Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and even as a topping for fries. Frying Parmesan cheese is a popular cooking technique that transforms it into crispy, crunchy garnishes or snacks known as Parmesan crisps. These crisps can be made in a non-stick frying pan or baked in the oven, resulting in a lacy, fried cheese that can be moulded into bowls, chips, or sprinkled as a crunchy topping. While frying Parmesan cheese creates a unique texture and flavour, it's important to note that the cheese tends to melt and thicken, and the quality and processing of the cheese can impact its melting properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Parmesan is a hard cheese |
| Longevity | Parmesan is long-lasting and does not require refrigeration |
| Nutritional value | Parmesan is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals |
| Melting point | Parmesan melts when fried, but pre-grated or finely ground Parmesan may not melt due to processing |
| Taste | Frying Parmesan creates a crispy texture and removes some greasiness |
| Cooking method | Parmesan can be fried in a pan or baked in an oven |
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What You'll Learn
Frying methods: frying pan vs. oven
Frying Parmesan cheese is a great way to add a crunchy texture to your dishes. Fried Parmesan cheese, also known as frico, can be used as a garnish, topping, or a dip.
When it comes to frying methods, you can use either a frying pan or an oven. Here's a detailed comparison of the two methods:
Frying Pan
Using a non-stick frying pan is a convenient option for frying Parmesan cheese. Simply spray the pan with cooking spray, and place a tablespoon of cheese for each crisp in the pan. Use the back of a spoon to flatten the cheese slightly. Cook the cheese on medium heat until it is safe to turn it over and cook the other side. Be careful not to burn the cheese, as it can go from golden to burnt quickly. Once done, place the fried cheese on a paper towel to dry.
Oven
The oven method offers a more hands-off approach to frying Parmesan cheese. Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with silicone or parchment paper, and grease it generously with butter or cooking spray. Place a tablespoon of cheese for each crisp on the prepared sheet, spacing them about half an inch apart. Bake for 3 to 7 minutes, keeping a close eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't burn. Once done, let the cheese crisps cool on the tray for about 10 minutes before removing them.
While both methods can achieve similar results, there are some key differences to consider. The frying pan method requires more attention and careful handling to avoid burning the cheese. On the other hand, the oven method is more energy-efficient, especially when cooking for a single person, as you don't need to heat up a large oven for a small batch of cheese crisps. Additionally, the oven method may be preferred if you want to avoid the mess and potential splatter that can come with frying in a pan.
In conclusion, both frying methods have their advantages and can produce delicious fried Parmesan cheese crisps. The choice between a frying pan and an oven ultimately depends on your personal preference, the equipment available, and the scale of your cooking endeavor.
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Saganaki: a Greek dish of fried cheese
Saganaki is a Greek dish of fried cheese, typically served as an appetizer. The cheese is cooked in a small frying pan, and the dish tends to thicken slightly, but it does melt. The type of cheese used can vary, but harder cheeses like Parmesan are a popular choice.
To make this dish with Parmesan cheese, you can follow these steps:
- Shave or grate the Parmesan cheese into thin pieces.
- Place the cheese in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat.
- Cook until the cheese is slightly melted and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Allow the cheese to cool and harden, forming crispy, lacy fried cheese chips.
Alternatively, you can bake Parmesan cheese crisps in the oven. Here is a simple recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Create small mounds of shredded Parmesan cheese, spaced apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown, about 4 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool before removing the cheese crisps from the baking sheet.
These Parmesan cheese crisps, or "frico," can be served as a crunchy garnish, added to soups or salads, or enjoyed as a snack. They are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the unique flavour of fried Parmesan cheese.
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Parmesan cheese's longevity
Parmesan cheese is a long-lasting cheese that can be safely consumed for a few weeks past its expiration date. When stored properly in the fridge, an unopened package can last between two and four months. However, once the package is opened, the cheese should be consumed within one to two months. Parmesan cheese labelled stravecchio has been aged for three years, while stravecchiones are aged for four or more years, resulting in a more complex flavour and granular texture.
To extend the longevity of Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to store it in the fridge, as it will last longer when refrigerated. Shredded hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, will last about a month after opening when kept in the fridge.
In terms of cooking, Parmesan cheese can be fried or baked to create Parmesan crisps, which can be used as a garnish, topping, or dip. Frying Parmesan cheese can result in a globby mess, so it is recommended to bake the cheese in the oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Parmesan cheese can also be added to dishes like fries, but it may cause them to become soggy, even when the potatoes are blanched. To avoid this, some suggestions include coating the fries in tapioca flour and cooking them in the oven or creating Parmesan crisps, crushing them, and sprinkling them on top.
When consuming Parmesan cheese, it is important to be mindful of its expiration date and any signs of spoilage, such as mould. While ingesting mould from Parmesan cheese is generally not toxic, it is recommended to avoid consuming mouldy cheese to prevent any potential health risks.
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Melting factors
Parmesan cheese is a long-lasting cheese that can be melted to create Parmesan crisps, which are pieces of lacy fried cheese that can be formed into bowls, chips, or crunchy garnishes. Parmesan cheese can be melted in a non-stick frying pan or in the oven.
When melting Parmesan cheese in a frying pan, it is recommended to use a tablespoon of cheese for each crisp, flattening it out with the back of a spoon. The cheese should be cooked on medium heat until it can be safely turned over and cooked on the other side. It is important not to burn the cheese. Once cooked, the crisps should be placed on a paper towel to dry.
To melt Parmesan cheese in the oven, a baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Similar to the frying pan method, mounds of cheese about 2 inches in diameter and spaced at least 1 inch apart are created on the prepared baking sheet. The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and the cheese should be baked until completely melted and the edges are browned, which typically takes 4 to 6 minutes. After removing the crisps from the oven, they should be allowed to cool for about 15 minutes before being stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
The melting behaviour of Parmesan cheese can vary depending on its quality and the amount of processing it has undergone. Pre-grated or shredded Parmesan may or may not melt, and finely ground Parmesan is unlikely to melt at all. Freshly shredded Parmesan, on the other hand, tends to melt more easily.
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Parmesan crisp toppings
Parmesan crisps, also known as frico, have been a staple in Northern Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region since the 1400s. They are made by frying or baking parmesan cheese until it forms a crisp, lacy texture. You can make them in a non-stick frying pan or in the oven on a well-greased parchment sheet.
- Herbs and spices: Sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper on top of the crisps before baking.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Make your own or buy a pre-made blend to add extra flavour to your crisps.
- Fruits: Thinly sliced apples, grapes, or pears can be a sweet and refreshing topping for Parmesan crisps.
- Meats and cheeses: Top your crisps with goat cheese, smoked salmon, prosciutto, or other meats and cheeses for an elegant appetizer.
- Salads: Crumble the Parmesan crisps on top of a leafy green salad, such as a Caesar salad or wild rice arugula salad.
- Soups: Add a cheesy crunch to creamy soups such as tomato soup, zucchini soup, or broccoli soup.
- Dips: Use the Parmesan crisps as a base for dips such as marinara sauce or basil pesto.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, frying Parmesan cheese is safe. Parmesan is a long-lasting cheese that can be fried to make Parmesan crisps or "frico".
To make Parmesan cheese crisps, you can use a non-stick frying pan on the stove or an oven. If using a frying pan, spray the pan with cooking spray and put a tablespoon of cheese for each crisp in the pan. Flatten it slightly with a spoon and cook on medium heat until you can safely turn them over and cook the other side. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, create mounds of cheese, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and the edges are browned.
Frying Parmesan cheese causes it to harden and become crispy. This technique is often used to create a crunchy garnish or topping for dishes.
Yes, you can fry shredded Parmesan cheese to make crisps. Freshly shredded Parmesan will melt more easily and result in a smoother appearance, while store-bought shredded Parmesan will give the crisps a "lacy" look.
While fried Parmesan cheese can be used as a topping for fries, it may cause them to become soggy. To avoid this, some people suggest making Parmesan crisps, cooling them, and then crushing them into a sprinkle to add on top of the fries.
