What Is Parmesan cheese and How Can I Use It?

If Parmesan cheese has turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use it with confidence and how to choose it, cook it, store it, what to substitute, and 2,579 recipes to try it in.

parmesan, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated

What is Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan cheese (parmigiano-reggiano) is an iconic hard cheese originally from Italy, widely used and produced around the world. In Europe, Parmesan cheese is a protected cheese, meaning that only cheeses made in a certain way in a certain area of Italy can be labeled as Parmesan cheese.

In most of Europe, Parmesan cheese is referred to by its Italian name: Parmigiano-Reggiano, a reference to the regions in which the cheese is produced. The cheese is traditionally made by mixing whole morning milk with skimmed milk from the previous evening. The milk is heated and mixed with rennet to form curds, which are pressed in a cheese mold.

True Parmesan cheese is molded with a stencil, indicating where and when it was made. The cheese is soaked in a brine bath and then aged for a minimum of two years before being graded for sale.

Another well known export of the region is Parma ham. The pigs are usually fed the discarded whey from the Parmesan cheese manufacturing process, and this is said to create a distinct flavor in the meat. The curing process for true Parma ham is also protected, along with many other regional Italian foods. Some import stores specialize in importing protected Italian foods for consumers outside of Europe who wouldlike to be assured the genuine article.

Real Parmesan cheese is a hard yellowish cheese which breaks in a sliver-like pattern. The dense cheese has large grains in it which can easily be seen with the naked eyes. When testing a wedge of Parmesan cheese, the marks from the Parmigiano-Reggiano stencil will also be able to be seen, and you should be able to see which dairy made the cheese, and when. A reputable importer will cut a sliver for consumers to taste before packaging the cheese for sale, and may offer tastes of several wheels of Parmesan cheese so that the best flavor can be identified.

Grocery stores around the world also carry cheese made in the Parmesan style outside of Italy. Some of these cheeses rival true Parmigiano-Reggiano for flavor and texture, while others are of a somewhat lesser quality. If possible, obtain Parmesan cheese in a whole wedge, rather than pre-grated, as the wedge will hold flavor and texture better, and the cheese will not be as dry when it is used.

Types of Parmesan cheese

Specific kinds of Parmesan cheese and the recipes that use them.

Parmesan rind

View parmesan rind recipes →

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size cup (100g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 431Calories from Fat 257

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28.6g 44%

Saturated Fat 17.3g 87%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 88mg 29%

Sodium 1529mg 64%

Total Carbohydrate 4.1g 1%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 0.9

Protein 38.5g

Vitamin A 9% Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 111% • Iron 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is usually found in the cheeses section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Parmesan, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated is a member of the Dairy and Egg Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese: 巴马干酪，帕马森干酪芝士，磨碎
British (UK) term: Parmesan, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
en français: fromage parmesan
en español: queso parmesano

How much does Parmesan cheese weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 cup	100 grams
1 tbsp	5 grams
1 ounce	28 grams

Dairy and Egg Products

Butter 14585 Ghee (clarified butter) 240 Blue cheese 95 Havarti cheese 6 Cheddar cheese 1679 Cheese 557 Cheddar cheese, very old, sharp 334 Cheddar cheese, medium 23 Cheddar cheese, mild 32 Colby cheese 26

Recipes using Parmesan cheese

There are 2579 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Tortellini with Goat Cheese & Scallions

Learn to make homemade tortellini with creamy goat cheese and scallion filling, served in savory chicken broth. Simple sophistication in a bowl. This comforting dish features tender homemade tortellini filled with goat cheese and fresh scallions, served in a warm, flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines delicate pasta with a rich, savory filling, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and scallions.

Kale & Two Cheese Scones

Craving a breakfast treat that's hearty, cheesy, and not overly sweet. These kale and cheese scones are your new best friend. Inspired by the cozy vibes of an American bakery, we've packed them with tender kale, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmessan, and a hint of plump raisins for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory kick. A generous grind of black pepper adds a spicy edge, making these perfect for brunch, snacks, or even alongside soup.

Root Vegetables with Parmesan Cookies

Asparagus & Arugula Salad with Poached Eggs

This refreshing salad combines tender roasted asparagus, peppery arugula, and perfectly poached eggs for a light yet satisfying dish. A tangy lemon-mustard dressing ties it together, while a slice of crusty whole-grain bread soaks up the flavorful juices and adds fiber. Ideal for brunch or a quick dinner, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Spinach, Sun-dried Tomato, Parmesan & Pine Nut Pasta Salad

Fresh spring spinach simply dressed with olive oil and umami-packed ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan and pine nuts with pasta to make it a simple yet sophisticated picnic friendly salad.

Very Cheesy Casserole

Packed with healthy whole-grain and cheesy goodness. 3 cheeses, feta, cottage and parmesan cheese plus beans and brown rice. This hearty casserole is tastes great and is loaded with nutritious healthful ingredients.

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

A cheesy and scrumptious side dish that goes perfect with mashed potatoes or any pasta dish.

Olive & White Mushroom Soup with 3-colors Fusilli

Once upon a time I was reading a magazine article about good cooking. The journalist tried to convince me not to use some combinations of ingredients. One of the "banned" combinations mentioned was green and black olives. And so this soup was born to enjoy me.

Sage & Walnut Pesto Pasta

Sage and parsley bring herbal, earthy, and outdoorsy notes to the forefront, walnuts bring meaty richness, and Parmesan brings home the umami. This simple recipe is all about technique. The pesto then coats the pasta dreamily. Best of all, it's super simple and quick to plate.

Best Rosemary-Olive Focaccia

Rosemary olive focaccia with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Made fast with frozen bread dough for Italian-bakery results in 60 minutes.

Santoreggia Rosso Sauce (Savory Red Sauce)

My family loves Italian food so I created this recipe to fit our tastes of a savory marinara sauce that is great over pasta, in lasagna, on pizza and as a dipping sauce. We love it over cooked spaghetti squash. You can make it with the meatballs or leave them out. It very freezes well.

Easy Parmesan Meatballs

Italian parmesan meatballs simmered directly in tomato sauce, made with ground beef, milk-soaked bread, garlic, and grated parmesan. Tender, classic, ready in 40 minutes.

Prosciutto & Green Pea Risotto

Creamy prosciutto and green pea risotto finished with Parmesan, fresh basil, and a splash of cream. Salty cured ham and sweet peas make this Italian rice dish rich and satisfying.

Garlic & Parmesan Popcorn

Pop that popcorn with fresh garlic and dress with parmesan for a garlicky cheesy twist on a quick and easy healthy snack.

Chorizo Sausages with Pickled Mushrooms & Romesco Sauce

Grilled chorizo sausages are topped with refreshing picked mushrooms and nutty, flavorful romesco sauce.

Best Meatballs & Spaghetti Sauce

Italian meatballs and spaghetti sauce simmer parmesan-laced beef meatballs in a wine-spiked tomato sauce with onion, garlic, green pepper, basil, and oregano. Weeknight ready in 45 minutes.

Kohl's Meatballs & Gravy

Tender beef meatballs seasoned with Parmesan and bread crumbs, browned and simmered until they're coated in a thick, savory gravy. Classic comfort food, spooned over buttered noodles or rice.

Zesty Meatball Sandwiches- Crock Pot

Try something different for lunch with this scrumptious dish you can use to make amazing sandwiches.

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom & Garlic Oil Flatbread

The pizza dough is brushed with garlic perfumed olive oil, topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms, sweet bell pepper and pineapples. It's easy and packed with yumminess. Use a whole wheat pizza dough to make it even healthier.

Whitby Queen Scallops - Deliciouslyorkshire

Restaurant and bistro Green’s of Whitby source and promote the very best of foods from the surrounding area. Situated in the busy fishing harbour of Whitby, Rob chooses seafood fresh from the quayside every morning, recently winning one of the food industry’s most coveted awards; Seafood Chef of the Year. Prime local meats and game are also a speciality. The abundance of fresh produce means that the menu changes frequently to offer the best of the day.

Mater Chef Caesar salad

Caesar salad is delicious and can successfully be combined with such accompaniments as grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp. Here's the recipe I use.

Risotto with Chicken Livers, Citrus Zest & Duck Breast

Mouth watering citrus chicken liver risotto.

Kohl's Basic Spaghetti & Meatballs

Classic Italian meatballs made with ground beef, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and parsley. A simple six-ingredient meatball recipe that fries up golden and tender for spaghetti night.

Gratin of Brussels sprouts with lardons, cream & almonds

Last Christmas, I did it for whole family, they went very nice, this year will try it again!

Eggs with Peppers & Tomato Cream

The flavor, texture and nutrients were all well balanced. Made these for breakfast today, it was very tasty, and certainly gave us enough good energies to start the day.

Vegan Sour Cream-Eggplant Meatballs

Moist and Delicious These Vegan Sour Cream-Eggplant Meatballs Are Great Tasting In My Homemade Sauce!! ..Topped Over A Bed Of Spaghetti Pasta!

Breakfast Broccoli Bread Pudding

Make this light yet delicious savoury bread pudding before you go to bed. Then put it in the oven when you get up next day. You breakfast will be ready while you are enjoying your morning coffee.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes (Puree Con Parmigiano)

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes (Puree Con Parmigiano) recipe

Spinach Lasagne

Spinach lasagne layers a creamy ricotta-parmesan-spinach filling with no-boil noodles and tomato sauce, all under bubbling mozzarella and Monterey jack. A vegetarian classic that skips the noodle-boiling step.

Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Very tasty. An excellent way to make and serve grilled cheese sandwiches.

Tangy Lemon Orzo

Quick lemon orzo pasta tossed with olive oil, sauteed bell peppers, green onions, and fresh parsley. A bright, zesty side dish ready in 20 minutes with an optional Parmesan finish.

Mama Delilah's Pasta Primavera

Hearty and zesty, this is my favorite pasta to make. It's a little bit of work, but comes out as stunning visually as it tastes. Definitely worth the effort. Enjoy!!!

Yummy Spaghetti with Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs simmered in a slow-cooked tomato sauce with red wine, mushrooms, green pepper, basil, and oregano. Tender pan-fried beef meatballs and a deeply layered sauce that builds for two hours.

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets (Air-fryer or oven)

These air-fryer (or oven baked) chicken nuggets are a delightful and tasty twist on traditional chicken nuggets. These bite-sized wonders are coated with a crispy, flavorful layer of Parmesan cheese and other seasonings, giving them an umami boost and delicious taste that sets them asunder from their traditional counterparts.

Superb Parmesan Chicken

Baked parmesan-crusted chicken: bite-size pieces dipped in garlic butter, rolled in a Parmesan-breadcrumb coating, and baked hot until golden and crunchy. The family trick is cutting the chicken small.

Broccoli Rabe, Potato & Rosemary Pizza

Gourmet vegetarian pizza topped with roasted potatoes, blanched broccoli rabe, fresh rosemary, and two cheeses. This Italian-inspired pizza balances bitter greens with creamy potatoes.

Kale Salad with Pinenuts, Currants & Parmesan

In a surprising twist, Tuscan kale is served raw—and makes for a substantial and satisfying fall salad. Sweet currants (or raisins) soaked in tangy white balasmic vingegar and salty parmesan punctuate the dressed, shredded kale.

Paella with Shellfish & Lemon Aspen Fruits

Paella with shellfish and served with lemon aspen fruits

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

A comforting dish that combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. This delicious casserole is baked to perfection, creating a golden and bubbly top that is simply irresistible. It's a great vegetarian main or side dish for any weeknight, and a great way to sneak in some veggies for those who might be a bit picky.