Kamil Perry
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be used to top a variety of dishes, including pasta, salads, soups, and meats. Grating your own Parmesan cheese is easy and can be done using a Microplane, box grater, or food processor. Freshly grated Parmesan has a better flavor than pre-grated cheese and is more cost-effective. It can be sprinkled on pasta dishes, such as spaghetti, or used in recipes like chicken Parmesan, garlic bread, or pesto.
How to use fresh Parmesan cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grating tools | Microplane, box grater, food processor |
| Grating methods | Grated, shredded, sliced, shaved |
| Recipes | Pasta, garlic bread, chicken tenders, chicken wings, croutons, pesto, cheesy potatoes, soups, gnocchi, pizza dip, chicken Caesar salad |
| Buying options | Pre-shredded, grated, fresh cheese from deli or refrigerated section of grocery store |
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What You'll Learn
Grating methods: Microplane, box grater, or food processor
Grating methods depend on the quantity of Parmesan cheese you need. Here are three methods to grate Parmesan cheese: using a Microplane, a box grater, or a food processor.
Microplane
The Microplane is ideal for grating small amounts of Parmesan cheese. It is easy to use, simply run the cheese along its surface, and fine shreds of cheese will fall out on the other side. This is a good method for adding Parmesan to pasta. Microplanes are also suitable for grating other hard cheeses, garlic, fresh ginger, and whole nutmeg. They are also great for zesting citrus.
Box Grater
Use a box grater when you need 1-2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese. For Parmesan, use the side of the box grater with smaller holes.
Food Processor
Use a food processor when you need to grate a large quantity of Parmesan cheese. First, chop the Parmesan into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces. Next, add the pieces to the bowl of the food processor fitted with the regular metal blade. Do not overfill the bowl. For a 1-1/2 pound wedge of cheese, process half of it at a time. Turn on the food processor and let it run until the cheese is grated to your desired texture. The time required can vary depending on the hardness of the cheese.
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Storing: Freeze grated parmesan for later use
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese with a low water content, which means it can be stored in a variety of ways. If you're looking to store grated parmesan cheese for later use, freezing is a great option. Here's how to do it:
Wrap the Cheese
Before placing the grated parmesan in an airtight container, it's important to wrap the cheese. You can use plastic wrap, parchment paper, or even foil. This helps to keep moisture out and maintains the freshness of the cheese. Make sure to wrap tightly to prevent any air from reaching the cheese.
Use an Airtight Container
Once the cheese is wrapped, place it in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag. This step is crucial as it ensures that no moisture can get to the cheese, reducing the likelihood of clumping and altering the flavour. Glass containers are a good option, as they provide an extra layer of protection against moisture.
Label and Freeze
Don't forget to label the container or bag with the date and content. Grated parmesan cheese can be frozen for up to three to six months. After that, it's best to use it up quickly as it may start to lose some of its taste and freshness.
Defrosting
When you're ready to use the frozen grated parmesan, simply take it out of the freezer and let it defrost at room temperature. This usually takes a few hours. You can then use the grated parmesan as you normally would, adding a delicious boost of flavour to your favourite dishes!
By following these simple steps, you can easily store and freeze grated parmesan cheese for later use, ensuring that you always have this versatile ingredient on hand to enhance your culinary creations.
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Recipes: Use in pasta, garlic bread, chicken, or gnocchi
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, including pasta, garlic bread, chicken, and gnocchi. Here are some ideas and recipes for incorporating fresh Parmesan into these dishes:
Pasta:
For a creamy and flavourful dish, try making garlic Parmesan pasta. Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add chicken broth and any desired seasonings. Slowly stir in milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Add pasta noodles of your choice, such as angel hair or spaghetti, and let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add butter, tossing to coat the noodles. Finally, gradually add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Garlic Bread:
To make cheesy garlic bread, start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice a loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place the halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and salt until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. If you want to add cheese, sprinkle on freshly grated Parmesan in the last 2 minutes of baking so that it doesn't get too crispy. Bake the bread for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly golden brown on the edges.
Chicken:
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that makes great use of fresh Parmesan cheese. Start by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with flour, followed by a mixture of beaten eggs and breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown, then transfer them to a baking dish. Top each breast with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and any desired herbs. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven until the cheese is browned and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
Gnocchi:
Fresh Parmesan cheese pairs wonderfully with gnocchi. Start by boiling store-bought or homemade gnocchi in salted water until they float to the top. While the gnocchi is boiling, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the gnocchi and add them to the hot skillet with butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Sear the gnocchi until golden, stirring occasionally.
These recipes showcase how fresh Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavour and texture of pasta, garlic bread, chicken, and gnocchi.
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Buying: Purchase in quantity to save money
Parmesan cheese is one of the more expensive cheeses, so buying in bulk can be a great way to save money. The strong and distinct taste of Parmesan means that a little goes a long way, so buying in bulk can last you a long time.
When buying in bulk, it is important to consider the quality of the cheese. The price of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano is quite high, especially for more aged varieties. If you are looking for a bargain, consider buying a similar type of cheese, such as grana padano, Romano, or a quality Argentinian reggianito. These cheeses are often much cheaper and can be used interchangeably with Parmigiano Reggiano in recipes without drastically affecting the flavor. Domestic Parmesan is also an option, but it may not be the same quality as the Italian imports.
If you have your heart set on genuine Parmigiano Reggiano, there are still ways to save money when buying in bulk. First, consider shopping around and comparing prices at different stores. Wholesale stores like Costco often sell large quantities of Parmesan at a lower price per pound than regular grocery stores. You can also try negotiating with the store manager, who may be willing to offer you a bulk discount, especially if you are buying a large quantity.
Once you've purchased your Parmesan in bulk, proper storage is key to making it last. Parmesan cheese freezes very well, so you can portion it into smaller sections, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to six months. This way, you can always have freshly grated Parmesan on hand without having to worry about waste.
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Serving: Provide a Microplane and block of cheese for guests to grate their own
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be used to sprinkle on top of pasta, soups, salads, and roasted vegetables. It can also be used to make garlic bread, croutons, and cheesy potatoes. When serving guests, providing a Microplane and a block of cheese allows them to grate their own cheese onto their dishes. This method is ideal for grating small amounts of hard cheese, such as Parmesan, and gives guests the option to add as much or as little as they prefer.
To use a Microplane, simply run the cheese along the surface, and fine shreds of cheese will fall out the other side. This is a convenient way to add fresh Parmesan to a variety of dishes. It is also a safe and easy-to-use tool for guests of all ages to operate.
When purchasing Parmesan cheese, it is best to buy a large wedge from a deli or a grocery store. It is more cost-effective and allows for grating the desired amount as needed. By providing a Microplane and a block of cheese, guests can experience the freshness and flavour of grated Parmesan, enhancing their dining experience.
Additionally, this serving suggestion adds an interactive element to the dining experience. Guests can experiment with grating and discover the desired amount of cheese for their taste preferences. It encourages a hands-on approach to seasoning their dishes, ensuring a memorable and engaging meal.
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