5 Ways to Use

Parmesan cheese is a kitchen staple in many households, but what about the rind? If you’ve been throwing it away, you’re missing out on a goldmine of flavor and versatility. Parmesan rinds are packed with umami goodness and can be repurposed in creative, delicious ways.

In this guide, we’ll explore five genius ways to use Parmesan rinds, ensuring you get the most out of every block of cheese while reducing food waste.

1. Infuse Soups and Broths with Umami Depths

One of the simplest and most effective ways to use Parmesan rinds is to drop them into soups, stocks, and broths. As the rind simmers, it releases its rich, nutty, and savory flavors, adding complexity to the dish without overwhelming it.

How to Use Parmesan Rinds in Soups:

• Add a small piece (2-3 inches) of Parmesan rind to your soup while it simmers.

• Let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes to infuse the broth with deep umami notes.

• Remove the rind before serving (it won’t fully melt, but it will soften).

Best Soups for Parmesan Rinds:

✔ Minestrone – Enhances the tomato and vegetable base.

✔ French Onion Soup – Adds a deeper, cheesy undertone.

✔ Chicken or Bone Broth – Elevates the overall richness.

✔ Vegetable Soup – Rounds out plant-based broths.

Pro Tip: Store Parmesan rinds in an airtight container in the freezer so you always have some ready for your next batch of soup!

2. Make a Flavor-Packed Parmesan Broth

If you love homemade broths, a Parmesan rind broth is a game-changer. This light but flavorful broth can be sipped on its own, used as a base for risotto, or incorporated into pasta sauces.

How to Make Parmesan Broth:

1. In a large pot, combine:

• 4-5 Parmesan rinds

• 8 cups of water

• 1 onion (quartered)

• 2 cloves garlic (smashed)

• 1-2 bay leaves

• Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1-2 hours.

3. Strain out the solids and use the broth immediately or store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Ways to Use Parmesan Broth:

✔ As a base for risotto instead of traditional stock.

✔ In pasta sauces to enhance creaminess and depth.

✔ As a light soup with added vegetables and protein.

Pro Tip: Freeze Parmesan broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning when cooking.

3. Enhance Pasta Sauces with a Cheesy Boost

Pasta sauces—especially tomato-based and cream sauces—can benefit from the subtle salty complexity of Parmesan rinds. Instead of adding more grated cheese, simmering the rind in the sauce extracts its essence into the dish.

How to Use Parmesan Rinds in Pasta

Sauce:

1. Drop a Parmesan rind into your tomato sauce while it simmers.

2. Allow it to cook for 20-30 minutes to extract the cheesy goodness.

3. Remove the rind before serving (it will be too chewy to eat).

Best Pasta Sauces for Parmesan Rinds:

✔ Marinara Sauce – Adds a deep, savory balance to acidity.

✔ Alfredo Sauce – Enhances the cheesy, creamy texture.

✔ Bolognese – Brings out the umami in meat-based sauces.

✔ Puttanesca – Compliments olives, capers, and tomatoes.

Pro Tip: You can reuse a Parmesan rind multiple times in sauces before discarding it.

4. Elevate a Pot of Beans for Extra Flavor

Cooking dried beans from scratch? Toss a Parmesan rind into the pot to infuse the beans with a rich, cheesy undertone. This is a traditional Italian technique that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

How to Use Parmesan Rinds When

Cooking Beans:

1. Soak and rinse your dried beans overnight.

2. Add the beans to a pot with water, aromatics (onion, garlic, bay leaves), and a Parmesan rind.

3. Simmer until the beans are tender, then remove the rind before serving.

Best Beans for Parmesan Rinds:

✔ White beans (Cannellini, Navy, or Great Northern)

✔ Chickpeas

✔ Lentils

✔ Black beans

Pro Tip: The Parmesan rind will create a slightly creamy broth around the beans, making them even more delicious and satisfying.

5. Craft a Homemade Parmesan-Infused Oil

Parmesan-infused oil is a delicious finishing oil for salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, or bread dipping. It captures the nutty, savory essence of Parmesan cheese and elevates any dish.

How to Make Parmesan-Infused Oil:

1. In a small saucepan, combine:

• 1 cup of good-quality olive oil

• 1-2 Parmesan rinds

2. Heat on low for 30 minutes (do not let it boil).

3. Remove the rinds and let the oil cool.

4. Store in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.

Ways to Use Parmesan-Infused Oil:

✔ Drizzle over roasted vegetables.

✔ Use in salad dressings.

✔ Finish risotto or pasta dishes.

✔ Serve as a dipping oil for bread.

Pro Tip: Infused oil should always be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Parmesan Rinds: A Zero-Waste Kitchen Staple

Parmesan rinds are too valuable to throw away! Whether you’re making a soup, sauce, broth, or even an infused oil, these cheese remnants provide an easy way to add depth and richness to your cooking.

By using Parmesan rinds, you’re not only reducing food waste but also enhancing your meals with a secret ingredient that many chefs swear by.

Next time you finish a wedge of Parmesan, save the rind and try one of these five creative ways to use it!