Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is a kitchen workhorse that does so much more than just sitting on top of spaghetti. Because it’s packed with umami, it acts as a natural flavor enhancer for both savory and surprisingly sweet dishes. Here are 10 Creative Parmesan Cheese Uses You Haven’t Tried Yet.

The “Umami” Popcorn

An Italian style decorative bowl filled with popcorn

Upgrade your movie night by tossing hot popcorn with garlic-infused butter, and a generous dusting of micro-planed Parmesan and crispy prosciutto. It’s significantly more sophisticated than standard butter. Get the recipe.

Save the Rind for Broth

Chunky soup

Never throw away the hard end of the wedge! Toss the Parmesan rind into your next minestrone, risotto, or tomato sauce. It slowly releases a savory depth that salt alone can’t replicate. Get the recipe.

Savory Shortbread Crackers

Herb and parmesan shortbread crackers displayed on a board with fresh herbs

Swap the sugar in a classic shortbread recipe for plenty of grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper. These savory crackers are incredible on a charcuterie board with honey or fig jam. Get the recipe.

Breading for “Everything”

A closeup showing the panko breading on the salmon

Mix finely grated Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs for a superior crust on salmon, eggplant Parmesan, or even roasted cauliflower. The cheese browns beautifully, creating a nutty, salty crunch. Get the recipe.

Grilled “Corn Dust”

Grilled corn on the cob.

Upgrade your next barbecue with “Italian Street Corn.” Simply slather grilled corn with garlic butter, then roll it in finely grated Parmesan and fresh basil. The cheese creates a salty, flavorful crust that transforms a basic side into a gourmet, restaurant-style treat. Get the recipe.

Parmesan-Infused Pastry Crust

Colorful tomato slices inside a pastry crust

Instead of a plain crust, fold finely grated Parmesan directly into your flour before adding the butter. The cheese creates a savory, golden crust that is the ultimate base for a tomato galette, quiche, or even a savory apple tart. It adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements juicy, roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. Get the recipe.

Parmesan and Basil Crusted Croutons

2 Parmesan basil croutons on a skewer on top of tomato salad

Elevate your next  salad or tomato soup by making homemade croutons crusted in cheese. Toss cubed sourdough with olive oil, dried basil, and a generous coating of finely grated Parmesan before baking.The cheese forms a savory, lacy crust around the bread, providing a much better crunch and flavor profile than anything you can buy in a box. Get the recipe.

Parmesan Crisps (Frico)

A crispy Parmesan cracker with a bowl of soup

Create crave-worthy, lacy crackers by baking small mounds of grated Parmesan at 400°F for about 5 minutes. They are perfect as a low-carb snack or a crunchy garnish for soups. Get the recipe.

Italian Hollandaise Sauce

A closeup of Italian eggs benedict

Give your brunch a gourmet upgrade by whisking finely grated Parmesan into your Hollandaise sauce. This “Italian style” sauce is the star of Italian Eggs Benedict, where the sharp, nutty cheese complements the rich egg yolks and savory prosciutto. Get the recipe.

Parmesan and Fruit Pairing

Pouring honey over baked pear slices with goat cheese and chopped pecans

Go the traditional Italian route: serve chunks of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano with fresh pears or a drizzle of high-quality honey. The saltiness of the cheese cuts through the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. Get the recipe.