Herbs That Complement Parmesan Cheese's Unique Flavor

Parmesan cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from pasta to breadsticks. The cheese has a sharp and salty flavour that can be enhanced by various herbs. For example, basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic are commonly used herbs that complement the taste of Parmesan cheese. Additionally, ingredients like olive oil and black pepper can also be added to create a well-rounded flavour profile. Whether it's a sprinkle on veggies or a dip for bread, the combination of Parmesan cheese and herbs is a timeless pairing that adds a gourmet touch to any meal.

Parmesan and Herb Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 4 teaspoons parsley flakes
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups whipping cream or milk
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix the flour, parsley, 2 tablespoons of the cheese, the sugar, baking powder, salt, basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. Add 3/4 cup of the whipping cream or milk; stir with a fork just until the dry ingredients are moistened, adding additional liquid 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary, to form a soft dough.

On a lightly floured work surface, gently roll the dough in flour to coat. Knead lightly about 10 times or until the dough forms a smooth ball. Pat the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick square.

With a knife, cut the dough into 9-12 squares, depending on how big you want your biscuits. Place them about 1 inch apart on an ungreased large cookie sheet. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 8 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips

You can also add other herbs such as oregano, thyme, and garlic powder to enhance the flavour of the biscuits. If you don't have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Additionally, you can freeze any extras and enjoy them later!

Parmesan Herb Seasoning

A good Parmesan Herb Seasoning is a versatile blend that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to bread and pasta. It can be made in large batches and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, or frozen in small sandwich bags, to be used whenever needed.

Ingredients

A typical Parmesan Herb Seasoning blend contains:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried parsley flakes
• Dried onion flakes
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Dried thyme
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Some variations include red pepper flakes or ground red pepper, and fresh garlic cloves. The amounts of each ingredient can be adjusted to personal preference, but a common blend includes:

• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation

Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and blend with a whisk until well combined. For a more intense flavour, the ingredients can be placed in a food processor and pulsed until they reach a grainy sand-like consistency.

The blend can then be stored in airtight containers or small sandwich bags and frozen for later use.

Uses

This seasoning blend has a wide range of uses, including:

• Sprinkled on vegetables, homemade potato chips, or popcorn
• Mixed with butter and basted on hot baked bread
• Used as a dip for bread or vegetables when mixed with olive oil and/or sour cream
• Tossed with pasta or used in flour for breading chicken
• Added to refrigerated crescent roll dough before baking
• Used as a salad dressing when mixed with olive oil and cider vinegar

Parmesan Olive Oil Herb Dip

This delicious dip is a flavourful appetizer that's perfect for when you're entertaining guests. It's easy to make, and you can adjust the ingredients to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2-3 fresh garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup of fresh flat-leaf parsley or Italian parsley, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup of fresh oregano leaves, loosely packed
• 15g of fresh Parmesan, finely grated (approx. 1/4 cup)
• Bread of your choice, such as Italian, French, or rosemary focaccia

Optional Ingredients:

• Capers
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes
• Balsamic vinegar
• Truffle salt
• Crushed red pepper

Instructions:

• Peel and core the garlic cloves, then cut them into at least quarters. Place them in a small bowl and cover with olive oil. Let it infuse for about 5 minutes.
• While the garlic is infusing, finely chop the parsley and oregano.
• On a flat serving plate, combine the chopped herbs and freshly grated Parmesan. Mix lightly.
• Remove the chunks of garlic from the olive oil and pour the garlic-infused oil over the herb mixture.
• Serve with your choice of bread.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste. Using more garlic cloves or crushing/mincing them will result in a stronger garlic flavour.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavour, you can use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic.
• For a more intense flavour, use truffle salt instead of regular salt.
• Adding a small splash of balsamic vinegar will give your dip a hint of sweetness.
• If you like spicy food, add some crushed red pepper to turn up the heat.

Parmesan Herb Salad Dressing

This simple, tasty, and healthy homemade dressing is a great way to elevate your salad game. It's easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
• Olive oil
• Cider vinegar
• Garlic (fresh or powder)
• Herbs of your choice (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, or parsley)
• Black pepper (freshly ground is best)
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)

Directions:

• Wash, dry, and finely chop your chosen herbs. You can use any combination of the suggested herbs or just pick one or two of your favourites.
• In a small bowl, combine the herbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and any other optional ingredients you'd like to include, such as lemon juice or dijon mustard.
• Add olive oil and cider vinegar to the bowl and whisk or stir well to combine. Alternatively, you can place all the ingredients in a mason jar, tighten the lid, and shake vigorously.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Parmesan to suit your taste.
• If the dressing seems too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of water, milk, or buttermilk.
• Your dressing is now ready to serve! Drizzle it over your favourite salad and enjoy the fresh, herbaceous flavours.

Storage:

This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's best to make it a few hours in advance or even a day ahead to let the flavours develop and intensify.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to enhance your salad, give this Parmesan Herb Salad Dressing a try! It's a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought dressings.

Parmesan Herb Crescent Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 egg, beaten

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles.
• Combine the dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle each dough triangle with the herb mixture and about 1 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese.
• Starting with the shortest side of the triangle, roll up the dough towards the opposite point.
• Place the rolls, point side down, on an ungreased baking sheet, curving them into a crescent shape.
• Brush each roll with beaten egg and sprinkle with any remaining parmesan cheese.
• Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of buttery, flaky crescent rolls with the savoury flavours of parmesan and herbs!

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of herbs and cheese to your taste preferences.
• If you want to make your own crescent roll dough from scratch, there are recipes available online.
• For extra cheesiness, you can add some shredded cheese inside the dough before rolling.
• These crescent rolls go well with a variety of dishes, from soups to salads and roasted meats.

Frequently asked questions