Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan cheese is a low-moisture, hard cheese that is known for its intense flavor and is often used grated over dishes. While it does melt into strands, it does not produce a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. When exposed to high temperatures, such as in an oven, Parmesan cheese can burn easily and turn golden brown within a few minutes. To create a melted Parmesan dish, it is recommended to grate the cheese freshly and bake it in small piles at around 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, creating Parmesan crisps that can be used as toppings or snacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting | Parmesan cheese melts into strands that can be placed on top of pasta, but it will not turn into a smooth, creamy sauce |
| Burning | Parmesan cheese will burn at 350°F in the oven |
| Browning | Parmesan cheese will brown at 400°F in the oven in a few minutes |
| Grating | Grating your own Parmesan cheese is recommended for optimal melting |
| Baking | Parmesan cheese can be baked in the oven at 400°F for 7-8 minutes to create Parmesan crisps |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese will melt in the oven, but it burns easily
When melted, Parmesan will not form a smooth, creamy sauce. Instead, it will melt into strands that are suitable for putting on top of pasta. If you want to use Parmesan as a topping, it can be baked in the oven for 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200-220°C) to make Parmesan crisps. The cheese will be bubbly and golden brown when ready, and it will harden as it cools.
If you are using Parmesan as a topping for a dish, it should be added towards the end of the cooking process. This is because Parmesan burns at a temperature of 350°F (175°C) after 50 minutes, so it should only be cooked for a short time at a higher temperature.
Overall, while Parmesan cheese will melt in the oven, its low moisture content means it is prone to burning. It is best suited for grating over dishes or baking into crisps, rather than melting into a sauce.
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It's best to grate your own parmesan cheese
While it is possible to buy pre-grated parmesan cheese, it is better to grate your own. Pre-grated parmesan often comes in a dried form in cardboard tube containers, and it has little to no flavour. In addition, grated cheese products, especially those that are advertised as "100% parmesan", may contain wood pulp or other types of cheese. Therefore, it is always best to buy a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself.
You can grate parmesan cheese using a Microplane, box grater, or food processor. The Microplane is a rasp-style grater that produces wispy little curls of cheese. It is a good option for grating small amounts of parmesan cheese, such as when adding parmesan to pasta. The box grater is a traditional grater that produces fine shreds of cheese. It is a good option for grating medium amounts of parmesan cheese, such as when you need 1-2 cups of grated parmesan for a recipe. The food processor is a good option for grating large amounts of parmesan cheese. You can chop the parmesan into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces and add them to the bowl of the food processor. Run the food processor until the cheese is grated to the desired texture. You can also freeze grated parmesan cheese to have it ready to add to recipes.
In terms of cooking with parmesan cheese, it is important to note that it is a low-fat and low-moisture cheese that burns easily. Therefore, it is not ideal for melting into a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. However, it can be melted into strands that are suitable for topping pasta or other dishes. When using parmesan cheese in the oven, it is best to use it for a short time at a higher temperature, such as 400°F (200-220°C), as it will crisp up golden brown at this temperature in a few minutes.
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Parmesan melts at around 400°F (200-220°C)
Parmesan cheese is a low-moisture cheese that burns easily. While it will melt at around 400°F (200-220°C), it will not produce a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. Instead, it will melt into strands that are suitable for pasta dishes. Parmesan is better suited for grating over dishes, as it has a strong flavour and intense taste. When heated in the oven, it will crisp up and turn golden brown within a few minutes.
To make baked Parmesan crisps, preheat your oven to 400°F (200-220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place tablespoon-sized piles of freshly grated Parmesan cheese about an inch apart on the baking sheet. The cheese piles will spread slightly as they bake. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the crisps to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any grease.
You can also make Parmesan baskets by spreading the cheese into circles about 2 inches in diameter on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. While still warm, drape the cheese wafers over a small bowl or container to form a basket shape. These baskets are great for holding snacks or appetizers.
When cooking with Parmesan cheese, it's important to note that it burns easily, so it should only be cooked for a short time at high temperatures.
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It will melt into strands, but not a smooth sauce
Parmesan cheese is a low-moisture cheese that burns easily. Therefore, it is not ideal for melting into a smooth sauce. However, it will melt into strands, which are suitable to sit on top of pasta. To achieve this, it is important to grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often has a powdery coating of cellulose or starch to prevent clumping. This powder prevents the cheese from sticking together when it melts.
When cooking with Parmesan cheese, it is best to use it as a topping or garnish rather than melting it into a sauce. For example, you can grate it over a hot dish, where it will smoothen with touch. You can also bake Parmesan cheese into crisps or baskets, which can be used as toppings or edible containers for other snacks. To make these, you'll need to preheat your oven to around 350-400°F (175-200°C) and bake tablespoon-sized piles of grated Parmesan for 4-8 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
While Parmesan cheese may not be the best choice for a smooth sauce, its unique melting properties make it a versatile ingredient for adding texture and flavour to a variety of dishes.
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Parmesan crisps can be made by baking the cheese for 7-8 minutes
Parmesan cheese has a low-fat content and low moisture, which means it burns easily and does not melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. However, it can be baked in the oven to make Parmesan crisps.
To make Parmesan crisps, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large oven tray or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Grate 2 ounces (about 3/4 cup) of Parmesan cheese into fine shreds using the smaller holes of a box grater. Using a spoon, pile the grated Parmesan into 12 small mounds on the lined tray, leaving about an inch of space between each round. Lightly flatten the mounds with the back of the spoon or your fingers, patting them down gently.
Bake the Parmesan crisps in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until they turn a light golden brown color and become crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly burn and turn bitter if left too long. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the tray. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Once cooled, carefully remove the Parmesan crisps from the tray using a thin knife or offset spatula. Transfer them to an airtight container where they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
These Parmesan crisps make a great crunchy addition to salads, soups, pasta, or risotto. They are also perfect as a snack on their own or in place of crackers.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese will melt in the oven, but it burns easily. It is best to use it in small quantities and for a short period of time.
To make parmesan cheese melt in the oven, you can grate it and place tablespoon-sized piles on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 7-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
You can make parmesan crisps or baskets with melted parmesan cheese. These can be used as toppings for casseroles, soups, or salads, or as edible containers for appetizers.
