Parmesan cheese on lasagna: a culinary enigma solved!

Lasagna, a beloved Italian dish, is known for its layers of pasta, cheese, meat sauce, and vegetables. While there are many variations on this classic recipe, one question that often arises is: can you put parmesan cheese on lasagna?

The answer is a resounding yes! Parmesan cheese is a traditional topping for lasagna, adding a salty, nutty flavor and a golden-brown crust. It complements the rich flavors of the dish and enhances its overall appeal.

Why Add Parmesan Cheese to Lasagna?

There are several reasons why adding parmesan cheese to lasagna is a great idea:

• Flavor: Parmesan cheese has a distinctive salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in lasagna. It adds a touch of umami and depth to the dish.
• Texture: When grated, parmesan cheese creates a crispy crust on the top of the lasagna, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Visual appeal: The golden-brown crust of parmesan cheese makes lasagna look more visually appealing and appetizing.
• Tradition: Parmesan cheese has been used as a topping for lasagna for centuries, adding to the dish’s authenticity and traditional flavor profile.

When to Add Parmesan Cheese to Lasagna

There are two main times when you can add parmesan cheese to lasagna:

• Before baking: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the assembled lasagna before baking. This will create a crispy crust that will brown in the oven.
• After baking: Once the lasagna has finished baking, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top and let it melt slightly. This will add a rich, cheesy flavor without creating a crust.

How Much Parmesan Cheese to Use

The amount of parmesan cheese you use will depend on your personal preference. However, a good starting point is to use about 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese for a 9×13 inch lasagna pan.

Other Tips for Using Parmesan Cheese on Lasagna

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese has a more intense flavor and better texture than pre-grated cheese.
• Don’t overcook: Parmesan cheese can burn easily, so keep an eye on it while baking.
• Serve with additional parmesan cheese: Offer additional grated parmesan cheese at the table for guests to add to their liking.

Variations on Parmesan Cheese Topping

While traditional lasagna is topped with parmesan cheese, there are a few variations you can try:

• Asiago cheese: Asiago cheese has a similar flavor to parmesan cheese but is slightly sweeter and milder.
• Pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese is a sheep’s milk cheese with a salty, tangy flavor.
• Parmesan-Reggiano cheese: Parmesan-Reggiano cheese is a protected designation of origin cheese with a rich, nutty flavor. It is considered the “king of cheeses” and is often used in high-end lasagna recipes.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Finishing Touch

Adding parmesan cheese to lasagna is a classic and delicious way to enhance the flavor, texture, and appearance of this beloved dish. Whether you sprinkle it on before or after baking, parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch that will elevate your lasagna to the next level.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan cheese?
A: Yes, you can use other types of hard, grating cheeses such as asiago, pecorino, or Parmesan-Reggiano.

Q: How do I prevent the parmesan cheese from burning?
A: Keep an eye on the lasagna while baking and remove it from the oven if the cheese starts to brown too much. You can also cover the lasagna with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Q: Why is my parmesan cheese not melting?
A: Parmesan cheese has a high melting point, so it may not melt completely when sprinkled on top of lasagna. If you want a more melted cheese topping, you can mix grated parmesan cheese with a little bit of milk or cream before sprinkling it on the lasagna.