Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, adding a salty and nutty flavor to pasta, salads, and more. While freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is considered the gold standard, there are acceptable shredded alternatives available at grocery stores. Texture is an important factor when it comes to shredded Parmesan, with a mix of small and large shreds providing a fluffy and lighter texture. Several brands offer shredded Parmesan cheese, including Buitoni, Frigo, Kraft, Good & Gather, Sargento, and Organic Valley, which can be purchased from retailers like Target and WebstaurantStore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Fluffy, lighter, smooth, creamy, soft, fibrous, stiff, stringy, clumpy, long, chewy |
| Taste | Savory, salty, nutty, tangy, rich, mild, slightly sweet, bland, boring, sour |
| Type | Grated, shredded, block, canned, wedge, shaved |
| Brands | Buitoni, Frigo, Kraft, Good & Gather, Sargento, Emporium, Crystal Farms, Food Club, Dutch Farms, Borden, Weyauwega, Bucky Badger, Sargento, Cadia, Italia, BelGioioso, Cello Cheese, Organic Valley, Marano Select, Cucina Andolina, Tipico Cheese Products Bernardo, Cellocheese |
| Retailers | Target, WebstaurantStore |
Explore related products
Grocery stores
If you're looking for shredded parmesan cheese, there are several grocery stores you can visit. Many grocery stores stock shredded parmesan cheese from popular brands like Kraft, as well as store-brand options. Here are some specific suggestions:
Walmart
Walmart offers a variety of shredded parmesan cheese options, including Great Value's finely shredded parmesan cheese in a 6 oz bag, and single-serve packets of 100% real grated parmesan cheese, which are great for on-the-go snacking or adding to meals when you're short on time.
Kroger
Kroger-owned grocery stores offer Private Selection parm, which is a great option for a cheese board. While it's a hard parmesan, it has a sharp cheddar-like finish that pairs well with crackers and salami.
Metro
Metro is another grocery store that offers a range of parmesan cheese options, including grated and sliced varieties. You can check the availability of products and their prices online before visiting the store.
Other Options
In addition to these stores, you can explore other local grocery chains and supermarkets in your area. Look for brands like Buitoni, Frigo, Sargento, and Lucerne, which offer shredded parmesan cheese products that are easily accessible and highly rated for their flavour.
Is Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Always Pasteurized?
You may want to see also
Online
If you're looking to buy shredded parmesan cheese online, there are several options available to you.
One option is to visit the website of a major retailer such as Walmart or Amazon. Both of these websites offer a variety of shredded parmesan cheese options, including well-known brands such as Kraft and Sargento, as well as store brands and other lesser-known brands. These websites typically offer customer reviews, product ratings, and sometimes even discounts and deals, making it easy to compare different products and find the best value for your money.
Another option is to visit specialist food websites such as Sporked and WebstaurantStore. Sporked offers taste tests and reviews of various food products, including shredded parmesan cheese, which can help you find a product that suits your taste preferences. WebstaurantStore, on the other hand, is an online store specifically for restaurant supplies and bulk food items. Here, you can find larger quantities of shredded parmesan cheese, which may be more suitable if you're looking to buy in bulk or for a business.
When buying shredded parmesan cheese online, it's important to consider factors such as price, brand, and customer reviews to ensure you're getting a product that meets your expectations and suits your needs.
Grana Padano and Parmesan: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Local Italian restaurants
If you're looking for shredded parmesan cheese, your first thought might be to head to the supermarket. However, if you're after the best quality, you may want to consider buying from a local Italian restaurant.
If you're looking for the best shredded parmesan cheese, one source recommends BelGioioso, which has thin, dainty shreds that are perfect for melting on a hot bowl of sauced rigatoni. The same source also recommends Private Selection parm, which can be found at Kroger-owned grocery stores and is ideal for a cheese board.
Another option is to buy a block of parmesan cheese and shred it yourself. This way, you can ensure the cheese is fresh and has a better texture than pre-shredded cheese. You can find blocks of parmesan cheese at your local supermarket or deli, or you can order it online from specialty cheese shops.
Parmesan Cheese: Cow's Milk Masterpiece?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Grated vs shredded
Grated versus shredded Parmesan cheese is a topic that has long confused home cooks. While walking the dairy aisle at your local grocery store, you're most likely to see the word "shredded" printed on bags of cheese. These cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, have been shredded at the factory and coated in an anti-caking agent (like cornstarch) so that the shreds don't clump in the package. Using already shredded cheese saves time and effort at home. Shredded cheese is perfect for adding thicker layers of cheese to dishes, such as sandwiches, quesadillas, pizzas, casseroles, and baked pasta.
On the other hand, grated cheese is usually done at home with a grater, although it can also be purchased pre-grated. Grated cheese is much finer and similar to powder, like the kind of Parmesan often found in a can. Grated cheese is ideal for sprinkling on top of dishes as a condiment, such as on pizza, fries, or mozzarella sticks. When it comes to taste and texture, freshly grated cheese is generally considered better quality since there are no additional ingredients, and it melts better. However, if you're short on time, pre-shredded or pre-grated cheese can be a convenient option.
When it comes to Parmesan cheese specifically, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the best Parmesan cheese is said to be found at your local cheesemonger, but if you're looking for convenience, there are many options available at the grocery store. Secondly, while pre-shredded Parmesan can be a timesaver, freshly grated Parmesan is often preferred for its richer flavour and softer texture. Finally, the super finely grated, powdery Parmesan sold in a shaker can is labelled as grated cheese, but it tends to contain more miscellaneous ingredients than actual cheese, so it's not recommended.
In conclusion, whether you choose shredded or grated Parmesan cheese depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want thicker layers of cheese in your dish, shredded cheese is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a more subtle flavour that melds into the dish, grated cheese is the better option. Ultimately, both shredded and grated cheese have their place in the kitchen, and it's up to the individual to decide which one works best for them.
Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese?
You may want to see also
Texture
When it comes to shredded Parmesan cheese, texture is a key consideration. The ideal texture of shredded Parmesan cheese is often described as "fluffy" and "lighter", with a mix of small and large shreds creating a smooth and creamy consistency. This texture is preferred as it integrates well with dishes like polenta and pasta, enhancing their flavour and mouthfeel.
In contrast, some pre-shredded Parmesan cheeses may have a stiffer and more fibrous texture due to the size and uniformity of their shreds. Larger shreds can lead to goopy strings in polenta, while products with predominantly small shreds may result in a mealy texture on pasta. Therefore, a balance of one-third small shreds to two-thirds large shreds is often sought to achieve the desired texture.
The aging process of Parmesan cheese also influences its texture. Aged Parmesan, such as blends of 10- and 18-month-old varieties, contributes to a softer texture in shredded form. This aging process enhances the cheese's flavour and adds a punchy characteristic to the overall sensory experience.
While freshly shredded Parmesan is known for its fluffy texture, some pre-shredded alternatives can still offer a similar experience. For instance, specific blends of aged Parmesan can result in softer shreds, providing a rich and creamy mouthfeel that rivals freshly grated options.
In summary, the texture of shredded Parmesan cheese is an important factor in its overall quality and enjoyment. The ideal texture is fluffy and smooth, with a blend of small and large shreds to avoid clumpiness or stringiness in dishes. Aged Parmesan and specific blends can offer softer textures, enhancing the sensory experience and making it a versatile topping or ingredient for various culinary creations.
The Magic of Dehydrated Parmesan Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can buy shredded parmesan cheese from your local grocery store. Some popular brands include Kraft, Sargento, Frigo, Good & Gather, and Buitoni.
The best shredded parmesan cheese depends on personal preference and intended use. For polenta, a blend of small and large shreds from a mix of 10- and 18-month-aged Parmesan is recommended for a "fluffy," "lighter," "rich," and "creamy" texture. For pasta, a blend with more small shreds is preferred to avoid stringiness. In terms of flavor, Parmigiano-Reggiano is considered the gold standard for its salty and nutty taste, but it may be expensive and hard to find. For a more accessible option, Buitoni shredded parmesan is highly rated for its savory flavor.
If you are unable to find shredded parmesan cheese, you can purchase a block of parmesan cheese and shred it yourself. Alternatively, you can use grated parmesan cheese, which is readily available in most grocery stores.
Shredded parmesan cheese is typically made from cheese that has been aged for at least 10 months to enhance its flavor. The aging process can vary, with some manufacturers blending 10- and 18-month-aged Parmesan for extra "punchy" flavor. After aging, the cheese is shredded into small and large shreds to achieve the desired texture.
