Olive Garden's Cheese: Shredded Secrets Revealed

If you've ever been to Olive Garden, you'll know that one of the best parts of the dining experience is when the server comes to your table and grates a generous helping of fresh cheese onto your pasta. While many people assume that this cheese is Parmesan, it is actually Romano cheese. Romano is made from sheep's milk, which gives it a stronger flavour and saltier taste than Parmesan. It also tends to be milder and softer in texture. Olive Garden sells its famous cheese grater on its website, and some customers have even reported being able to purchase one directly from their local restaurant.

Olive Garden uses Romano cheese

The use of Romano cheese at Olive Garden is a well-known fact among its customers, with some even sharing their stories of receiving unexpected treats of cheese from the restaurant staff. In one such incident, a customer was offered cheese by their server, and as they accepted, the cheese was liberally sprinkled onto their dish. The server even offered to get more cheese when it ran out, but the customer politely declined. However, upon receiving their bill, they were surprised with an extra container filled with blocks of cheese.

This story, shared by a customer named Kyle, gained significant attention on Reddit, with many users speculating about the server's intentions. Some suggested that the server was flirting with the customer, while others simply appreciated the generous act.

The reason behind Olive Garden's choice to use Romano cheese instead of Parmesan may be due to cost considerations. Romano cheese is cheaper than Parmesan, and while it differs in flavour, it still falls within the ballpark of Parmesan's flavour profile. This makes it a suitable alternative, especially for a large chain restaurant like Olive Garden, which aims to keep food costs down.

Olive Garden's use of Romano cheese is not a secret, and the restaurant even sells its iconic cheese graters to customers who wish to recreate the experience at home. The grater, known as the Zyliss Professional Cheese Grater, has gained popularity among Olive Garden patrons for its ease of use and ability to distribute cheese quickly. It features a steel drum for holding blocks of cheese and a hand crank that requires minimal pressure for effortless shredding. The grater is also safe to use, with its razor-sharp blades hidden away, preventing any accidental finger cuts.

In conclusion, Olive Garden's choice of Romano cheese is a deliberate one, offering a similar flavour profile to Parmesan at a more affordable price. The cheese has become synonymous with the restaurant, with customers eagerly seeking to purchase the iconic cheese graters and even blocks of cheese to recreate the experience in their own homes.

Romano is made from sheep's milk

The Olive Garden shreds Romano cheese, which is made from sheep's milk. This is a cheaper alternative to Parmesan, which it resembles in flavour and texture, although Romano has a stronger, saltier taste. It is a popular choice for pasta dishes.

Romano cheese is made from sheep's milk, which gives it a distinct flavour and texture compared to cheeses made from cow's milk. The sheep's milk curds are combined with a bacterial culture and rennet, which acts as a coagulant to separate the curds and whey. The curds are then salted, placed into moulds, and aged for several months to develop their signature sharp flavour. The longer the cheese is aged, the sharper the flavour becomes.

Sheep's milk has a higher fat and protein content than cow's milk, which contributes to the rich, creamy texture and flavour of Romano cheese. The milk also contains more solids, which can affect the yield of cheese produced. To compensate for this, the curds may be cut smaller to release more whey and create a firmer texture. The specific bacteria used in the cheesemaking process also contribute to the final flavour and texture of the cheese.

Romano cheese is a popular choice for grating over pasta dishes, as its strong flavour can enhance the taste of the dish. It is also used in other recipes such as salads, soups, and sauces, where it adds a salty, savoury note. The cheese can be purchased in blocks, pre-grated, or as a blend with other cheeses.

The Olive Garden uses a specific brand of Romano cheese, Lotito Romano Cheese, which is available in supermarkets. However, any high-quality pecorino Romano cheese can be used to achieve a similar flavour profile.

Romano is cheaper than Parmesan

The cheese that Olive Garden shreds at the table is not Parmesan, but Romano. Romano cheese is made from sheep's milk, whereas Parmesan is derived from cow's milk. Romano tends to be stronger in flavour and saltier, but both are popular choices for pasta dishes.

There are several reasons why Romano is a cheaper alternative to Parmesan. Firstly, Romano has a milder flavour and a softer texture than Parmesan, which has a fruity, nutty complexity. This difference in taste and texture means that Romano is a more cost-effective option for large chain restaurants like Olive Garden, as they can offer a similar flavour experience to their customers at a lower price point.

Additionally, Romano cheese is often made in the US, reducing import costs for restaurants in the country. This is a significant factor in keeping food costs down, as restaurants are under pressure to maintain low prices while offering generous portions. By choosing Romano cheese, Olive Garden can provide a more affordable dining experience for its customers without compromising on taste or quality.

While Parmesan and Romano cheeses have similar flavours, the production methods and ingredients used can impact their cost. Parmesan is traditionally made in Italy, and the process of making authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano can be more expensive due to the specific requirements for milk quality, aging time, and production techniques. On the other hand, Romano cheese can be produced at a lower cost, making it a more economical option for restaurants.

Furthermore, the demand for Parmesan cheese may also contribute to its higher price. Parmesan is a popular and versatile cheese used in a wide variety of dishes, from pasta to salads and soups. Its widespread use and recognition as a high-quality cheese may drive up its price compared to Romano, which is less commonly used outside of Italian cuisine.

Romano is milder, saltier, and softer than Parmesan

While both Romano and Parmesan are popular choices for adding to pasta dishes, Romano is milder, saltier, and softer than Parmesan.

Parmesan is a hard, sharp cheese with a nutty, fruity, and sweet flavor profile. It is made from cow's milk and aged for at least 10 months, resulting in its harder texture. Its color ranges from light yellowish to golden white. Parmesan is commonly used as a grating cheese, shaved or sprinkled on top of pasta, salads, soups, or pizzas. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile choice for a variety of dishes.

On the other hand, Romano has a milder, slightly saltier, and sharper taste. It is also made from sheep's milk, which contributes to its stronger flavor. The domestic version of Romano cheese, made from cow's milk, has a milder flavor. Romano is typically aged longer than Parmesan, for at least 5 months, and its color is milky white. While it can also be used as a grating cheese, Romano is better suited for slicing and is commonly used in dishes like Caesar salad dressing or Italian dishes like lasagna and pizza.

The difference in milk sources and aging processes gives Romano and Parmesan their distinct flavors and textures. Romano, being milder, saltier, and softer than Parmesan, is often chosen for its ability to add a punch of flavor to dishes.

Olive Garden sells its cheese grater in stores

It's true: Olive Garden sells its cheese graters in stores. The revelation came about in 2024 when a TikTok user shared a video of herself buying a cheese grater from the restaurant. The video quickly went viral, and Olive Garden soon confirmed that its restaurants do indeed sell the graters, though availability varies by location.

The cheese grater has become an iconic part of the Olive Garden dining experience. Diners are invited to tell their server when to stop as they pile freshly grated cheese onto their pasta. The ability to purchase the grater, along with the chain's "Say When" philosophy, is part of Olive Garden's commitment to delivering a never-ending abundance of craveable Italian food to its guests.

The Zyliss Professional Cheese Grater, as it's known, is beloved by Olive Garden patrons for its ease of use and ability to quickly distribute cheese onto pasta. It features a steel drum for holding blocks of cheese and a hand crank that requires little pressure for effortless shredding. The razor-sharp blades are hidden away, so there's no risk of sliced fingers. The grater also includes a non-slip thumb rest and handle for added comfort.

The cheese grater can be purchased in-store at select Olive Garden locations, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $16.43. For those who don't live near an Olive Garden or prefer to shop online, the grater is also available on Amazon for $23. And the best part? It comes with a block of cheese, so you can start grating right away!

In addition to the cheese grater, Olive Garden also sells other select items from its restaurants, including salad dressing, Italian seasoning blend, wine glasses, coffee cups, and creamer urns. So, whether you're looking to recreate the Olive Garden experience at home or just want a unique souvenir from your favorite restaurant, Olive Garden has you covered!

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