Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes, adding depth of flavor with its nutty, salty, and cheesy taste. Whether grated, shredded, or waiting to be used, Parmesan can be the star of many recipes, from savory pies and cookies to pasta dishes and salads. With its unique flavor profile, Parmesan can transform simple ingredients like spinach, asparagus, and even eggs into something special. It is a key ingredient in classics like chicken Alfredo and eggplant Parmesan, and it can also be used in creative ways, such as making Parmesan crisps or adding an indulgent touch to a humble salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use in recipes | Parmesan crisps, collard greens, creamed spinach, scallops on the half shell, lasagna, pizza, chicken Alfredo tortellini, eggplant Parmesan, and more |
| Texture | Grated or shredded |
| Flavor | Umami, salty, nutty, and cheesy |
| Function | Adds depth of flavor to dishes |
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What You'll Learn
Make Parmesan crisps
Making Parmesan crisps is a great way to use shredded Parmesan cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making them:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats up, grate 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese into fine shreds. The shreds should be small enough to melt easily but not too fine. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a finer texture and a fresher flavour than pre-shredded cheese. Now, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a spoon, place 12 piles of about 1 tablespoon each of the shredded cheese onto the lined baking sheet. Leave about 1/2 inch between each pile.
Once the piles are on the baking sheet, gently pat each pile down with your fingers to form 2 1/2-inch rounds. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese turns a light golden brown and becomes crispy. The baking time will depend on your oven and the desired crispness. After removing the crisps from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 3 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
You can also add herbs and spices to your Parmesan crisps before baking to give them extra flavour. For example, everything bagel seasoning, dried thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, or cayenne pepper.
Once cooled, you can serve them as a crunchy, cheesy topping for salads, soups, or risotto. They can also be used as a base for appetizers or enjoyed as a snack on their own. Stored in an airtight container, Parmesan crisps can last for up to 5 days, although they may not last that long as they are so delicious!
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Add to a salad
Shredded parmesan cheese can be a great addition to a salad. Here are some ideas to elevate your salad game:
Choose the right greens
Select crisp and bitter greens such as puntarelle or escarole, which pair well with the salty and nutty flavour of parmesan cheese. The slight bitterness of the leaves complements the saltiness of the cheese, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.
Add some sweetness and tang
Incorporate sweet and tangy elements such as dates and a honey-vinegar dressing to your salad. The sweetness from the dates and honey will contrast the saltiness of the parmesan, while the vinegar will add a tangy twist to the overall flavour.
Include some crunch
Try adding some crunchy elements like croutons or nuts to your salad. The contrast in textures will make your salad more exciting and satisfying to eat. Just remember to add the croutons at the last minute if you're serving the salad over two days, to keep them crunchy!
Don't forget the extras
While parmesan and greens are a great start, don't be afraid to add extra ingredients to make your salad more substantial. Consider including meats such as chicken or bacon, or even some grilled scallops or clams for a seafood twist.
Shredded parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of your salad. So, get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!
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Sprinkle on garlic pizza
There are many ways to make garlic pizza with shredded Parmesan cheese. Here is one way to make it in 30 minutes:
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Steps to Make the Pizza
- Prepare the oven. Place a pizza stone on a rack inside the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 550°F (or as high as your oven will go). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, let the pizza stone heat up for an additional 30 minutes.
- Prepare the garlic-infused oil by mixing olive oil and garlic in a small bowl. Set it aside for 10 minutes to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Stretch the pizza dough to the desired size and place it on a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper.
- Spread the garlic-infused oil over the dough, leaving a border around the crust.
- Sprinkle salt, Parmesan cheese, and then mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Carefully slide the pizza with the parchment paper off the peel and onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven.
- Bake the pizza for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to turn golden brown.
Variations
You can also make a creamy white garlic Parmesan pizza by making a white sauce with butter, flour, milk, roasted garlic paste, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Spread this sauce over the pizza dough and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Season with Italian seasoning and bake the pizza until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
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Mix into scrambled eggs
Shredded parmesan cheese can be used to make a variety of dishes, including scrambled eggs. Here is a detailed recipe for making delicious and fluffy scrambled eggs with shredded parmesan cheese:
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of shredded or grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- Milk
Instructions:
Firstly, heat the oil in a small non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into a bowl and add milk, 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Whisk the mixture with a fork until it has a smooth consistency.
Next, melt the butter in the frying pan. Add the egg mixture and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute or until the eggs are set to your liking. Remove the eggs from the pan and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
The parmesan cheese adds a bold, salty, and zesty flavour to the scrambled eggs, making them extra tasty and special. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any meal of the day. Enjoy your cheesy scrambled eggs!
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Bake with eggplant
Shredded parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the flavour of many dishes. One option is to bake it with eggplant to create a delicious, classic Italian dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make baked eggplant parmesan:
Prepare the Eggplant:
First, trim and slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. There is no need to peel the eggplant, but you can remove most of the skin to let the flesh meld with the sauce. You can use Italian or globe eggplant varieties. Drizzle or brush both sides of the slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bread the Eggplant:
For a crispy, golden crust, bread the eggplant slices. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture and flavour. You can use homemade or store-bought breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free bread or gluten-free flour. Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them with the breadcrumbs.
Layer the Ingredients:
In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce or tomato sauce on the bottom. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce. Then, start layering the ingredients: place a layer of breaded eggplant slices, followed by mozzarella cheese, a spoonful of marinara, and a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with any remaining cheese.
Bake and Serve:
Bake the eggplant parmesan uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is browned, melted, and bubbly. If you like, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes to get a nice browned top. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
Baked eggplant parmesan is a delicious, comforting dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavour of the parmesan cheese combined with the tender eggplant and melted cheeses!
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded Parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including Parmesan crisps, chicken Alfredo tortellini, and eggplant Parmesan.
To make Parmesan crisps, simply pour a heaping tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese onto a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly pat it down, and bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Shredded Parmesan cheese can be used as a topping for pizza, pasta, or salads, or as a flavour enhancer in soups, stews, or sauces. It can also be used as a breading for meats or vegetables.
