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What Can I Make with Parmesan?

Parmesan is a hard, nutty cheese with big flavor. A little goes a long way in pasta, soups, and baked dishes.

21 recipes in Parmesan

Cooking with parmesan

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a rich, nutty, salty taste. It is dry and a little crystalline, and it is usually grated or shaved. Because it is so strong, you only need a small amount.

It differs from the other cheeses here in how you use it. Cheddar and mozzarella are often the base of a dish. Parmesan is more of a flavor booster, stirred into sauces or sprinkled on top. It melts into liquid more than it stretches.

Questions folks ask

What can I make with Parmesan?

Pasta, risotto, chicken cutlets, roasted vegetables, soups, and crispy cheese crackers are all good picks.

Can I eat the Parmesan rind?

The rind is hard, so it is best simmered in soup or sauce and then removed. Check the label if you are unsure.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Other hard, aged cheeses can work, though the flavor will be a little different.

Kitchen tips

  • Grate it fresh from a wedge for the best taste.
  • Save the rind and simmer it in soup or sauce for extra flavor.
  • Stir it into hot pasta off the heat so it does not clump.
  • Wrap the wedge in parchment and keep it in the fridge.