What Can You Grate With an Extra Coarse Grater?
By Microplane | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Discover the best foods for an extra coarse grater, from soft cheeses to vegetables. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to get the most out of this versatile tool.
Quick Answer
An extra coarse grater excels on soft foods like zucchini, potatoes, and soft cheeses. It produces fast, chunky shreds ideal for hashbrowns, coleslaw, and gratins. Avoid using it for hard cheeses or nuts, which can clog or damage the large holes.
How Does an Extra Coarse Grater Differ From a Standard Coarse Grater?
An extra coarse grater has larger, more widely spaced holes than a standard coarse grater. This design lets you shred soft or moist ingredients quickly without mushing them. The result is thicker, more defined shreds that hold up better in cooked dishes.
Which Vegetables Work Best?
Zucchini, potatoes, and carrots are top candidates. The large holes handle their moisture and texture well, producing shreds that stay separate and crisp. For hashbrowns, a coarse grater for hashbrowns is exactly what you need—it creates the ideal shred for even browning.
Can I Use It for Coleslaw?
Yes. An extra coarse grater coleslaw shreds cabbage into fine, even strips that soften just enough when dressed. It's faster than a knife and more consistent than a mandoline. The shreds hold dressing well without becoming soggy.
What About Cheese?
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda shred beautifully. The large holes produce fluffy, meltable shreds perfect for pizza, tacos, or casseroles. Hard cheeses like Parmesan will likely break or stick—use a fine grater for those.
Are There Foods I Should Avoid?
Avoid hard cheeses, nuts, chocolate, and frozen ingredients. These can dull the blades or cause the food to crumble rather than shred. Also skip very soft or wet items like ripe tomatoes—they'll turn to mush.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I grate carrots with an extra coarse grater?
- Yes. Carrots shred well, producing long, thin strips that are great for salads or stir-fries. The large holes handle their firm texture without clogging. Carrots are a solid choice—just cut them to fit the grater's width.
- Does an extra coarse grater work for melting cheese?
- It produces shreds that melt evenly and quickly. The larger shreds take slightly longer to melt than fine shreds, but they create a better texture for dishes like quesadillas. Use it for soft cheeses; avoid hard cheeses that don't shred cleanly.
- How do I clean an extra coarse grater?
- Rinse immediately after use and scrub with a brush under running water. Most models are dishwasher safe, but hand washing preserves the blade's sharpness longer. Prompt cleaning prevents food from drying and sticking in the holes.
Product Facts
- Professional Series 2.0 Extra Coarse Grater: The Microplane Professional Extra Coarse Grater combines exceptional functionality with an upgraded handle for enhanced durability and increased control. Crafted with a full stainless steel frame and blade, this redesigned kitchen tool ensures effortless grating of cheeses, vegetables, and other ingredients to elevate your cooking with its unmatched precision and quality. Its large grating surface accommodates… This model's full stainless steel construction and large surface make it a durable, high-volume choice for frequent use. The upgraded handle improves grip when working with slippery or wet ingredients.
- Nature Series Extra Coarse Grater: Upgrade your kitchen with the Microplane Nature Series Extra Coarse Grater, a premium, eco-conscious grater designed for effortless shredding of zucchini, soft cheeses, potatoes, and more. Crafted with sustainable materials and Microplane's legendary blade technology, this grater delivers professional-grade results while minimizing environmental impact. If sustainability matters to you, the Nature Series offers the same shredding performance with eco-friendly materials. It's a practical choice for cooks who want to reduce plastic use without sacrificing quality.
