Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a great way to add a salty, nutty kick to your nachos. While cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella are classic nacho cheeses, Parmesan is a less traditional option that can add a unique flavour to your dish. Italian nachos, for example, are loaded with spaghetti sauce, veggies, and multiple kinds of cheese, including Parmesan. To make your own, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees, spread your tortilla chips on a sheet pan, sprinkle with shredded Italian cheese, bake for 6-7 minutes, add toppings, bake for another 6-8 minutes, and then top with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Fresh Parmesan, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack |
| Other Toppings | Beans, Beef, Peppers, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Jalapenos, Onions, Tomatoes, Cilantro, Basil |
| Baking Temperature | 350°F or 400°F |
| Baking Time | 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted |
| Baking Dish | Oven-safe platter, Quarter sheet pan, Cast iron skillet |
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What You'll Learn
Freshly grated vs pre-shredded parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is often considered superior to pre-shredded Parmesan, especially when it comes to taste and performance in recipes. Firstly, freshly grated cheese is purer in flavor as it lacks the additional ingredients found in pre-shredded cheese, such as potato starch, powdered cellulose, and natamycin, which are added to prevent caking and clumping. While these desiccants are said to be tasteless and make up only a small percentage of the pre-shredded cheese, they can still impact the overall flavor and texture of the cheese.
In terms of performance, pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often does not melt properly, resulting in rigid little sticks that fail to dissolve into sauces or blend seamlessly into dishes like pasta. This is because hard cheeses like Parmesan are already dry, and the process of pre-shredding and then treating them with industrial desiccants further affects their ability to melt smoothly. Freshly grated cheese, on the other hand, melts evenly and blends easily into sauces and other ingredients.
Another advantage of freshly grated cheese is cost-effectiveness and shelf life. When grating a block of cheese, you get approximately twice as much volume as you would from a pre-shredded bag of the same weight. Additionally, a block of cheese can be stored for weeks, whereas shredded cheese should be used or frozen within a few days of opening.
However, it is worth noting that in a side-by-side comparison of freshly grated and pre-grated Parmesan cheeses stored for two weeks, tasters reported minimal differences between the two. It was only after a month of storage that the pre-grated cheese showed a noticeable decline in flavor.
In summary, while pre-shredded Parmesan cheese offers convenience, freshly grated cheese is generally preferred for its superior taste, texture, and performance in recipes. Additionally, freshly grated cheese is more economical and has a longer shelf life. For dishes like nachos, where the cheese is a key ingredient, freshly grated Parmesan will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
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Parmesan and feta
Feta, for example, is used in Greek-style nachos, which are made with pita bread instead of tortilla chips. The pita bread is cut into small triangles and tossed with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper before being baked. The pita chips are then topped with a Greek dip called tirokafteri, which is made with feta, yoghurt, and hot peppers, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives.
Parmesan is another cheese that can be used to make nachos, though it is less common. One way to use parmesan in nachos is to make a cheese sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat and whisking in flour to form a roux. Milk, salt, and cayenne pepper are then added to the mixture, followed by grated cheddar and parmesan. This sauce can be poured over tortilla chips, fries, or tater tots.
Both parmesan and feta can be used as part of Whalen's "double-cheesing" technique, where half of the cheese is sprinkled on first, followed by toppings, and then the remaining cheese. This helps the toppings adhere to the chips and prevents them from becoming soggy.
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Parmesan with basil
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a great addition to nachos. It adds a sharp, salty flavour to the dish and pairs well with other cheeses such as mozzarella and Monterey Jack. Parmesan can be sprinkled on top of nachos or layered between tortilla chips to create a cheese barrier, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavour.
For Italian nachos, start by preheating your oven's broiler to low. Heat some oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and cook sausage, onions, peppers, and Italian seasoning until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent. Next, arrange a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top the chips with layers of mozzarella cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, sausage, onions, and peppers. Repeat this process until the ingredients are piled high. Place the nachos under the preheated broiler until the cheese is melted, about 8-10 minutes.
To take these Italian nachos up a notch, garnish them with fresh basil. Basil adds a bright, fresh flavour to the dish and complements the Parmesan cheese beautifully. Simply sprinkle chopped basil over the nachos before serving.
If you're looking for a quicker option, you can also make Italian nachos in a cast-iron skillet. Start by creating a layer of sturdy chips such as pita chips or bagel chips. Spread a generous layer of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, on top of the chips. Top with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan, and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately to enjoy the full effect of the crispy, crunchy nachos.
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Parmesan with mozzarella
Italian nachos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal or appetizer. They are loaded with two different kinds of cheese, meaty spaghetti sauce, and bright and briny veggies. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan is a classic Italian pairing that brings a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
To make Italian nachos, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a half sheet pan with foil or parchment paper, then spread your tortilla chips evenly over the top. Sprinkle with an Italian cheese blend, which often includes mozzarella, and bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Remove the pan from the oven and add your desired toppings. You can dollop with spaghetti sauce and top with rounds of fresh mozzarella, pickled vegetables, or sliced olives. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Finally, remove the nachos from the oven and top with fresh basil and shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. The fresh basil adds a nice touch of flavor, and the parmesan provides a salty, nutty finish. If you prefer, you can also bake these nachos in a cast-iron skillet.
Italian nachos are a great way to use up leftover spaghetti sauce and treat your taste buds to a delicious combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
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Parmesan with beef and beans
Ingredients
For the perfect beef and bean nachos, you'll need:
- Tortilla chips (corn or blue)
- Ground beef (lean)
- Beans (refried, black, pinto, or cannellini)
- Cheese (shredded or sliced cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Spices (cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and taco seasoning)
- Toppings (avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeño slices, pico de gallo, salsa, lime juice)
Preparation
Here's a step-by-step guide to assembling your nachos:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350-400°F. Line a baking sheet or an oven-safe platter with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the beef and bean mixture by sautéing onions, jalapeños, and garlic in olive oil. Add the ground beef and your desired spices, cooking until browned. Drain the excess grease.
- Mix in your chosen beans and other canned goods like fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles. Stir well and cook until the liquids are absorbed and the mixture thickens.
- Spread a layer of tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet. You can use a single layer or overlap the chips slightly for more toppings on each chip.
- Dollop the beef and bean mixture generously over the chips.
- Sprinkle shredded or sliced cheese evenly over the beef and bean layer. For an extra cheesy bite, you can also add a second layer of chips, beef, beans, and cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the chips are golden.
- Remove from the oven and add your desired toppings. Avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño slices are classic choices. Don't hold back on the fresh garnishes!
- For a final touch of freshness and flavour, squeeze some lime juice over your nachos.
Tips
- If you're a cheese enthusiast, opt for shredding a block of cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as gooey and can affect the overall texture.
- For an extra kick of spice, add red pepper flakes to your beef and bean mixture.
- If you're preparing a large batch, it's best to eat nachos fresh. Leftovers can be stored but may not retain their crispness.
- Get creative with your toppings! Try adding radishes for a crunchy texture and a peppery taste, or go for pickled jalapeños, corn salsa, or black olives for an extra punch of flavour.
With these tips, you're ready to indulge in a delicious plate of beef, bean, and Parmesan nachos! Enjoy the ultimate snack, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Frequently asked questions
One recipe for nachos with fresh Parmesan cheese is Italian Nachos, which also includes mozzarella, spaghetti sauce, banana peppers, and basil. Another recipe is to use a blend of shredded Italian cheese, bake it in the oven, and then add toppings such as spaghetti sauce, mozzarella slices, and olives or Italian marinated peppers. Finally, you can add fresh Parmesan cheese as a topping to any nacho recipe.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts well and adds a salty, nutty flavor to the nachos.
Other types of cheese that can be used for nachos include cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, blue cheese, Pecorino Romano, and feta.
Some other toppings that go well with nachos include guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and refried beans.
