediately after use to prevent cheese residue from hardening.

Best Mandoline Slicers for Cheese

Look for a mandoline with a sharp, adjustable blade. The Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer is a top choice for its precision and durability. The OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer offers a comfortable handle and adjustable thickness. The Mueller Austria Mandoline Slicer is a budget-friendly option with a wide blade. Each handles firm cheese well, according to user reviews.

Mandoline vs Cheese Slicer: Which Is Better?

A dedicated cheese slicer uses a wire to cut soft and semi-hard cheeses easily. A mandoline excels at uniform slices for firm cheese, but struggles with soft varieties. If you slice a lot of soft cheese, a wire slicer is more practical. For hard cheese, a mandoline gives you more control over thickness. Consider your typical cheese types before choosing.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Slices with a Mandoline

Cut the cheese block to fit the mandoline width. Use a crumb-free cutting board to avoid slipping. For very hard cheese, use a heavier mandoline for stability. If the cheese sticks, wipe the blade with a damp cloth. Practice with a less expensive cheese first to master the technique.

Common questions

Can you slice mozzarella with a mandoline?

Fresh mozzarella is too soft and will squash. Use a wire slicer or a knife instead. If you chill it well, you might get thin slices, but they often tear.

What is the best mandoline for hard cheese?

A stainless steel mandoline with a sharp V-blade works best. The Benriner is a popular choice for hard cheeses like Parmesan. It provides clean cuts without crumbling.

How do you slice cheese without a mandoline?

Use a sharp chef's knife or a cheese plane. A cheese plane is a simple tool that shaves thin slices. For soft cheese, a wire cutter is ideal.

Is a mandoline worth it for cheese?

If you slice firm cheese often, yes. It gives uniform slices quickly. For occasional use, a knife might suffice.

Can you use a mandoline for vegetables and cheese?

Yes, most mandolines handle both. Just clean thoroughly between uses to avoid flavor transfer. Some models have interchangeable blades for different tasks.

What thickness should I set for cheese?

For sandwiches, set it to about 1/8 inch. For boards, go thinner, around 1/16 inch. Thicker slices work for grilling or melting.

Does a mandoline damage cheese?

No, if used correctly. Soft cheese can get crushed, but firm cheese slices cleanly. Always use the guard to prevent injury.

Can you slice frozen cheese with a mandoline?

Frozen cheese is too hard and may crack the blade. Thaw slightly until it's firm but not rock solid. This gives the best results.