51 Parmesan Cheese Recipes That'll Make You Want to Break Out the Good Stuff

- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton1/51
Sunday Sauce with Braciole, Meatballs, and Sausage
Make a big pot of this classic slow-cooked sauce—it freezes beautifully.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Laura Rege2/51
Roasted Cauliflower With Parmesan-Panko Crumble
A make-ahead Parmesan and panko crumble adds addictive savory crunch to this large-format dinner-party side.
- Alex Lau3/51
BA's Best Eggplant Parmesan
Trying to slice into this eggplant Parmesan while it's molten hot creates an oozy mess, so let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich4/51
Broccoli Caesar
Broccoli stems are tender and delicious, but it’s important to cut away the dried-out base and peel the tough skin of thicker ones.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li5/51
Baked Pasta alla Norma
Broccoli stems are tender and delicious, but it’s important to cut away the dried-out base and peel the tough skin of thicker ones.
- Photo by Alex Lau6/51
Ensaymadas
These sugary, Parmesan-y, buttery Philippine yeast rolls may sound like a confusing combination of flavors to the uninitiated, but they're incredibly delicious.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone7/51
Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
This faster, healthier version of the classic Italian-American dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Tuukka Koski food styling: Alison Attenborough, prop styling: kalen kaminski8/51
Parmesan Broth
After you've grated down your hunk of Parm, save the rinds! Collect them in a resealable bag in the freezer. When you've got about a pound, throw the rinds into a stockpot with aromatics and herbs to make a salty and creamy broth.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks9/51
Wild Mushroom and Parsnip Ragout With Cheesy Polenta
This hearty vegetarian ragout—served on a bed of creamy polenta—gets a boost of rich flavor from umami-packed tomato and miso pastes.
- Ditte Isager10/51
Ricotta Gnudi with Pomodoro Sauce
Show some Parm love here two ways: in the gnudi's dough itself (along with egg and ricotta), and with a sprinkling on top.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Heather Greene, Food Styling by Alison Attenborough11/51
Plum Salad with Black Pepper and Parmesan
Don’t bother trying to halve and pit the plums before slicing them. Instead, cut off slices, working your way from the outside to the pit.
- Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich12/51
Pantry Pasta with Garlic, Anchovies, and Parmesan
Combine a few pantry staples to make this simple but luxurious anytime pasta.
- Photo by Brian W. Ferry13/51
Parmesan Bread Pudding With Broccoli Rabe and Pancetta
This eggy bread pudding needs two finishing touches for entry into the hall of fame: slices of Pancetta and a shower of salty, nutty Parm.
- Photo by Marcus Nilsson14/51
Twice-Roasted Squash With Parmesan Butter and Grains
While smaller squash, such as acorn, can be roasted whole, they are more starchy and liable to dry out. Stick with the big boys.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks15/51
Herb-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks With Beans and Tomatoes
Prep work is simplified for this sheet-pan dinner with an herbed garlic oil that's used two ways: first it's mixed with panko and Parmesan for a crispy crust for the cauliflower, then tossed with beans and cherry tomatoes for a zesty side dish.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton16/51
Escarole, Pear, Parmesan, and Basil Leaf Salad
Fresh basil and pears team up for a winning combo of sweet fruit and herbal notes in this bright, crisp salad.
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Andy Baraghani17/51
Arugula With Italian Plums and Parmesan
For the best play between sweet, hot, and salty ingredients, look for spiky arugula, labeled "rocket" or "rucola," at the farmers' market. It's much more peppery and sturdy than what you’ll find at the supermarket.
- Photo by Alex Lau18/51
Open-Face Steak Sandwich with Parmesan Dressing
This open-faced sandwich works just as well as a salad if you’re not feeling the bread.
- Photo by Gentl & Hyers19/51
Oxtail Ragù with Semolina Gnocchi
This recipe makes a lot of ragù, but it freezes well and is worth having around. If making the gnocchi feels like a project, serve over polenta instead.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova20/51
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Not to be confused with chicken Parmesan, our baked Parmesan crusted chicken is sure to please! The combination of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise provide the perfect crust for this juicy chicken dinner!
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich21/51
Romesco Pasta Salad With Basil and Parmesan
The reason this salad holds up so well at room temperature is because you dress it twice. It absorbs the first round of dressing completely, the second addition keeps it glossy, and a fistful of walnuts and breadcrumbs means there's always something to bite into.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton22/51
Four-Cheese Manicotti
A spoon works fine for stuffing the manicotti noodles, but a piping bag—while it may seem fussy—makes quicker work of the assembly.
- Photo by Marcus Nilsson23/51
Garlic Bread
The secret to irresistible garlic bread is using a mixture of butter and oil and topping it with Parmigiano.
- Photo by Alex Lau24/51
Shaved Cauliflower Salad
Thinly sliced raw cauliflower takes center stage in this salad, tossed in a bright, limey dressing and dusted with nutritional yeast.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Jerri Joy, Food Styling by Anna Hampton25/51
Twice-Baked Butternut Squash With Parmesan Cream and Candied Bacon
This impressive side plays on the classic twice-baked potato with toppings of Parmesan whipped cream, candied hazelnut-bacon bits, and chives.
- Marcus Nilsson26/51
Lasagna Bolognese
The ultimate holiday vacation cooking project: lasagna with two homemade sauces and layers of homemade pasta.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Styling by Ali Nardi27/51
Leek, Fennel, and Poppy Seed Tart
Team this dish with a mixed green salad for a delicious lunch.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson28/51
Parmesan-Roasted Butternut Squash
The best qualities of a gratin shine in this incredibly simple side dish: Pieces of sweet butternut squash and a flurry of salty Parmigiano-Reggiano meld with cream to form a warm, cohesive whole.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone29/51
Zucchini Frittata With Blossoms
Peppery squash blossoms are wonderful—not to mention beautiful—set inside a custardy, Parmesan-enriched frittata.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks30/51
3-Ingredient Steak With Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
This easy steak dinner is made with only three ingredients—using really great ones ensures it's full of rich, satisfying flavor.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Mindy Fox31/51
Pasta With 15-Minute Garlic, Oil, and Anchovy Sauce
After making this pasta's salty and spicy sauce (it only takes 15 minutes!), serve with the plates covered in Parm.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Grace Parisi32/51
Savory Mushroom and Parmesan Palmiers
Using a hunk of real Parmesan offers a freshly grated flavor—crucial in a savory filling like these palmiers.
- Photo by Romulo Yanes33/51
Peas, Mint & Parmesan Crostini
Peas + mint + Parm=the holy trinity of bright-tasting ingredients. And the perfect crostini topping.
- David Cicconifood styling by Rhoda Boone34/51
Spicy Broccoli Rabe with Parmesan and Pine Nuts
Broccoli rabe can be so bitter, it's not easy to deal with on its own. So sprinkle on some pine nuts and shave some Parmesan on top to balance it out.
- Photo by Romulo Yanes35/51
Parmesan Chicken with Caesar Roasted Romaine
See chicken Caesar a little differently. Coat breast cutlets with breadcrumbs and Parmesan and bake with big, hearty chunks of romaine.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks36/51
Ricotta-Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter
Think gnocchi are too time-consuming to make during the week? Think again!
- Peden and Munk Taylor and Jen37/51
Grilled Steak with Parsley-Parmesan Salad
Presenting the easiest salad ever: fresh parsley and shaved Parmesan. Use it to counteract the seared fatty flavors in a steak.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton38/51
Kale Salad With Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, and Pumpkin Seeds
Serve this salad along side hearty roasts or even winter and fall soups. The bright pomegranate seeds and salty grated Parmesan do a lot for adding some contrast.
- Photo by Brian W. Ferry39/51
Warm Shrimp and Escarole Salad
This simple one-pan shrimp supper gets dinner on the table fast; the grated Parmesan on top makes it feel like a treat.
- Photo by Evi Abeler40/51
Gluten-Free Eggplant Parm
For this gluten-free version of eggplant Parm, rounds of eggplant are sliced and breaded in a mixture of ground almonds and Parmesan cheese, then baked before being layered with mozzarella and sauce.
- Photo by Marcus Nilsson41/51
Raw Artichoke Salad with Celery and Parmesan
To prevent cut artichokes from browning, work with 1 artichoke at a time and lightly toss it in the lemon dressing as you go.
- Photo by Peden & Munk42/51
Caesar-Style Puntarelle
Puntarelle is a crisp, spiky Italian green related to chicory. If you can get it, you’re in luck. If not, escarole is a great substitute.
- Edward Park43/51
Casônsèi
Similar to ravioli, these half-moon-shaped parcels are made of an egg-based dough and can have a variety of fillings. In the traditional cuisine of Brescia, casônsèi is typically filled with a mixture of sausage, bread dipped in milk, and grated Parmesan.
- Photo by William Abranowicz44/51
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes get even more savory with a DIY Parmesan topping. Let grated cheese dry for an hour, then add flour, salt, and pepper. Toss potatoes in this mix before roasting them.
- Photo by Tom Schierlitz45/51
Parmesan Peppers
How to make a side disappear completely: just add Parmesan. These sweet and salty peppers would be great with a steak or burger.
- Hirschmeier and Hamilton46/51
Shaved Asparagus With Parmesan Vinaigrette
If you want to take your Parmesan love to a new level, make it into a vinaigrette.
- Elinor Carucci47/51
Chickpea Salad With Lemon, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs
Need a quick lunch? Toss canned chickpeas with chopped herbs, lemon, and grated Parmesan for a protein-packed (and inexpensive) bowl.
- Romulo Yanes48/51
Parmesan Pull-Aparts
These rolls have a lot in common with brioche—both are rich and tender, and they bake up with a gorgeous browned crust. However, these are much easier to make than that time-intensive bread, and they have the added advantage of aromatic Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- 49/51
Risotto con Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmesan cheese is the main flavoring agent in this pared down risotto. Make sure it's the good stuff.
- Marcus Nilsson50/51
Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella
Let's put the "Parm" back into "Eggplant Parm," with a Parmesan and breadcrumb topping. By the way, leave one strip of skin on to keep the shape of the eggplant.
- Photo by Brittany Wright51/51
Brodo di Parmigiano (Parmesan Broth)
This recipe makes deeply flavorful broth out of something that most people throw away: the hard rinds of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.