Nachos are a popular appetizer or snack made of tortilla chips covered in melted cheese and various other toppings. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are common cheeses used on nachos, some people also like to add Parmesan cheese. But is Parmesan a good addition to nachos or does it not quite work?
The Flavor of Parmesan Cheese
First, let’s consider the flavor of Parmesan cheese. Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a rich, nutty, and salty flavor that is quite intense. When grated fresh, Parmesan has a slight crystalline crunch and melts smoothly when heated. The flavor of Parmesan is robust and can hold its own when combined with other ingredients.
Here are some key facts about Parmesan cheese:
- It has a very savory, umami taste.
- It is salty, but not as salty as feta or blue cheese.
- It has a slight bitterness.
- It has a granular texture, especially when freshly grated.
- It has aromas of butter, milk, and nuts.
Overall, Parmesan is a cheese with a lot of flavor punch. It has a mix of savory, salty, bitter, and nutty notes that all combine to create a bold taste profile.
How Parmesan Pairs with Nachos
Now let’s consider how Parmesan pairs with classic nacho ingredients. Nachos are layered with:
- Tortilla chips
- Melted cheese like cheddar, Jack, or queso
- Refried beans or black beans
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Meat like beef or chicken (optional)
Parmesan has a few things working for and against it when matched with these classic nacho flavors:
Potential Pros
- The saltiness of Parmesan can balance out the richness of the melted cheese and enhance other flavors.
- Its nutty, savory notes complement ingredients like beans and salsa.
- Its hearty flavor stands up to spicy jalapeños and meat toppings.
Potential Cons
- Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly as other cheeses which can create a gritty texture.
- It can overpower more delicate ingredients like guacamole and sour cream.
- Its saltiness could clash with salty meats or beans.
- Some people simply don’t like the flavor of Parmesan.
Overall, Parmesan seems like it could pair well with some nacho ingredients like salsa, jalapeños, and meat. But the cons suggest Parmesan may not work universally across all styles of nachos.
Best Practices for Adding Parmesan
If you want to experiment with Parmesan on your nachos, here are some best practices:
- Grate it finely. Finely grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly than larger chunks.
- Use it sparingly. Parmesan has a very strong flavor. Just a light sprinkling over the top is likely enough.
- Add it along with other cheese. Pair it with mozzarella or cheddar so there is still melted cheese binding everything together.
- Stick to meaty, spicy, or salsa-topped nachos. Parmesan tends to pair best with bold, savory flavors.
- Avoid guacamole or sour cream topped nachos. Parmesan could clash with these cool, creamy ingredients.
Being judicious with how much Parmesan you use and what ingredients you pair it with is key to success.
What Do the Experts Recommend?
Chefs and nacho experts tend to be divided over whether Parmesan cheese belongs on nachos or not. Here are some opinions on both sides of the debate:
Yes to Parmesan
- “I love the salty, nutty pops of flavor that Parmesan adds.” – Anne Burrell, Food Network chef
- “A touch of grated Parmesan can enhance nachos with a tasty, granular texture.” – Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit editor
- “I use just a sprinkle of Parmesan on my beef and salsa nachos for a savory boost.” – Elizabeth Karmel, cookbook author
No to Parmesan
- “Parmesan’s flavor is too overpowering for nachos. I’d stick with milder melting cheeses.” – Richard Sandoval, Mexican chef and restauranteur
- “The texture of Parmesan just doesn’t work well when melted. I’d leave it off.” – Aaron Sanchez, Food Network chef
- “To me, Parmesan throws off the flavors and textures of classic nachos.” – Marcela Valladolid, chef and TV host
The experts seem to agree that a little Parmesan can work, but too much overpowers. Using it selectively is advised.
Customer Reviews of Parmesan on Nachos
Looking at customer reviews online also provides helpful insight into real-world experiences with Parmesan on nachos:
| Author | Experience |
|---|---|
| Kelly M. | I tried Parmesan on my vegetarian nachos and loved it! The little crunchy bits paired so well with the beans, salsa, and guac. |
| Mark J. | I used too much Parmesan and it totally overwhelmed all the other flavors. Less is more with Parmesan on nachos. |
| Ashley S. | I only sprinkle on a bit of Parmesan at the very end. It adds a nice finishing touch of saltiness. |
| James P. | I added Parmesan to my loaded beef nachos. The salty savoriness paired perfectly with the meat and spicy jalapeños. |
| Michelle G. | I love Parmesan but felt it made the nachos too gritty. I’ll stick to cheddar or Monterey Jack for melty goodness. |
The customer reviews reiterate that Parmesan can work well when used sparingly and paired thoughtfully with ingredients like meat and spices. But too much Parmesan risks making nachos gritty or overly salty.
The Verdict
So what’s the final verdict on Parmesan cheese on nachos? Here are some concluding guidelines:
- A little Parmesan can add a nice savory, salty pop when paired with the right nacho toppings.
- But Parmesan’s strong flavor means a light sprinkling is plenty. Too much risks overpowering other flavors.
- Parmesan works best with bold ingredients like spicy meat, beans, and salsa. It may not pair as well with delicate toppings like guacamole.
- Make sure to grate Parmesan finely so it melts evenly and doesn’t create a gritty texture.
- Consider mixing Parmesan with other melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for best results.
Overall, Parmesan isn’t a universally perfect nacho cheese. But used selectively in the right amounts and with the right toppings, it can be a tasty addition. Nacho lovers should feel empowered to experiment with a sprinkle of Parmesan on occasions when that savory, salty burst of flavor could provide the perfect flavor enhancement.