Parmesan cheese is a staple in many cuisines, particularly Italian, and is known for its nutty, salty flavor and crumbly texture. It’s a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta and pizza to salads and soups. But what can you eat with parmesan cheese? In this article, we’ll explore the many foods that pair well with parmesan cheese and provide some tips for using it in your cooking.
Classic Pairings
Parmesan cheese is a classic pairing for many Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto. Here are a few examples of classic pairings:
Pasta
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many pasta dishes, particularly those with tomato sauce. It’s often grated over spaghetti, linguine, and other long, thin pasta shapes. Some popular pasta dishes that feature parmesan cheese include:
- Spaghetti carbonara: a rich and creamy pasta dish made with bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese
- Fettuccine Alfredo: a decadent pasta dish made with fettuccine, parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce
- Cacio e pepe: a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with spaghetti, parmesan cheese, and black pepper
Pizza
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many pizza recipes, particularly those with tomato sauce. It’s often sprinkled over the top of the pizza, along with mozzarella cheese and other toppings. Some popular pizza toppings that pair well with parmesan cheese include:
- Pepperoni: a classic pizza topping that pairs well with the salty, nutty flavor of parmesan cheese
- Sausage: a spicy pizza topping that pairs well with the rich flavor of parmesan cheese
- Mushrooms: a savory pizza topping that pairs well with the earthy flavor of parmesan cheese
Risotto
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many risotto recipes, particularly those with Arborio rice. It’s often grated over the top of the risotto, along with other ingredients like truffles and mushrooms. Some popular risotto dishes that feature parmesan cheese include:
- Risotto alla Milanese: a classic risotto dish made with saffron and parmesan cheese
- Risotto con funghi: a creamy risotto dish made with mushrooms and parmesan cheese
- Risotto con tartufi: a decadent risotto dish made with truffles and parmesan cheese
Salads and Soups
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads and soups. Here are a few examples:
Salads
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many salads, particularly those with Italian dressing. It’s often grated over the top of the salad, along with other ingredients like croutons and cherry tomatoes. Some popular salads that feature parmesan cheese include:
- Caprese salad: a simple yet flavorful salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese
- Caesar salad: a classic salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese
- Italian garden salad: a hearty salad made with mixed greens, vegetables, and parmesan cheese
Soups
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many soups, particularly those with Italian flavors. It’s often grated over the top of the soup, along with other ingredients like croutons and parsley. Some popular soups that feature parmesan cheese include:
* Minestrone soup: a hearty soup made with vegetables, beans, and parmesan cheese
* Italian wedding soup: a classic soup made with meatballs, vegetables, and parmesan cheese
* Creamy tomato soup: a decadent soup made with tomatoes, cream, and parmesan cheese
Other Dishes
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond pasta, pizza, and salads. Here are a few examples:
Polenta
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many polenta recipes, particularly those with creamy sauces. It’s often grated over the top of the polenta, along with other ingredients like mushrooms and truffles. Some popular polenta dishes that feature parmesan cheese include:
* Creamy polenta with mushrooms: a decadent side dish made with polenta, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese
* Polenta con tartufi: a rich side dish made with polenta, truffles, and parmesan cheese
* Baked polenta with parmesan cheese: a crispy side dish made with polenta, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs
Vegetables
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many vegetable dishes, particularly those with roasted or grilled vegetables. It’s often grated over the top of the vegetables, along with other ingredients like olive oil and herbs. Some popular vegetable dishes that feature parmesan cheese include:
* Roasted broccoli with parmesan cheese: a simple yet flavorful side dish made with broccoli, parmesan cheese, and olive oil
* Grilled asparagus with parmesan cheese: a decadent side dish made with asparagus, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice
* Sautéed spinach with parmesan cheese: a quick and easy side dish made with spinach, parmesan cheese, and garlic
Tips for Using Parmesan Cheese
Here are a few tips for using parmesan cheese in your cooking:
* Use high-quality parmesan cheese: Look for parmesan cheese that is made from high-quality milk and has a rich, nutty flavor.
* Grate the cheese yourself: Grating the cheese yourself will ensure that it is freshly grated and has the best flavor.
* Use the right amount of cheese: Use the right amount of cheese for the dish you are making. Too much cheese can overpower the other flavors, while too little cheese may not provide enough flavor.
* Pair the cheese with other ingredients: Pair the cheese with other ingredients like herbs, spices, and sauces to create a balanced flavor.
In conclusion, parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta and pizza to salads and soups. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can use parmesan cheese to create delicious and balanced flavors in your cooking.
What are the best types of pasta to pair with Parmesan cheese?
When it comes to pairing pasta with Parmesan cheese, there are several options to consider. Some of the most popular types of pasta to pair with Parmesan include spaghetti, fettuccine, and pappardelle. These long, flat noodles are well-suited to hold onto the rich, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese. Additionally, pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, and farfalle can also be paired with Parmesan for a delicious and satisfying meal.
It’s worth noting that the type of pasta you choose will also depend on the other ingredients in your dish. For example, if you’re making a light and creamy sauce, a delicate pasta shape like spaghetti or fettuccine may be a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re making a heartier sauce with meat or vegetables, a more robust pasta shape like pappardelle or rigatoni may be a better option.
Can I pair Parmesan cheese with seafood?
While Parmesan cheese is often associated with traditional Italian dishes like pasta and pizza, it can also be paired with seafood for a unique and delicious flavor combination. Some popular seafood options to pair with Parmesan include shrimp, scallops, and fish like cod or tilapia. When pairing Parmesan with seafood, it’s a good idea to balance the richness of the cheese with bright, citrusy flavors like lemon or herbs like parsley or basil.
One popular way to pair Parmesan with seafood is to make a seafood risotto, where the cheese is melted into the rice along with white wine and stock. You can also sprinkle Parmesan over grilled or baked seafood for a burst of salty flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the delicate flavor of the seafood with too much cheese – a light sprinkle is usually enough.
How do I pair Parmesan cheese with fruit?
Pairing Parmesan cheese with fruit may seem like an unusual combination, but it can be a surprisingly delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the cheese. Some popular fruits to pair with Parmesan include apples, pears, and grapes. When pairing Parmesan with fruit, it’s a good idea to balance the richness of the cheese with sweet, crunchy textures like nuts or crackers.
One popular way to pair Parmesan with fruit is to make a cheese plate, where the cheese is served alongside sliced fruit and nuts. You can also sprinkle Parmesan over a fruit salad for a burst of salty flavor. Just be sure to choose a fruit that’s sweet and ripe, as this will help balance out the savory flavor of the cheese.
Can I pair Parmesan cheese with meat?
Parmesan cheese is a classic pairing for many types of meat, including beef, pork, and chicken. Some popular ways to pair Parmesan with meat include sprinkling it over a steak or roast chicken, or using it to make a meatball or burger. When pairing Parmesan with meat, it’s a good idea to balance the richness of the cheese with bold, savory flavors like herbs or spices.
One popular way to pair Parmesan with meat is to make a meat sauce, where the cheese is melted into the sauce along with ground meat and tomatoes. You can also sprinkle Parmesan over a grilled or roasted meat for a burst of salty flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the flavor of the meat with too much cheese – a light sprinkle is usually enough.
How do I pair Parmesan cheese with vegetables?
Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide variety of vegetables, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables. Some popular ways to pair Parmesan with vegetables include sprinkling it over a salad, using it to make a vegetable soup, or roasting it with vegetables in the oven. When pairing Parmesan with vegetables, it’s a good idea to balance the richness of the cheese with bright, acidic flavors like lemon or vinegar.
One popular way to pair Parmesan with vegetables is to make a vegetable gratin, where the cheese is melted over the top of the vegetables in the oven. You can also sprinkle Parmesan over a sautéed or roasted vegetable for a burst of salty flavor. Just be sure to choose a vegetable that’s tender and flavorful, as this will help balance out the savory flavor of the cheese.
Can I pair Parmesan cheese with eggs?
Parmesan cheese is a classic pairing for eggs, and can be used to make a variety of delicious breakfast dishes. Some popular ways to pair Parmesan with eggs include making a frittata, where the cheese is melted into the eggs along with vegetables and herbs. You can also sprinkle Parmesan over scrambled eggs or an omelette for a burst of salty flavor.
One popular way to pair Parmesan with eggs is to make a breakfast strata, where the cheese is layered with eggs and bread in a baking dish. You can also use Parmesan to make a quiche, where the cheese is melted into the eggs along with cream and spices. Just be sure not to overpower the flavor of the eggs with too much cheese – a light sprinkle is usually enough.
How do I store Parmesan cheese to keep it fresh?
To keep Parmesan cheese fresh, it’s a good idea to store it in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator. You can wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions and fish. It’s also a good idea to keep the cheese away from heat sources like the oven or stove, as this can cause it to melt or become discolored.
One popular way to store Parmesan cheese is to keep it in a cheese keeper, which is a specialized container designed to keep cheese fresh. You can also store Parmesan in the freezer, where it will keep for several months. Just be sure to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before using.