If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then parmesan cheese is probably a staple in your kitchen. It’s used in everything from pasta dishes to salads, and is known for its distinct nutty and salty flavor.

But if you’ve ever tried to bake with parmesan cheese, you may have wondered – does it burn in the oven? Let’s take a closer look.

What Happens to Parmesan Cheese in the Oven?

When exposed to high heat for an extended period of time, parmesan cheese can burn. However, this doesn’t happen as easily as with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Parmesan cheese has a low moisture content and a high fat content, which makes it less likely to melt and burn.

How to Prevent Parmesan Cheese from Burning?

To prevent parmesan cheese from burning in the oven, it’s important to keep an eye on it while it cooks. If you’re baking with parmesan cheese as a topping on a dish like chicken or vegetables, sprinkle it on near the end of the cooking time instead of at the beginning. This will ensure that it has time to melt and become golden brown without burning.

Another tip is to use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded or grated varieties. Freshly grated cheese will melt more evenly and won’t clump together as much, which can lead to uneven browning and burning.

How to Use Parmesan Cheese in Baked Dishes?

Parmesan cheese is often used as a topping for baked dishes like casseroles or pasta bakes. To ensure that it doesn’t burn, mix the parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs or another type of topping before sprinkling it on top of the dish. This will help distribute the heat more evenly and prevent any one area from becoming too hot.

If you’re making a dish that requires parmesan cheese to be mixed into the ingredients, like a quiche or frittata, make sure to use a lower oven temperature and bake for a longer time. This will give the cheese enough time to melt and become incorporated into the dish without burning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parmesan cheese can burn in the oven if it’s exposed to high heat for too long. However, with proper cooking techniques like using freshly grated cheese and adding it as a topping near the end of cooking time, you can prevent this from happening. So go ahead and enjoy your favorite parmesan cheese dishes with confidence!