Parmigiano Reggiano® cheese:
perfect for the “Big Game”.
HERE ARE A FEW TASTY TREATS THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY
YOU ENJOY THIS YEAR’S FINAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
More than a football game, the annual “Big Game” is the biggest entertainment event of the year. It has become a tradition to gather with friends and family, sit on the couch and watch the football game while eating snacks and drinking beer. However, this year will be different. The CDC is discouraging parties because they can increase the risk of getting or spreading the virus. So, most football fans across the US are opting for virtual celebrations – and many are exploring ways to up their food game – which includes using Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to create super-easy and delicious game-time treats. Here are a few recipes and suggestions that are guaranteed to make you the game’s Snack-MVP.
These delicious Parmigiano Reggiano
cheese crisps are sure to score big
These savory crisps make the perfect “Big Game” snack. Start by preheating the oven to 300 degrees. Next, grate a cup of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and mix it in a bowl with a couple of teaspoons of fresh thyme. Spoon 2 to 3 teaspoons of the mixture on to a prepared baking sheet, making a small pile. Space each pile about 3 inches apart, then press cheese with the back of a spoon or your fingers and flatten each pile into a 2 inch circle. Transfer to oven and bake until slightly browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet to firm slightly. Carefully loosen using a spatula and let cool until firm and completely hardened. Top them with tomatoes or prosciutto, add them to your charcuterie board, or just eat them plain. Either way your tastebuds and your friends will be thoroughly impressed. Check out the recipe at the link below.
IMPORTANT NOTE
It is best to grate it from a whole piece of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as opposed to using pre-grated cheese. And be sure that you are using Parmigiano Reggiano, not domestic hard cheeses, which may have stabilizers and won’t crisp properly.
Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Bites with
Parmigiano Reggiano. A “Big Game” winner!
These mac and cheese bites with Pamigiano Reggiano cheese are super easy to make and destined to become one of your new favorite game-time appetizers. You probably already know how to make mac and cheese…the difference with this recipe is that you’ll spoon it into muffin tins instead of a casserole dish before baking. But first you’ll want to roast a nice head of garlic. The roasted garlic is a great complement to the complexity of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and adds quite a bit of flavor. For a little crunch, add a sprinkle of panko and chopped parsley, and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until panko is golden. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin, sit back and enjoy while cheering for your favorite team. Regardless of who wins, with this simple recipe you will be the one to score, for sure.
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese chunks, with a touch of balsamic vinegar?
A simple, delicious and healthy game-changer!
More than a “recipe” this is a serving suggestion. In Italy, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is often enjoyed in chunks paired with Balsamic vinegar. This is probably the easiest way to enjoy this fabulous cheese, and it always looks impressive served on a platter. All you have to do is place the Parmigiano Reggiano
cheese wedge on the platter, and using a knife, chunk the cheese into bite-sized pieces. We recommend using an almond shaped knife, and letting the pieces fall, artistically, about the platter. Drizzle liberal amounts of balsamic on top of the chunks, place tooth-picks close by…and get ready to enjoy. By the way, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is not ony delicious, it is also a great source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals – making it a healthy halftime snack. Lastly, most people don’t realize that this cheese is naturally lactose free and can be enjoyed by folks who are lactose intolerant. How’s that for a game-changer?
What drink goes best with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese?
The amount of options may surprise you.
Although the bold taste and complex flavor may sound intimidating when trying to select a perfect pairing, it is quite the opposite. Just like its lively umami profile pairs with both sweet and savory accompaniments, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese goes well with a great variety of options, including white wines, red wines, sparkling wines, and plenty of different beers.
Many are surprised about how well Parmigiano Reggiano cheese pairs with bubbles, especially with a Prosecco or Lambrusco. Also, white wine is a great way to counterbalance the saltiness of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese with fresh and fruity notes. We suggest avoiding oakiness, and focusing on mediumbodied, crisp and gently fruity wines instead – like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. In terms of red wines, Barolo is an excellent choice. Also Barbera or Montepulciano.
And of course, it would not be a “Big Game” celebration without beer. Luckily, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is perfect with a chilled thirst-quenching pilsner, a medium-bodied amber ale, or even a malt beer. We don’t place IPAs at the top of the list, but they can work nicely if the bitterness isn’t too prevalent – however we suggest something more malt-forward for a better pairing experience.
MORE RECIPES:
Here are links to additional recipe variations that we think you may like:
Martha Stewart’s Parmigiano Reggiano Crisps
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