Parmesan Cheese: How Is It Made, Uses And Best Buys

Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is more than just a topping for your pasta—it’s a symbol of Italian culinary tradition and a staple in kitchens around the world. With its distinctive nutty flavor and hard, crumbly texture, Parmesan has earned a place of honor among cheeses. But how much do you really know about this iconic ingredient? 

In this blog post, we will look at the origins of Parmesan cheese, how it is made, and the various ways you can incorporate it into your cooking. Plus, we will share some trendy recipes and perfect pairings to elevate your dishes to the next level.

Parmesan Cheese & Its Origin

Parmesan cheese, known in Italy as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese that has been made for over 800 years. Originating from the Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua regions of Italy, this cheese is crafted using a traditional method that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages.  

It originated in the fertile regions of Emilia-Romagna, specifically in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantua. The name “Parmigiano-Reggiano” is protected by a designation of origin (DOP) status, meaning only cheese produced in these regions using traditional methods can be labeled as such.

The origins of Parmesan are deeply intertwined with the agricultural practices of the Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the 12th century. These monks were looking for a way to preserve the surplus milk produced by their herds. This led to the development of a hard, aged cheese that could be stored for long periods. 

Over time, the techniques were refined, and Parmesan became a staple in the diets of the locals and a valuable commodity traded across Europe.

Production Process of Parmesan Cheese

Made from raw cow’s milk, Parmesan undergoes a lengthy aging process—typically between 12 to 36 months—which develops its complex flavor and signature crystalline texture. Here are the steps involved in the production process of Parmesan cheese:

1. Sourcing of Milk

• Raw cow’s milk from cows fed a diet of grass and hay.
• Evening milk is left overnight, cream skimmed off, combined with fresh morning milk.

2. Fermentation and Coagulation

• Natural whey starter from previous day’s production added to initiate fermentation.
• Mixture heated; calf rennet added to coagulate milk into curds.

3. Curd Processing

• Curds broken into fine granules using a “spino” tool.
• Granules cooked to remove moisture, then mass collected in cheesecloth.

4. Molding and Brining

• Cheese mass pressed into wheel-shaped molds.
• Marked with date and dairy code, then submerged in brine for around 20 days.

5. Aging Process

• Wheels aged on wooden shelves for 12 to 36+ months.
• Cheese loses moisture, flavor concentrates, and is regularly inspected.

6. Quality Assurance

• Only wheels meeting strict standards are branded with the Parmigiano-Reggiano seal.

7. Distinctive Flavor Profile

• Unique environmental conditions of Emilia-Romagna contribute to rich, nutty, and savory flavor with a granular texture.

Know more: Cheese Storage 101: How To Store And Serve Cheese

Culinary Uses 

Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and richness to a wide variety of dishes. Its complex flavor—savory, nutty, and slightly salty—makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Here are some of the most popular ways to use Parmesan cheese in cooking:

1. Grated over Pasta: Parmesan cheese is a classic topping for pasta dishes. Whether it’s a simple spaghetti with marinara sauce or a rich, creamy carbonara, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavors and adds a delightful umami kick. It melts beautifully into hot dishes, blending with the sauce to create a harmonious flavor profile.
2. In Risottos: Parmesan is a key ingredient in many risotto recipes. As the risotto nears completion, Parmesan is stirred in to add creaminess and depth. The cheese helps to bind the rice together, giving the dish a luxurious texture and a robust flavour that complements the other ingredients, whether it’s mushrooms, seafood, or vegetables.
3. In Soups and Stews: A rind of Parmesan cheese can be added to soups and stews during cooking to infuse them with a rich, savory flavour. The rind slowly releases its essence as it simmers, enhancing the broth without overpowering it. Classic examples include Italian minestrone and French onion soup, where Parmesan plays a subtle yet vital role.
4. As a Salad Topping: Shaved Parmesan adds a touch of elegance and flavour to salads. Its sharpness contrasts beautifully with fresh greens, tomatoes, and other vegetables. In Caesar salads, Parmesan is essential, both in the dressing and as a garnish. It also pairs well with fruits like pears and apples, adding a savory balance to their sweetness.
5. Baked Goods and Snacks: Parmesan is used in various baked goods and snacks, where its robust flavour shines. Parmesan crisps, made by baking thin layers of grated cheese until golden and crispy, are a popular snack and can also serve as a crunchy garnish for soups and salads. Parmesan is also added to bread doughs, biscuits, and crackers, infusing them with its distinctive taste.
6. In Sauces: Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many classic sauces, such as Alfredo and Béchamel. When melted into these sauces, Parmesan adds a creamy texture and a rich flavour that elevates dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or lasagna. It’s also used in pesto, where it’s combined with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
7. On Roasted Vegetables: Parmesan cheese can be grated or shaved over roasted vegetables to add a savory finish. The cheese melts slightly from the heat of the vegetables, creating a delicious, golden crust. It’s particularly good with roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, where its salty richness complements their natural sweetness.
8. As a Standalone Snack: Aged Parmesan is often enjoyed on its own, either as a snack or as part of a cheese board. Its complex flavors are best appreciated when eaten in small, thin slices. It pairs beautifully with nuts, dried fruits, and honey, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.

Best Buys

Perfect Pairings with Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese’s bold and savoury flavour profile makes it a versatile companion to a wide range of foods and beverages. Here are some ideal pairings:

1. Balsamic Vinegar: The sweet and tangy notes of aged balsamic vinegar are a classic pairing with Parmesan cheese. Drizzle balsamic over Parmesan shards for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer, or use the combination to enhance salads, grilled vegetables, or even strawberries.
2. Fresh and Dried Fruits: Fruits like pears, apples, figs, and grapes pair wonderfully with Parmesan. The sweetness of the fruit contrasts with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying bite. Dried fruits, such as apricots and dates, also work well, especially when served on a cheese board.
3. Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts complement Parmesan’s nutty undertones. Serve them alongside Parmesan on a cheese board, or sprinkle toasted nuts over a Parmesan-topped salad for added texture and flavour.
4. Prosciutto and Cured Meats: The rich, salty flavors of cured meats like prosciutto and salami are a natural match for Parmesan cheese. This pairing is a staple in Italian antipasti, where thin slices of prosciutto are often draped over chunks of Parmesan, offering a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
5. Wine: Parmesan cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of wines, depending on its age. Younger Parmesans work well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, while older, more aged Parmesans are best paired with full-bodied reds such as Chianti, Barolo, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Sparkling wines and Champagne can also be a delightful match, as their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.
6. Honey: The sweetness of honey creates a delightful contrast with the savory flavour of Parmesan. A drizzle of honey over Parmesan cheese is a simple yet elegant way to serve it, especially as a dessert or a unique addition to a cheese platter.
7. Bread and Crackers: Parmesan cheese pairs well with crusty bread and artisanal crackers, especially those with seeds or herbs. The bread provides a neutral base that lets the flavors of the Parmesan shine, while the crunch of crackers adds an enjoyable texture.

Trendy Recipes

1. Parmesan Crisps with Avocado Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of grated Parmesan on the baking sheet, flattening them slightly with the back of a spoon.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the crisps become firm.
4. Let the crisps cool completely on the baking sheet.
5. In a bowl, mix the diced avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add cilantro if using.
6. Serve the avocado salsa on top of the Parmesan crisps as a delicious appetizer.

2. Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan and Lemon

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until just tender but still firm.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and toss the zucchini noodles with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately as a light, refreshing dish.

3. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Roasted garlic aioli (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on both the sides, until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve the Parmesan-crusted chicken with a dollop of roasted garlic aioli on the side.

4. Parmesan and Truffle Oil Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon truffle oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid.
2. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat.
3. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and drizzle with truffle oil.
4. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve as a gourmet snack.

5. Parmesan Ice Cream with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until just simmering.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until pale and thick.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Serve the Parmesan ice cream drizzled with balsamic glaze for a unique and sophisticated dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few interesting FAQs on Parmesan Cheese

Conclusion

Parmesan cheese is more than just a staple in the kitchen—it’s a culinary icon with a rich heritage and an unmatched flavor. Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of elegance to everything from simple snacks to gourmet meals – be it over pasta or any other modern recipe. 

Its timeless appeal and versatility make it an essential ingredient for any food lover looking to elevate their cooking.