Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Lactis bovis Dairy

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Dairy

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy

The Forktionary Angle

"The unadulterated taste of Italian heritage in every sprinkle."

Definition

A hard, granular Italian cheese, aged for years, known for its salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor and protected designation of origin.

Global Production Annually ~120,000 tons
Minimum Aging Period 12 months
Protective Denomination of Origin Yes

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are:

Salty Nutty Umami Pungent

Chef’s Secret

Don't discard the rinds! Add them to simmering soups, stews, or tomato sauces for an incredible depth of savory, umami flavor.

Best Substitutes

Grana Padano

Ratio 1:1

Pecorino Romano

note saltier
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Always buy wedges cut from a larger wheel. Look for the dotted 'Parmigiano Reggiano' rind to ensure authenticity.

Recipes Using Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Main Ingredient Side Dishes Preparation Dietary

Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

This vibrant Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing change of pace, perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or summer dinner. Bursting with fresh basil, creamy parmesan, and a zesty dressing, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes!

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Brunch Kid Friendly Ground Beef Pork

Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs

Discover the secret to unbelievably delicious and versatile Northern Italian meatballs! This recipe uses a lighter approach to the classic, perfect for meal prepping and freezing. Enjoy these flavorful meatballs in countless ways – from hearty pasta sauces to satisfying salads. See the photo gallery for inspiration! Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can swap in whole eggs for egg whites, regular chicken stock for fat-free, and regular breadcrumbs for panko.

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Beginner Cook Dips Beginner Cook Savory

Artichoke Dip Bread Slice And Serve

This incredible recipe, inspired by Closet Cooking, transforms a simple loaf of bread into a stunning, cheesy artichoke dip masterpiece! No more messy dipping – we bake the dip *inside* the bread for effortless serving. Get ready for golden-brown, bubbly perfection in just 40 minutes!

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Occasion Cuisine Holiday Event Dinner Party

Baked Rigatoni With Cauliflower In A Spicy Pink Sauce

Impress your guests with this vibrant and flavorful Baked Rigatoni! A creamy, spicy pink sauce coats tender cauliflower and perfectly cooked rigatoni, creating a show-stopping dinner party dish. Inspired by Fine Cooking, this recipe is easier than you think!

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Main Ingredient Beef 4 Hours Or Less Beginner Cook

Baked Cube Steaks

Tender and flavorful cube steaks baked to perfection with a rich, creamy mushroom soup topping. This easy recipe is ready in under 90 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Savory Side Dishes Taste Mood Vegetarian

Alfredo Potato Finger Fries

Crispy, golden-brown fingerling potato fries tossed in a luscious garlic-parmesan butter sauce. This easy side dish recipe from Rachael Ray is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Get ready for irresistible flavor in just 30 minutes!

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Low In Something Course Preparation Low In Something

Bell Alimento Bolognese Sauce

This incredible Bolognese sauce recipe, adapted from Paula at Bell'Alimento (http://www.bellalimento.com/2009/11/10/bolognese-sauce/), is a flavor explosion! Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, this slow-cooked masterpiece will become your new go-to for pasta nights. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe yields enough for two large jars of deliciousness.

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Lunch Brunch Preparation Dietary

Allessio's Frittata Tomatoes And Sweet Peppers

A vibrant and flavorful frittata bursting with sweet peppers, juicy tomatoes, and a touch of spicy heat! This easy oven-baked recipe (or stovetop if you prefer) delivers a delicious and satisfying meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

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European Eggs Dairy Taste Mood Dinner Party

Agnolotti Al Burro E Salvia

Experience the exquisite flavors of Italy with this authentic Agnolotti al Burro e Salvia recipe, straight from the kitchens of the Hotel Ambasciatore Grand in Turin. Delicate pasta envelopes filled with a savory blend of lean meats and herbs, bathed in a rich brown butter sage sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese. This elegant dish, a true testament to Piedmontese culinary heritage, is surprisingly easy to make at home. Prepare for a culinary journey!

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Cuisine European Preparation Meat

Baked Rigatoni With Eggplant And Sausage

Tyler Florence's irresistible Baked Rigatoni recipe! This easy, family-friendly dish elevates classic baked ziti with tender eggplant, savory sausage, and a bubbly mozzarella topping. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Salads Salads For 1 Or 2 Time To Make

Arugula Rocket And Parmesan Salad

A vibrant and simple arugula salad inspired by the Sopranos family cookbook! This quick and easy recipe features peppery arugula, tossed in a light and zesty vinaigrette, and topped with paper-thin shavings of Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Low Cholesterol Vegetarian

Batali's Simple Penne All Arrabbiata

A quick and fiery pasta dish, perfect for a late-night craving! This recipe, from Mario Batali's cookbook "Molto Gusto," is a simple yet flavorful delight. Enjoy this easy, 35-minute weeknight meal inspired by the October 20, 2013 New York Times Magazine.

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Brunch Preparation Occasion Inexpensive

30 Minute Lasagna Bowls

Craving classic lasagna but short on time? This recipe delivers all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna in just 30 minutes! We skip the layering and use curly pasta as a delicious base, tossed with creamy béchamel and a hearty meat sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy.

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Preparation Eggs Dairy Course Vegetables

Arugula Ricotta Calzones

Experience the delightful flavors of Italy with this irresistible Arugula Ricotta Calzone recipe, inspired by Bon Appetit! Crispy, golden-brown dough cradles a creamy ricotta filling infused with peppery arugula and melted mozzarella. A perfect weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer, this recipe is easier than you think!

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Seasonal European Seasonal Main Ingredient

Balsamic Roasted Asparagus With Fleur De Sel And Parmesan

Transform your perception of asparagus with this incredibly simple yet elegant recipe! Inspired by Union Square Cafe, this dish features tender roasted asparagus perfectly balanced by the sweet tang of balsamic vinegar, the delicate crunch of fleur de sel, and the rich savoriness of Parmesan cheese. Forget grassy flavors – this recipe unlocks asparagus's true potential. The high-quality fleur de sel makes all the difference; it's a worthwhile splurge for an unforgettable taste experience. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal.

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North American 3 Steps Or Less North American Taste Mood

Arugula And Avocado Salad With Shaved Parmesan

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful arugula and avocado salad! This simple yet elegant recipe, inspired by *Raising the Salad Bar*, combines peppery arugula, creamy avocado, and salty shaved Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's the perfect light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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Main Ingredient Casseroles Course Equipment

Baked Pesto Pasta With Tomato Cheese

A delicious twist on classic baked penne! This meatless recipe is bursting with fresh pesto flavor, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a weeknight dinner, it's easily made ahead of time. We use homemade pesto for the best taste, but store-bought is a great time-saver. Enjoy the satisfying heartiness of whole wheat pasta – even picky eaters will love it! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 35 minutes!

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Preparation Oven Main Ingredient Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Mac N Cheese Sriracha

A fiery twist on a classic comfort food! This Baked Mac & Cheese with Sriracha recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy sriracha kick that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game-day feast.

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