The Perfect Pairing Partners For Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is a versatile Italian cheese that can be grated, shredded, sliced, or shaved, and used in a variety of dishes. It is a popular ingredient that enhances the flavour of salads, pasta dishes, and more. When paired with the right ingredients, Parmesan can take a dish to the next level. So, what cheese goes well with Parmesan?

Parmesan with other cheeses

Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be paired with several other cheeses to create delicious dishes. Here are some mouth-watering combinations and recipes to try:

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Mozzarella and Parmesan is a classic combination that creates a gooey, stringy, and savoury delight. Try the Eggplant Parmesan, where slices of fried eggplant are layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, along with a sweet tomato sauce. This dish is a sure crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family meal.

Parmesan and Burrata

For a decadent and indulgent sandwich, try the Mortadella, burrata, and pistachio pesto ciabatta. The creamy burrata and sharp Parmesan are a match made in heaven, and the mortadella, a ground cured pork with pistachios, adds a unique twist. This sandwich is a tasty treat for any picnic or quick lunch.

Parmesan and Brie

For an impressive appetizer, try the Parmesan-Coated Brie. A golden, crispy exterior gives way to warm, melted cheese, making it perfect for sliced French bread or crackers. Your guests will surely be impressed by this indulgent treat.

Parmesan and Gruyere

For a comforting and hearty meal, try the Parmesan Potato Wedges. The tanginess of Parmesan on starchy potatoes is a match made in heaven. This side dish pairs well with a salad or can be served alongside chicken or beef.

Parmesan and Cream Cheese

For a rich and indulgent side dish, try the Rich and Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level. It's the perfect comfort food for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Parmesan and Mozzarella

For a vegetarian delight, try the Zucchini Parmesan. This easy-to-prepare side dish transforms fresh zucchini into a tasty treat. The Parmesan adds a savoury note to the sweet zucchini, creating a delicious contrast.

Parmesan and Blue Cheese

For a classic combination, pair Parmesan with blue cheese. Try it with the Garlic Parmesan Wings, where the skin is flavoured with garlic powder, Parmesan, and parsley. Dip these wings into a blue cheese sauce for an indulgent and savoury experience.

These combinations showcase the versatility of Parmesan, which can enhance the flavour of mild cheeses like mozzarella, complement the sharpness of cheeses like Gruyere, or add a nutty savouriness to creamy cheeses like Brie. Experiment with these pairings and create your own delicious recipes!

Parmesan in salads

Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be used to enhance the flavour of a variety of salads. Here are some ideas for incorporating Parmesan into your salad creations:

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan

Arugula, also known as rocket, has a peppery taste and is packed with nutrients. Combining arugula with shaved Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings creates a simple yet delicious salad. This salad goes well with various main courses, such as chicken or pizza. You can also add other ingredients like strawberries, avocado, or shrimp to create different flavour profiles.

Parmesan Romaine Salad

For a quick and flavourful salad, combine romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, and onion and garlic salad croutons. The dressing is made by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Shaved Parmesan curls are then sprinkled over the salad, adding an intense cheesy flavour.

Apple, Parmesan, and Mixed Green Salad

This salad brings together a few simple, high-quality ingredients for a sophisticated and healthy dish. Combine mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, and lightly toasted walnuts. The dressing is made with whole-grain mustard, honey, sherry vinegar, and olive oil. Top it off with Parmesan curls made using a vegetable peeler, and you have an elegant and effortless salad.

Green Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing

For a refreshing side dish, assemble a variety of lettuces and leaves, such as iceberg, butter lettuce, romaine, or arugula. Add some cucumber for a crunchy texture. The lemon-Parmesan dressing is made by grating garlic and Parmesan and whisking in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This salad can be made in advance and dressed right before serving.

Other Ideas

Parmesan can also be incorporated into salads with ingredients like artichoke hearts, prosciutto, avocado, tomatoes, and many more. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dressings to find your favourite Parmesan salad creation!

Parmesan in soups

Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be used to enhance the flavour of soups. Here are some tips and recipes to incorporate Parmesan into your soups:

Using Parmesan Rinds

Parmesan rinds, the hard, dry outer layer of the cheese, are packed with flavour and can be used to add a savory, nutty depth to soups. Simply drop a Parmesan rind into a pot of simmering soup and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. The rind will soften and release its flavour into the soup. You can also make Parmesan broth by simmering rinds with water, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. This broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken or vegetable broth in recipes.

Parmesan Chickpea Soup

This soup combines chickpeas, greens, pasta, and lots of Parmesan cheese. Start by sautéing diced onion and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, add chickpeas, a Parmesan rind, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and add your choice of tiny pasta, such as ditalini or orzo. Finally, stir in some spinach and top with additional Parmesan cheese.

French Parmesan Soup with Bacon and Garlicky Croutons

This recipe is inspired by the original Parmesan soup served at Stéphane Jégo's L'Ami Jean restaurant in Paris. Melt butter in a pot and sauté a finely minced shallot until translucent. Add sliced Parmigiano-Reggiano, chicken broth, milk, and half-and-half. Simmer the soup for 45 minutes, then purée and strain it. Serve the soup with crispy bacon and croutons made from baguette cubes, olive oil, and garlic.

Other Soup Recipes with Parmesan

• Baked Spaghetti with Cream of Mushroom Soup: A cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines spaghetti with cream of mushroom soup and Parmesan.
• Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli: A simple and healthy side dish where broccoli is roasted with Parmesan, resulting in a tasty and crispy treat.
• Pepper Parmesan Beans: A colourful dish that combines peppers and green beans with Italian flavours of basil and Parmesan.
• Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice: Chicken and rice dish with a lemony twist, where the chicken is coated in a Parmesan cheese layer.

Parmesan with chicken

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is one of the most popular and most ordered chicken recipes in the world. It is a non-pasta dish that is often served in Italian-American style restaurants.

The key to making the perfect chicken Parmesan is to ensure the breaded chicken cutlets remain crispy and are not overwhelmed by too much sauce and cheese. The breading is made up of a combination of four ingredients: panko, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. The chicken is fried until golden and crispy, and then transferred to a baking tray. A small amount of tomato sauce is added on top of the chicken, followed by mozzarella cheese and more parmesan. The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Some recipes suggest adding an extra layer of flavour by mixing parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken. This adds an extra crunch and exciting flavour to the dish.

Chicken Parmesan can be served with pasta, mashed potato, salad, steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Parmesan with potatoes

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

For special occasions, like a birthday dinner, you can make mashed potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. It's a divine comfort food. You can also add cauliflower to make it healthier.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

This simple recipe makes potatoes taste amazing. It's a great dish for Easter or Christmas.

Parmesan Potato Wedges

These potato wedges are a great light lunch served with a salad or as a side dish with chicken or beef.

Parmesan-Roasted Potatoes

Cooking the potatoes on a wire rack lets the hot air circulate around them, making them extra crispy.

Truffle & Parmesan Roast Potatoes

Make these extra-special roasties with parmesan and truffle flavours. They make a great side for Christmas dinner or any other special occasion.

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