I am sure you are all familiar with grated or shredded parmesan; that’s how we usually see it.
Or in a block, if you want to shave the parmesan yourself, directly over soups and pasta dishes.
But is it available in slices, especially given that it’s quite a hard, aged cheese?
This requires further investigation, so I will be discussing all the different forms in which you can buy parmesan.
And the pros and cons of each one.
Hopefully, you will then have all the information you need as to whether parmesan comes in slices and what’s the best choice!
Parmesan cheese is available in slices, both in supermarkets and specialist delicatessens. Thus, consumers have a choice between sliced and grated or shredded parmesan, depending on their needs. Sliced parmesan is particularly versatile, perfect for topping burgers or adding to sandwiches. It can also be melted on various dishes. However, sliced parmesan may be more expensive than buying the grated version or a block of the cheese. The flavor may not be as intense as grated parmesan, but it can be seen as more versatile with no preparation necessary. Each has its own advantages.
What Are the Different Forms of Parmesan Available to Buy?
Let’s take a look at all the different forms of parmesan, so you can decide which one is best for what you need.
The most common option is grated or shredded parmesan, easily found in most major supermarkets.
Typically, it is packaged in a plastic tub or a bag, and it’s fairly inexpensive.
Grated parmesan is simple to use; you just take as much as you need and sprinkle it on your pasta or soup or even on a salad.
It can have quite an intense flavor and definitely has a strong smell that some people dislike.
Less readily available is shaved parmesan, but you should be able to find it in a delicatessen or specialty shop.
It has a soft, delicate texture with a milder flavor.
Again it’s easy to use as a topping for many dishes.
Next, we have a block of parmesan, and this is actually my preferred option.
Yes, it takes more preparation, but in my opinion, it’s worth the effort.
You can use any option on the grater for smaller or larger flakes of the cheese, and the flavor is quite strong.
It does seem to last longer too, and be less susceptible to mold.
And finally, we come to the main subject of this article, parmesan slices.
It’s not that difficult to find sliced parmesan, but it will undoubtedly be more expensive.
In effect, you are paying for the convenience.
What Are the Advantages of Sliced Parmesan?
Whether or not you choose to use sliced parmesan depends on the circumstances of why you need it.
If you are making a sandwich, or want to top a burger, then it’s certainly very convenient to just grab a slice.
No preparation is involved, ideal if you’re short on time and there’s less washing up!
However, for other dishes, then a slice of parmesan is not necessarily the answer.
For example, when you wish to add parmesan to a finished pasta dish, then grated cheese is a better option.
You also need to consider that slicing the parmesan will give a slightly different flavor, it won’t be as intense.
Obviously, this may or may not be what you want, depending on the dish.
Here’s the science behind that!
Grated cheese, whether parmesan or another, has a stronger taste because more of the surface area is exposed.
More cheese comes into contact with your taste buds.
And more flavor is released when you actually add it to a dish.
Sounds odd, but try it for yourself!
The texture of parmesan slices is also somewhat different, smoother, rather than the graininess of grated cheese.
So, although sliced parmesan can be more convenient, bear in mind that it is more expensive and can have less flavor.
How to Store a Block of Parmesan Cheese
My Thoughts
- Parmesan cheese is often used in Italian cuisine and is available in various forms
- These include blocks, grated, and sliced
- Sliced Parmesan is seen as a convenient method of adding flavor without having to grate the cheese
- Parmesan slices are more expensive than the grated option
- The flavor of Parmesan cheese is reduced when sliced, making it milder and less intense
So, yes, parmesan cheese is available in slices, making it a convenient option when you want to add that savory, nutty flavor to your dishes.
Why not let me know how you incorporate parmesan slices into your recipes?
You might also want to find out how long grated parmesan cheese lasts.