If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, then you might have come across the delicious and versatile ingredient, Parmesan cheese. This hard, granular cheese has a nutty and salty taste that can complement various dishes such as pasta, soups, salads, and so on. However, to make the most out of your Parmesan cheese, it’s essential to know how to ground it properly.

Why Ground Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan cheese is usually sold in blocks or wedges that can be challenging to use in recipes that require grated or shredded cheese. By grounding your Parmesan cheese, you can transform it into a fine powder-like consistency that is easier to measure and sprinkle over your dishes. Moreover, grinding your own Parmesan cheese allows you to control the texture and freshness of the cheese for better flavor.

Tools You Need

To ground your Parmesan cheese at home, you will need some basic tools such as:

  • A block of Parmesan cheese
  • A grater or a food processor with a grater attachment
  • A bowl or plate to collect the grated cheese

How to Ground Parmesan Cheese with a Grater?

Grating is one of the easiest and most traditional ways to ground Parmesan cheese at home. Here’s how:

  1. Firstly, remove any rind from your block of Parmesan cheese.
  2. Next, take a box grater or a hand-held grater and choose the side with smaller holes.
  3. Hold the grater at an angle over a bowl or plate.
  4. Rub the block of cheese against the grater in quick strokes until all sides are grated.
  5. If necessary, tap the grater against the bowl or plate to shake off any extra bits of cheese.

How to Ground Parmesan Cheese with a Food Processor?

If you have a food processor with a grater attachment, you can grind your Parmesan cheese much faster. Here are the steps:

  1. Remove any rind from your block of Parmesan cheese.
  2. Cut the cheese into cubes that can fit through the food processor’s feed tube.
  3. Insert the grater attachment into the food processor and turn it on.
  4. Feed the cubes of cheese through the food processor’s feed tube until all cheese is grated.
  5. If necessary, tap the grater against a bowl or plate to shake off any extra bits of cheese.

Storing Ground Parmesan Cheese

Once you have ground your Parmesan cheese, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. You can store your ground Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one month.

The Bottom Line

Grounding your own Parmesan cheese at home is an easy and cost-effective way to add delicious flavor and texture to your dishes. Whether you choose to use a grater or a food processor, make sure that your tools are clean and sharp for better results. So, next time you need some grated Parmesan cheese for your recipe, try grinding it yourself instead of buying pre-grated cheese from the store!