Dairy | Vegetarian Diet (if microbial rennet) Gluten Free Ketogenic Low Carb

Parmesan

Bos taurus / Parmigiano Reggiano Allergens: Milk
Parmesan

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Bovidae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cow's Milk

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A hard, granular Italian cheese, typically aged for a long period, known for its sharp, salty, and intense umami flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteUmami, Salty, Nutty, Pungent
TextureHard, Gritty, Crystalline, Dry
AromaPungent, Nutty, Aged, Savory
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1oz)
Calories431 kcal
Total Fat29g
Saturated Fat18g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol89mg
Protein38g
Total Carbohydrate3g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0g
Calcium1184mg
Iron0.8mg
Potassium110mg

Chef’s Secret

Always grate Parmesan fresh off the block for the best flavor and aroma; pre-grated varieties lose potency quickly.

Substitutions

Best Match

Grana Padano

1:1

Very similar hard, granular cheese with a slightly milder, less complex flavor, and often more affordable.

Pecorino Romano

1:1

A hard, salty sheep's milk cheese, offering a sharper, tangier flavor, good for robust dishes.

Asiago (aged)

1:1

Another Italian hard cheese, with a nutty, slightly tangy flavor, great for grating.

Nutritional Yeast

1:1 (for flavor)

A vegan alternative offering a cheesy, umami flavor, but with a completely different texture.

Buying Guide

Always choose authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for best quality. Look for the stamp on the rind.

Flavor Pairings

Pasta Risotto Soups Salads Pizza Roasted vegetables.

Recipes Using Parmesan

Extraordinary Macaroni And Cheese image 159
Pasta Cheese Elbow Macaroni Main Ingredient

Extraordinary Macaroni And Cheese

Creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably easy! This 30-minute macaroni and cheese recipe skips the pre-cooking step, saving you time and effort. Adapted from a classic box recipe, this versatile dish is elevated with simple additions for a gourmet taste. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Customize it with your favorite cheeses for endless flavor combinations!

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10 Layer Poor Man's Lasagna Casserole image 155
One Dish Meal One Dish Meal Main Dish Casseroles

10 Layer Poor Man's Lasagna Casserole

This crowd-pleasing 10-layer lasagna casserole is a budget-friendly recipe that's perfect for family dinners and potlucks! A comforting blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni, topped with melted Mexican cheese. This recipe makes a generous amount, easily serving 10-12, so feel free to halve it for a smaller crowd. Prepare to be amazed – it's even better than it sounds!

See Complete Recipe