What Pairs Well With Parmesan Cheese?

Picture of a Parmesan Cheese

Category: Dairy

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that is typically pale yellow in color and has a sharp, nutty flavor. It is made from cow’s milk and is aged for at least 12 months, which gives it a firm texture and a rich, complex taste. Parmesan cheese is commonly grated over pasta dishes, salads, and soups, and is also used in a variety of other recipes. It is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine and is often referred to as the “king of cheeses.”

Flavor Profiles:

  • Nutty
  • Salty
  • Umami

What goes with Parmesan Cheese:

  • Honey – The sweetness of honey enhances the flavors of Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect balance.
  • Dark Chocolate – The bitterness of dark chocolate and the saltiness of Parmesan cheese create a delicious contrast.
  • Garlic – Garlic pairs well with Parmesan cheese due to their complementary flavors, with garlic adding a pungent and savory taste, while Parmesan brings a rich, nutty, and salty flavor, creating a balanced and delicious combination in various dishes.
  • Olive Oil – Olive oil’s fruity and peppery notes complement the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious and delicious combination.
  • Butter – Butter’s creamy richness and subtle sweetness complement the nutty, umami-packed flavor of Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious and indulgent combination that enhances the taste of various dishes.
  • Pasta – Pasta pairs well with Parmesan cheese due to the cheese’s nutty and salty flavor profile, which complements the subtle flavors of the pasta and serves to enhance the overall taste experience.
  • Spinach – Spinach and Parmesan cheese pair well together because the nutty and salty flavors of the cheese complement the slightly bitter and earthy taste of the spinach.
  • Herbs – Herbs and Parmesan cheese both add depth of flavor and aroma, making them a classic pairing that enhances the savory taste of many dishes.
  • Lemon – The combination of lemon’s acidity and saltiness with Parmesan cheese’s rich, savory flavor creates a balanced and delightful taste experience.
  • Bread – Parmesan cheese’s nutty and savory flavor can add a gourmet touch to simple bread, making it a tasty snack.
  • Lettuce – Lettuce pairs well with Parmesan cheese because the crisp, refreshing taste of lettuce complements the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Thyme –
  • Onion – The subtle sweetness and complexity of onions complements the rich, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious and delicious combination.
  • Salad – Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory and umami flavor to salads, making them more delicious.
  • Risotto – Parmesan cheese’s creamy texture and rich taste make it an ideal topping for risotto, adding depth and flavor.
  • Lemon Juice – The acidity in lemon juice balances the saltiness of Parmesan cheese, enhancing the flavors in dishes such as pasta and salad.
  • Salt – Salt enhances the flavors of Parmesan cheese by bringing out its natural nuttiness and umami taste. This is because salt has the ability to suppress bitter flavors while enhancing other taste sensations, resulting in a well-rounded and balanced flavor profile when paired with Parmesan cheese.
  • Pepper – Pepper’s spiciness and Parmesan cheese’s nuttiness create a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Figs – The sweetness and earthy flavor of figs pair well with the nutty and salty taste of Parmesan cheese.
  • Soup – Parmesan cheese’s strong and salty flavor can enhance the taste of soups, especially creamy ones.
  • Pizza – The strong flavor of Parmesan cheese balances the acidity of tomato sauce and enhances the overall taste of pizza.
  • Croutons – Croutons and Parmesan cheese both provide a savory, crunchy texture that complements each other when sprinkled on soups or salads.
  • Caesar Dressing – Certainly! Here’s a sentence explaining why Caesar dressing pairs well with Parmesan cheese: Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese share a rich, umami-packed flavor profile, with the tangy, creamy dressing complementing the nutty, salty cheese for a harmonious and indulgent combination.
  • Chicken Broth – Chicken broth and Parmesan cheese pair well together because the savory depth of the broth complements the rich, nutty flavor of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
  • Orzo Pasta – Orzo pasta, being small and rice-shaped, has a surface area well-suited for absorbing and holding the savory, umami-rich flavor of Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious and delicious combination.
  • White Wine – White wine, particularly those with high acidity and fruity notes, complements the saltiness and nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor combination.
  • Parsley – Parsley’s bright, mildly peppery flavor and fresh herbal notes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, salty, and umami taste of Parmesan cheese, enhancing and balancing its flavors in various dishes.
  • Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs paired with Parmesan cheese provide a savory, crunchy topping that enhances the texture and flavor of various dishes, particularly pastas and casseroles.
  • Garlic Powder – Garlic powder pairs well with Parmesan cheese because its mild, savory flavor enhances the rich, nutty taste of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance in many dishes.
  • Black Truffle – Black truffles and Parmesan cheese share earthy, rich, and savory flavors, creating a harmonious and indulgent combination in dishes.