If you have a recipe that calls for grated mozzarella, fontina, havarti, or another soft cheese, and you weren’t able to buy it pre-grated, use this trick to make shredding it a bit easier on yourself.

Pop the block of cheese in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until it’s firm. This will keep it from squishing through your fingers or falling apart as you try to grate it.

Get more tips and tricks from the Real Simple test kitchen.