Grocery · 8 oz
Parmesan Cheese
What it is
This is a hard, dry cheese made from cow's milk. It is aged for a significant period, which develops its characteristic sharp, nutty flavor and granular texture. The cheese is often sold pre-grated for convenience or as a block for grating at home. Its dense structure means it doesn't melt smoothly like softer cheeses but rather softens and browns when heated.
How people cook with it
Parmesan is a versatile ingredient used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. It adds a savory depth that is hard to replicate.
- Sprinkled over pasta
- Added to soups
- Mixed into risotto
- Grated on salads
When using a block, a fine grater is ideal for achieving a powdery consistency that disperses easily. For a coarser texture, a microplane or the small holes on a box grater work well. It can be added directly to hot dishes just before serving, allowing the residual heat to soften it. It can also be incorporated into sauces or batters, though it will not fully melt. For a crispy element, it can be baked into wafers.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, Parmesan has a much lower moisture content. This makes it less suitable for melting into gooey sauces. Its intense, salty, and umami flavor profile is also more pronounced, making it more of a finishing cheese than a primary melting cheese.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use Parmesan to elevate everyday meals.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its quality, keep any remaining Parmesan tightly wrapped in its original packaging or in a cheese paper or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors from the fridge.