Forktionary

Parmigiano

N/A (a product, from *Bos taurus* milk) Dairy/Cheese

Parmigiano Dairy/Cheese

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy/Cheese

The Forktionary Angle

"The iconic cheese that adds a savory exclamation mark to any dish."

Definition

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

Age Requirement Aged a minimum of 12 months, often 24+ months for peak flavor.
PDO Status Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) limits production to specific regions in Italy.
Rind Usage Rinds can be added to soups or sauces for flavor, then removed.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Parmigiano are:

Sharp salty nutty umami pungent

Chef’s Secret

Instead of discarding the rind, toss a piece into simmering tomato sauce or soup; it dissolves partially and imparts incredible umami.

Best Substitutes

Grana Padano

milder
Ratio 1:1

Pecorino Romano

saltier, sheep's milk
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for 'Parmigiano Reggiano' stamp, buy from a block if possible and grate fresh.

Culinary Pairings

Pasta risotto salads soups cured meats balsamic vinegar eggs

Recipes Using Parmigiano

Alfredo Crab Dip image 131
Spreads Dinner Party Preparation Shellfish

Alfredo Crab Dip

Warning: This creamy, cheesy crab artichoke dip is dangerously delicious! You might devour the whole thing yourself! Skip the prep work and use store-bought Alfredo sauce (Olive Garden is a favorite!), or make your own from scratch. Either way, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfectly complemented by salty tortilla chips. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Basic Italian White Cream Sauce Like An Alfredo Or Bechamel image 130
Cuisine Course 15 Minutes Or Less Condiments Etc

Basic Italian White Cream Sauce Like An Alfredo Or Bechamel

Master the art of creamy Italian white sauce with this easy recipe! Perfect as a base for pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or creamy tortellini, this versatile sauce also elevates chicken, shrimp, and more. Learn to make a classic béchamel-style sauce, then customize it with bacon, caramelized onions, peas, herbs – the possibilities are endless! This recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners. #ItalianSauce #WhiteSauce #Alfredo #Bechamel #PastaSauce #EasyRecipe #WeeknightDinner

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Best Meatballs image 134
Easy Main Dish Preparation Meat

Best Meatballs

Unlock the secret to unbelievably juicy and flavorful Italian meatballs! This family-tested recipe, passed down through generations, features a zesty kick from red pepper flakes that takes these meatballs to the next level. Easy to follow instructions and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – perfect for your next family dinner or weeknight meal.

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