87 Recipes Elevated By Parmesan Cheese

Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano imparts an incredible complexity of flavors to whatever it's added to, so it's no wonder some people call it the "king of cheeses." Parmesan, as it's also called, is an Italian hard cheese with a grainy texture that tastes nutty, yet fruity. It's creamy, sharp, tangy, and richly bold and complex. Real, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is made in a specific region of Italy, and cheesemakers have been crafting this artisanal cheese for centuries. 

You may think of Parmesan as mainly being something you grate, sprinkle, or shake on top of a pasta dish. And yes, adding some parm is a wonderful way to pep up a plate of spag bol. Or, you may love it as an ingredient in creamy alfredo sauce, which is also where this umami-packed cheese shines. You can even save your Parmesan rinds to give your broths and sauces an extra dose of bold, savory flavor. The superb taste and special qualities of Parmesan can add a lot to a dish, and it isn't just used in Italian food. Here are some recipes elevated by Parmesan for you to try, from an array of craveable pasta dishes to some unexpected dips, spreads, and sauces.

Cheesy and comforting, this veggie dish makes for a comforting homecooked meal, but recipe developer Maren Epstein notes it can also hold its own at a dinner party. The Italian cheese is sprinkled on the top to complement the mozzarella. You can take the skins off the eggplant rounds, but they do look great on. Either way, salting them is essential to draw the bitterness out. Meanwhile, baking the breadcrumbed slices before adding cheese and sauce means that they'll stay crispy, so don't miss this step. After you've baked these cheesy, saucy layers, serve them with a basil garnish. 

Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

Traditionally, eggplant Parmesan is a pan-fried dish, but this recipe is done in the oven, resulting in a gooey cheese and tomato dish that's beyond good. After taking off the top, cut your eggplant vertically, so you end up with big slices. (You should get six out of one eggplant.) And make sure you bake both sides after they've been breadcrumbed, before adding the marinara sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. You'll know it's ready when the cheese melts and starts to bubble on top after a few minutes.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggplant Parmesan

This outrageously good Italian dish wouldn't exist without Parmesan to elevate the rich taste of Bolognese and the velvety softness of the tagliatelle. Not only are you going to add the cheese — along with butter and olive oil once the meat and pasta gets combined — off the heat, but you also drizzle it on top in a fonduta, which is basically like Italian fondue. Made by blending reduced cream with Parmesan and olive oil, fonduta adds another dimension to the classic combo of Parmesan and pasta, taking the whole concept to another level.

Recipe: Scott Conant's Bolognese With Parmigiano-Reggiano Fonduta

The simple sweetness and crunch of roasted carrots and the tangy cheesiness of Parmesan come together to promise a splendid side. The carrots are halved lengthways which adds to their visual appeal, with chopped parsley adding a burst of green to finish. Add some seasoned breadcrumbs too if you like, or you could throw in some gremolata or some pistachios. There's room to make this dish your own! Plus, parmesan on roasted veg goes with so many dishes, whether a pot roast, a honey-glazed salmon, or a veggie chickpea curry. 

Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Carrots

The spinach and Parmesan flavors match perfectly in this vegetarian take on meatballs, and they're appetizing for meat-eaters too, of course. They're simple to make; just make sure your spinach is well-drained before adding it to the other ingredients — including the grated Parmesan — otherwise the mixture will be too wet. And it's important to really stir the mix so everything is well-combined, which makes it easier to form the paste-like mixture into balls. Once baked, serve with a marinara dipping sauce on the side, or try an aioli or even some mustard.

Recipe: Baked Parmesan Spinach Balls

If you're used to mac and cheese out of a box, this dish will provide a totally different cheesy experience. It's not just that this recipe is cooked in the oven like a casserole, it's the topping — panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan sprinkled on before baking — that adds that unique blast of taste and texture. To make the most of this crunchy, cheesy top, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan first. You can also add chopped bits of cooked bacon into the rich, creamy sauce, if you're feeling it. 

Recipe: Baked Mac And Cheese

Impressive and irresistible, these cheese soufflés are a great way to show your favorite foodie some love. Buttered ramekins coated in Parmesan ensure this dish is going to be a bold flavor statement, which is backed up with either cheddar or Gruyere. To encourage your soufflés to rise, recipe developer Ting Dalton suggests gently folding in the beaten egg whites to keep the air in and running a knife around the filled ramekins to create a "top hat" effect. A good tip to separate eggs is to use your fingers, holding the yolk and letting the whites drip into a bowl. 

Recipe: Cheese Souffle

So many recipes incorporate a cheese sauce, and you can also serve this velvety, cheesy creaminess as a side to pour over all types of dishes. Imagine drizzling it over French fries, or serving it with veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower. It's also wonderful added to pasta, used to make a mac and cheese, or paired with meats, burgers, and sandwiches. The cheesy flavor of this sauce is also enhanced by adding Dijon mustard and garlic. While you can swap out the cheddar for blue cheese or Gruyere, tangy, salty Parmesan is a must.  

Recipe: Easy Cheese Sauce

What's so great about cooking is finding out new ways to make old classics. This mac and cheese is made in the air fryer, and what makes it interesting is how the Parmesan and other ingredients are added to the uncooked pasta before cooking. The pasta becomes tender as the Parmesan, along with the Cheddar cheese and stock, create a richly flavorful taste. The icing on the cake (or in this case, the cheese on the cheese dish) is adding panko and Parmesan over the top and baking further.

Recipe: Air Fryer Mac And Cheese

Citrus and goat cheese adds lightness to this luxurious lobster ravioli, while the Parmesan really packs in some flavor intensity and the shallot blends in some sweetness. Along with half and half, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan are the main ingredients for the creamy sauce. You're going to use shaved Parmesan for this, and also adding some shavings atop the finished dish. Use frozen, cooked lobster for ease if you like, and don't overfill your ravioli, leaving the edge of your pasta squares free so you can press them together into sumptuous seafood parcels. 

Recipe: Homemade Lobster Ravioli

If you haven't tried grilling a wedge of Romaine lettuce yet, this could become your next favorite variation of Caesar salad. The charred taste of the Romaine heart contrasts superbly with the creamy dressing and tang of shaved Parmesan. Tip: To keep the leaves together, avoid cutting the base of the lettuce off. It's really up to you how many Parmesan shavings you sprinkle on top, while a few on the side of the plate provide a nice presentation touch. Add grilled chicken to make this salad more of a meal.

Recipe: Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

This creamy, colorful tomato risotto is made the traditional way — on the stovetop — and uses vegetable stock, making it vegetarian-friendly. (However, you can sub in chicken stock if you prefer.) Only stir in a cup of stock at a time, letting it absorb into the arborio rice before adding more. There shouldn't be any liquid left in your pan when it's ready. Parmesan lifts the creamy, tomatoey flavors, and make sure to sprinkle on grated Parmesan as a garnish. You might want to also add ribbons of basil and roasted mushrooms. 

Recipe: Creamy Tomato Risotto

The golden rule when making risotto is to let the flavor combinations shine through. A successful risotto showcases the creamy texture of the arborio rice and salty tang of the Parmesan which elevates all the other ingredients. Butternut squash, sage, and nutmeg add wonderful warm flavor notes to this recipe, while the Parmesan and parsley give the dish brightness and umami. Cooking with an Instant Pot is easier than using the stovetop too, and once you add the Parmesan, let the rich risotto rest, so it thickens as the Italian cheese melts.

Recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto

If you have an Instant Pot, there's no excuse to shy away from making a wonderfully nourishing risotto. And why would you want to, when creamy rice and Parmesan are such a perfect, comfort-food pairing? Once your baby bella mushrooms have cooked along with your Arborio rice and dried thyme, you're ready to add the rest of the ingredients into the mix and bring out the complex flavors of this dish. Yes, this is when you add Parmesan cheese, along with lemon juice and zest, frozen peas, and unsalted butter. 

Recipe: Instant Pot Risotto

Pasta baked in the oven with marinara sauce, a mix of ricotta cheese and egg, and mozzarella is destined to be delicious. Add Parmesan to the mix, and this ziti is given an unmistakable extra push of salty, umami flavor. Because the ricotta is so creamy, you can leave the egg out of this sauce if you like — just beat the cheese with the Parmesan. Spread the cheesy mix over the pasta if you want even coverage, or add it in spoonfuls so some bites taste more intensely creamy. 

Recipe: Baked Ziti

Parmesan brings out the best in this creamy, garlicky, mushroom sauce that gets ladled over juicy chicken thighs. This has to be the easiest sauce to make ever, as all you're doing is adding Parmesan cheese to sour cream and sprinkling in some Italian seasonings. This recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, but if you use boneless, skin-off thighs (or chicken breast) then that's fine. Just alter the cooking time accordingly. If your cheesy sauce is too thin, add some cornstarch. Serve with mash, roast potatoes, or with rice, pasta, or veggies. 

Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken

If you're of the opinion that cheese and seafood don't mix, then be prepared to have your mind changed. Rather than being doused in sauce, this recipe flaunts a beautiful simplicity that lets the succulence of smoked salmon, bold character of Parmesan, and velvety fettuccine define each incredible bite. The Italian cheese is thrown into the cooked pasta and sautéed garlic, coating the soft ribbons, so there's no need for any extra creaminess, with the salmon to follow and chopped parsley adding a pop of color. Serve with garlic bread. 

Recipe: Easy Smoked Salmon Fettuccine

While this recipe technically calls for salty, sharp Pecorino cheese, Parmesan is a worthy alternative as it also brings out the flavor of eggs. Roasted broccoli and sautéed onion are added to whisked-up eggs with the cheese and baked in muffin tins, so you end up with cute, individual frittatas. They're a great snack or appetizer, and also a brilliant dish to pep up breakfasts and brunches. One interesting way to serve them is with a warm salad — just flash-fry arugula in a skillet for 90 seconds and serve with a dressing drizzled on top.  

Recipe: Mini-Frittatas

Bring out the extraordinary flavors of basil and Parmesan by making this Italian condiment yourself. And yes, it's definitely worth it. Cheesy, salty, nutty, and herby, pesto is perfect on pasta but can liven up plenty of other dishes too. Just use your imagination — add some into the mix when making homemade hamburgers and meatballs, or combine it with an equal amount of hummus. To mellow out the strong basil taste add in some spinach instead, while almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts can replace pricey pine nuts. Taste, and add more Parmesan if needed.

Recipe: Basil Pesto Sauce

You probably don't associate tangy Parmesan with traditional meatloaf, but this recipe is definitely a flavor-enhancing twist on a classic. Parmesan is mixed into the ground beef to boost the savory taste. And pesto, which is cheesy too, is added to the mix as well as the ketchup mixture glazing the top. To bake as a freestanding loaf (as opposed to in a tin) press the meatloaf mix first so it's not too loose. Let your cheese-boosted loaf stand for 10 minutes before serving, while cold leftovers are delicious in a sandwich.

Recipe: Classic Meatloaf With A Twist

It's true that homemade hummus is yummy, but if you want to create a dip with a difference, blend in some more cheesy, nutty elements. This pesto hummus is beautifully bright and herby and the Parmesan shines through, literally transforming your everyday chickpea and tahini dip. Serve with carrot batons, pita bread, or crackers; try it with slices of cucumber and peppers; or use it as a sandwich filling. Once you've blitzed all your ingredients in a blender, you can use lemon juice or olive oil to make the dip thinner to suit your tastes. 

Recipe: Homemade Pesto Hummus

When pasta is cooked in the sauce it's served in, cooking is so much easier. One-pot recipes may be easy, but they can still dazzle with flavor. Here, complex, bold Parmesan cheese certainly enriches this spinach and tomato offering. Use fresh or canned tomatoes, and kale and Swiss chard are good green additions too. You don't need meat for the flavor, but you can add some shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or seared sausage to the mix, along with — what else? — grated Parmesan.

Recipe: Easy One-Pot Pasta With Spinach and Tomatoes

Italian sausage in a tomatoey sauce with tortellini, spinach, and Parmesan is a brilliant go-to recipe for weekdays. Chickpeas, tofu, or white beans can be used in place of the meat if you'd prefer; just add them in at the end of the cooking process. And if you want an alternative to heavy whipping cream, then swap this up for cream cheese instead. If you like some heat, then add a healthy shake of chili flakes to the pot, and instead of crushed tomatoes make this dish with fire-roasted ones. 

Recipe: Easy Tortellini

This traditional Sicilian dish may have humble ingredients, but that doesn't mean it can't taste magnificent. The pasta, eggplant, and red sauce create culinary harmony, and the Parmesan adds a crescendo of interest with its salty, fruity complexity. The grated cheese covers the top, melting into the pasta along with chopped Italian parsley. To get just the right balance, make sure the eggplant is sliced thinly and don't overcrowd the pan when you fry it so that it browns nicely. Enjoy this hearty pasta with breaded chicken and salad.

Recipe: Pasta Alla Norma

Did you know you can make a lasagna without using any pasta at all? The beauty of this veggie variation on a popular classic, which cleverly uses thin slices of zucchini in place of pasta sheets, is that you still get the mouthwatering cheesy, tomato taste, so it still tastes like comfort food. Parmesan stars throughout this dish, making an appearance in two layers, mixed with soft ricotta and stringy mozzarella. Serve it with chicken, or tofu if you prefer a meat-free meal. Roasted broccoli is a winning side to this dish too.

Recipe: Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna

This fried zucchini recipe may be simple, but the luxurious addition of Parmesan cheese creates a seriously bold flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for this recipe, as not only will it taste so much better than pre-grated, it'll cook better and won't burn as quickly. You want it to blend with the breadcrumbs, so finely grate the cheese so it doesn't stick out in the coating. A good tip is to slice the zucchini diagonally so you get bigger pieces than if you cut it into rounds. Serve it with marinara sauce, or try it with ranch or a mixture of sour cream and mayo.

Recipe: Easy Fried Zucchini

While you don't have to include Parmesan in this deliciously rich creamed spinach recipe, it takes the flavor profile to a higher level. Parmesan and spinach complement each other, while nutmeg and garlic add some warmth. To add some heat, you can season with chili flakes or cayenne pepper. If you can use fresh spinach, and let the cream reduce slowly so you get that deliciously thick sauce. Paper towels are a good way to dry the spinach, if you're using frozen. While Parmesan is added to the sauce, if you're using it, you might as well sprinkle some on top too. 

Recipe: Creamed Spinach

If you're tired of the same-old-same-old pasta dishes, then this butternut squash linguine is bound to be a welcome change. Instead of squash, you can also use pumpkin, or simply add pumpkin puree into the sauce. For a smooth sauce, make sure the squash is roasted until it's nice and soft. Keep some of the starchy pasta water, as it can help thicken your sauce if needs be. Seasonings like garlic powder and oregano create balance, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan once you've dished it out adds a final savory touch.

Recipe: Butternut Squash Pasta

Parmesan is part of the holy trinity of cheesy ingredients for Italian cooking, with the other two being mozzarella and ricotta. With these three cheeses, you've got every texture and taste covered. These stuffed shells are a dish to really feast your eyes on, especially if you're a pasta lover. The big pasta shells look wonderfully ready to dig into, covered with marinara sauce and Parmesan. Cook the shells for a couple of minutes less than the package says to, as they'll soften and finish cooking in the oven.

Recipe: Easy Stuffed Shells

Grated Parmesan bubbles and browns on top of this pasta comfort dish, which gets cooked on the stove and baked in the oven. The nutty sharpness of Parmesan highlights the mushrooms and sweet onions in the creamy sauce. If you don't have Gruyère, you can use Swiss cheese or Italian fontina instead. You can also use dried thyme instead of fresh — a teaspoon of dried equates to a tablespoon of fresh herbs. Meanwhile, adding sugar to the onions speeds up the caramelization process, but if you've got the time to let them sweeten naturally, leave it out. 

Recipe: One-Pot Creamy French Pasta Bake

Fun, artistic, visually stunning, full of gorgeous flavors, this creative risotto dish is definitely not a quick supper to knock-out during the week. There's lots of chef-style prep to do — imagine making fresh pomodorino and tomato water along with basil cream, dehydrated cherry tomatoes, and burnt caper powder. The final product may look like a pizza, but instead of dough, you're using toasted and risotto-style cooked carnaroli rice. When you add Parmesan, honey, and butter, you elevate this spectacular plate of food to new heights. 

Recipe: Chef Mattia Agazzi's Risotto Camouflaged As Pizza

Arancini are so ridiculously good. What's not to like about a crispy, cheesy rice ball? What can be off-putting, though, is the faff of rolling and frying each one individually. Instead, deconstruct it and make a casserole with beef instead. With this recipe, you still make a creamy risotto, with Parmesan defining the taste of the Arborio rice, but you also add red sauce. Layer the risotto in an ovenproof dish between your beef and red sauce mix. When it's done, add toasted breadcrumbs on top and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Recipe: Italian Rice Ball Casserole

Fusion cuisine can create some pretty wonderful flavors. And while mac and cheese is sublime already, kimchi and gojuchang sauce add a subtle heat and some crunchy bite. While this cheesy pasta and fermented superfood dish has to be tried to be truly appreciated, the importance of a traditional crunchy topping can never be discounted. This is where Parmesan shows off its savory complexity, matching the umami-packed pasta sauce as it's mixed with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. It's wonderful served as part of an Korean or American barbecue.

Recipe: Kimchi Mac And Cheese

This recipe gives the classic alfredo sauce a spicy kick by adding some devilish heat. Meanwhile, Parmesan marries with the creaminess and heat of this diablo dish to create heavenly harmony. Fettucine and shrimp sautéed until they're opaque — which is a sign that they're cooked — finish off this stunning seafood pasta. It's important to add the Parmesan at the right time, once the sauce has turned orange from the spices. Use the back of a spoon to crush your chipotles, and serve this pasta with cilantro and lime.

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Diablo

There are no strict recipe rules with this hearty vegetable-packed soup, and using frozen veggies makes it quick to make as well. The grated Parmesan on top gives your bowl of goodness a fabulous finish as it melts into the liquid. If you're not a fan of a kick, keep the heat under control by leaving out the red chili flakes and making the broth using diced tomatoes in place of fire-roasted ones. Bring in some herby depth with some oregano and thyme, and serve with a hunk of bread.

Recipe: Spicy Vegetable Soup

Based on a classic recipe from the 1950s, the flavors in this chicken divan dish stand the test of time. You're essentially making a cheese sauce with stock and sherry and pouring it over seared chicken breasts and broccoli florets. You can also use dark chicken meat if you prefer, as long as you adjust the cooking time. As all this loveliness comes together in the oven, the top of this tasty dish crisps up because of the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, which is added over a layer of grated cheddar. 

Recipe: Classic Chicken Divan

Albacore tuna from a can is the main ingredient in this pasta. To ensure it mixes well with the pasta, flake it first by twisting your fork in the fish. This recipe uses rigatoni, but you can use another short pasta like penne — what's great is that once your pasta is cooked, you don't need to cook the other ingredients. The Parmesan melts into the mix with tomatoes, capers, and parsley. Add some red chili flakes to bring in a touch of spice, and enhance the savory flavor with some crunchy bacon bits if you like.

Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

This super-simple, creative pizza recipe just goes to show how great ingredients shine, even if you only have a few of them. Instead of dough, you use a tortilla that's been fried in a skillet with pizza sauce and mozzarella added on top. You don't need the surface completely covered in cheese, as the stretchy cheese should spread out after popping your pizza in the oven. However, when it comes to adding on grated Parmesan, make sure every part is covered so you can taste its distinctive salty tang in every single bite.

Recipe: Low-Carb Tortilla Pizza

There's no doubt about it: This indulgent dish is definitely a luxurious treat. Elegant shoestring fries pair well with creamy béchamel sauce, which you make fresh. Keep an eye on your roux when you make the sauce, as there's no fix if you burn it. This rich dish gets an extra dose of flavor and brightness thanks to a generous topping of Parmesan and some chopped chives on top. If you pile your fries in a bowl and add the toppings, you'll get some pieces underneath that aren't drenched in sauce, creating a nice textural contrast. 

Recipe: Air Fryer Béchamel Fries

Simple fish cakes are wonderfully versatile, and you can make them even more appetizing with the addition of some Mediterranean ingredients. Instead of green onions, use regular onion and minced garlic. Oregano and basil are must-have seasonings for an Italian take on this dish. You can even add pesto and boost the cheesy flavor with some Parmesan cheese added too. Serve this air-fried appetizer with a creamy mayonnaise or sour cream dip and lemon wedges, or for a more substantial bite, stack them up in a bun and create a sophisticated salmon burger.

Recipe: 15-Minute Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

Parmesan cheese is more than an afterthought in this vegetarian lasagne, and rightfully so, since it goes terrifically well with spinach. Not only is it added to ricotta cheese to create cheesy layers between the spinach, lasagna sheets, and mozzarella, but it melts so wonderfully on top as well. If that isn't enough cheesiness, go in for a third Parmesan hit by sprinkling some more on as it's served. Roasted broccoli or a green salad is a delicious complement to this dish, as is some buttery garlic bread on the side.

Recipe: Easy Spinach Lasagna

Alfredo sauce is richly creamy, and this Red Lobster copycat recipe takes it to the next level with cream cheese and half-and-half. Parmesan is an integral ingredient in that sauce too, giving it a saltier, sharper flavor profile. Also lifting the taste and aroma are the balance of seasonings: garlic powder, Italian parsley, dried mustard, and red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your taste. Asiago cheese or white Cheddar can also add some earthy and tangy notes. Don't over-stir the delicate crab meat, so you get lovely large pieces.

Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Crab Alfredo

There's no holding back with this flavor-boosted carbonara inspired by Olive Garden. Succulently sautéed shrimp, crunchy breadcrumbed chicken, crispy bacon bits with garlic, and the sweetness of red bell pepper combine into an extravaganza of taste atop a steaming bowl of spaghetti. Are you getting hungry yet? Spoon the cheesy, creamy sauce over the shrimp and chicken, either keeping the pasta separate or mixing everything together. Either way, you can't go wrong with more Parmesan on top.

Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken And Shrimp Carbonara