Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of recipes. It adds umami, saltiness, and depth of flavor to dishes. If you have leftover Parmesan cheese, there are numerous ways to incorporate it into your cooking. From sprinkling it on popcorn or roasted vegetables to using it in pasta dishes, soups, or even as a coating for meat, Parmesan cheese can enhance a variety of meals. You can also get creative and experiment with using Parmesan rinds, which add flavor without being overpowering. With its ability to elevate and complement many recipes, Parmesan cheese is a valuable asset in the kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use in soups | Parmesan can be used in soups, such as the Escarole and Cannellini Bean Soup in Parmesan Broth, Parmesan Basil Tomato Soup, or Minestrone Soup |
| Use in salads | Parmesan can be sprinkled on salads to add a new dimension |
| Use in pasta | Parmesan can be sprinkled on pasta, added to pasta sauce, or used in pasta bakes such as lasagna |
| Use in pizza | Parmesan can be used as a topping for pizza, or in the base |
| Use in side dishes | Parmesan can be used in roast potatoes, kale Caesar salad, or cheesy bread |
| Use in mains | Parmesan can be used in chicken dishes, scallops, or meatballs |
| Use in snacks | Parmesan can be used in popcorn or crisps |
| Use the rinds | Parmesan rinds can be saved and added to soups or stews for extra flavor |
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Parmesan in soups
Parmesan cheese can be a great addition to soups, adding a depth of flavour and a silky texture. Here are some ways to incorporate parmesan into your soups:
French Parmesan Soup with Bacon and Croutons
Inspired by Stéphane Jégo's, chef of Parisian L'Ami Jean restaurant, this soup is an ultimate comfort food for cold weather. The recipe includes melting butter in a pot, adding shallots, and then a combination of milk, broth, and half-and-half or heavy cream as a liquid base. To this, you add Parmigiano-Reggiano, season with salt and pepper, and simmer. The addition of crispy bacon and garlicky croutons makes it irresistible.
Creamy Tomato Parmesan Soup
This classic soup is a perfect cozy meal for any day of the week. It is made with simple ingredients like butter, onion, carrot, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or white beans for a heartier meal. Don't forget to stir in the Parmesan off the heat to avoid clumping, and blend the soup if you prefer a creamy texture.
Escarole and Cannellini Bean Soup in Parmesan Broth
This soup highlights the use of Parmesan rinds, which are often discarded but lend a savory and nutty depth to broths and soups. You can make a Parmesan broth by simmering rinds with water and aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaves for at least 30 minutes. The softened cheesy bits can be cut into smaller pieces and stirred back into the soup.
Parmesan Basil Tomato Soup
A sprinkle of parmesan in a classic tomato soup elevates the flavours and gives it a silky texture. It creates an Italian trio of tomato, basil, and cheese.
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Salads and pasta
There are numerous ways to incorporate extra parmesan cheese into salads and pasta.
Salads
Salads are a great way to use up extra parmesan cheese. One option is to make a simple pasta salad by tossing cooked pasta with Italian dressing, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions. Then, mix parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in a small bowl and gently mix them into the salad. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
You can also make a creamy parmesan pasta salad by combining pasta with vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, and dressing them with a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese.
For a more summery option, a cold parmesan cheese pasta salad is a great choice. This salad typically includes short pasta such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle, and a variety of fresh vegetables. The dressing for this salad is made by blending herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and parmesan cheese in a food processor.
Pasta
Pasta dishes are also a perfect way to use up extra parmesan cheese. You can make a simple pasta dish by cooking pasta and tossing it with a variety of vegetables, fresh mozzarella balls or cubes, and parmesan cheese. The dressing for this pasta is made by whisking together red wine vinegar, olive oil, and dried oregano.
Another option is to make an Italian pasta salad by cooking pasta until it is slightly past al dente and combining it with vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. The salad is then dressed with a zesty Italian dressing made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs. Grated parmesan cheese is added to the dressing to enhance its flavour.
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Crisps and wafers
Parmesan crisps are a great way to use up extra Parmesan cheese. They are simple to make and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a crunchy garnish, a snack, or an appetizer.
To make Parmesan crisps, start by grating your Parmesan cheese into shreds. Freshly grated Parmesan is best, as it melts more beautifully and has a finer texture and fresher flavor than pre-grated cheese. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Then, use a teaspoon to make small piles of grated Parmesan on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each pile. Gently pat down on the piles of cheese to create more cohesive circles.
Bake the Parmesan circles in the oven at 360°F/180°C fan for 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them as they bake, as they can quickly burn and become bitter. Once they are done, let them cool on the tray for a couple of minutes before serving or storing.
These Parmesan crisps can be served as a crispy garnish on dishes such as salads, pasta, risotto, or soup. They can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or with dips like marinara sauce or basil pesto. For an elegant appetizer, top them with ingredients like goat cheese, smoked salmon, prosciutto, or sliced fruit.
You can also get creative and add herbs and spices to your Parmesan crisps before baking. Some suggested toppings include everything bagel seasoning, dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary, garlic powder, or a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne for some heat.
If you're looking for a sweeter option, you can try making Parmesan wafers with honey pecan cream cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. To make the wafers, form heaping tablespoons of Parmesan cheese into small circles and bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Top with your desired toppings for a sweet and savory appetizer.
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Meat and fish
Parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of meat and fish dishes. Here are some ideas:
Meat
- Chicken and yellow squash tossed with bow tie pasta and extra grated Parmesan.
- Parmesan-crusted pork chops with a rich coating of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Swedish meatballs with pasta, a one-pot dish that's easy to prepare and clean up.
- Parmesan-crusted chicken, with a combination of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise.
- Chicken penne pasta with bacon, spinach, and Parmesan in a creamy sauce.
- Gordon Ramsay's cheesy wafers, which are simple to make and can be served with risotto.
- Parmesan-crusted chicken drumsticks covered in marinara sauce and gooey cheese.
- Garlic Parmesan-stuffed artichokes, a super-adaptable dish that can also be made with sausage or shrimp.
- Parmesan chicken with a side of roasted romaine.
- Parmesan-crusted pork ragù, served over cavatelli.
- Parmesan-topped roast potatoes, coated with polenta for extra crunch.
- Meatloaf seasoned with Parmesan.
- Salty Parmesan in a salad with sweet dates, sour lemon, and bitter celery.
Fish
- Baked tilapia with a crispy Parmesan coating.
- Crispy chicken thighs with a creamy sauce made of Parmesan, tomatoes, and spinach, served with pasta or a green salad.
- Lemon garlic shrimp pasta, a one-pot dish that's easy to prepare and clean up.
- Spinach and salmon en croute, a less-filling alternative to beef Wellington.
- Toasty fish with Dijon, Parmesan, and a hint of horseradish.
- White fish with a topping of pesto, breadcrumbs, and chopped pine nuts, served with wedges, peas, and a capers, dill, lemon, and mayo dip.
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Snacks
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the flavour of many dishes. Here are some snack ideas that utilise extra parmesan cheese:
Lemon, Parmesan, and Black Pepper Popcorn
Adding parmesan to popcorn gives it a salty and nutty flavour. Combining it with lemon and black pepper creates a unique and tasty snack.
Parmesan Crisps
These delicate, crispy wafers are simple to make and can be served as a snack on their own or with other dishes like risotto.
Cheese Straws
For a savoury snack, you can make cheese straws with added flavours like sesame and poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, and sea salt. They pair well with cocktails.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Brussels sprouts are elevated by the addition of grated parmesan. The cheese adds a crispy texture and an earthy flavour that complements the sprouts. You can also sprinkle parmesan on other roasted vegetables, such as courgettes, to create a silky pasta sauce.
Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
Tomatoes and parmesan is a classic combination. Baking them together creates a tasty snack, and you can also add warm tomato sauce to enhance the flavours.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Mixing parmesan into chicken meatballs and serving them with creamy polenta creates a delicious, indulgent snack.
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Frequently asked questions
Grated Parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including sprinkling over pasta, popcorn, salads, pizza, risotto, gnocchi, and soups. It can also be used as a topping for roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or baked tomatoes.
Yes, Parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of recipes without grating it. For example, it can be sliced or cubed and used in sandwiches or salads. It can also be melted to make a sauce or used as a topping for dishes like chicken Parmesan.
Parmesan cheese rinds have a rich flavour and can be used to add depth to soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. They can be stored in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months and rehydrated when needed.
