Saying goodbye to the cheese wheel
Saying goodbye to the cheese wheel 😭🧀 is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 108 calories per serving. Recipe by Alessandra Brontsema on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min
Cost: $22.99 total, $5.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Parmesan Cheese (hard cheese wheel, cut into large chunks)
- 4 bags Freezer‑Safe Zip Lock Bags (1‑cup capacity each, airtight)
Instructions
Inspect the cheese wheel
Examine the Parmesan wheel for cracks or deep fissures; if a crack goes all the way through, discard the wheel to avoid contamination.
Time: PT2M
Cut the wheel into chunks
Using a sharp chef's knife on a sturdy cutting board, slice the wheel into 2‑3 inch chunks. Keep the cheese as cold as possible (store in fridge until cutting).
Time: PT5M
Prepare the food processor
Attach the grating blade to the food processor, place the bowl securely, and set the processor on a stable surface.
Time: PT2M
Grate the cheese
Add a handful of cheese chunks to the processor and pulse in short bursts until the cheese reaches a fine, fluffy consistency. Work in batches to avoid over‑loading the motor.
Time: PT5M
Bag the grated cheese
Transfer the grated Parmesan into zip lock bags, flatten the cheese into an even layer, press out as much air as possible, seal, and label with the date.
Time: PT3M
Store for future use
Place two bags in the freezer for long‑term storage (up to 3 months) and keep the remaining bags in the refrigerator for quick access (up to 2 weeks).
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 108
- Protein
- 9.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 1 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pre‑grated Parmesan (texture may be drier), Grana Padano
- Instead of Freezer‑Safe Zip Lock Bags: Vacuum seal bags, Reusable silicone storage bags
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Zip Lock Bags
- Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Inspect the cheese wheel for deep cracks and discard if compromised.
- Grate the cheese while it is cold to avoid clumping.
- Press out all air from storage bags to prevent freezer burn.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Grate cheese in short pulses to keep the motor cool and the cheese cold.
- Flatten the grated cheese in the bag for even portioning and faster thawing.
- Store one bag in the fridge for everyday use and keep the rest frozen.
Troubleshooting
Cheese clumps together while grating.
Freeze the cheese chunks for 15‑20 minutes before processing; cold cheese grates more cleanly.
Bag leaks or cheese gets freezer‑burned.
Double‑bag the cheese or use a vacuum sealer; squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight zip lock bag, up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Airtight zip lock bag, up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; will spoil within hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Grate the entire wheel in one session and portion into bags for convenience.
- Label each bag with the date to track freshness.
- If you only need a small amount, keep a bag in the fridge and freeze the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of grated Parmesan cheese in Italian cuisine?
Parmesan, or Parmigiano‑Reggiano, has been produced in the Emilia‑Romagna region since the Middle Ages and is considered the "King of Cheeses" in Italy. Grated Parmesan is a staple topping for pastas, soups, and risottos, adding umami depth and a salty finish that defines many classic Italian dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of using grated Parmesan in Italian cooking?
In northern Italy, grated Parmesan is often sprinkled over risotto alla Milanese and egg‑based dishes, while in central regions it tops pasta alla carbonara and cacio e pepe. Southern Italian cooks may use it sparingly, preferring pecorino, but still incorporate it into baked casseroles and salads.
How is grated Parmesan traditionally served in Italy?
Traditionally, a small grater or microplane is placed at the table, and diners grate fresh Parmesan directly onto hot pasta, soups, or salads just before eating to preserve its aroma and texture.
What occasions or celebrations is grated Parmesan commonly associated with in Italian culture?
Grated Parmesan appears at family meals, holiday feasts like Christmas and Easter, and celebratory gatherings where pasta dishes are central. It is also a key ingredient in festive baked dishes such as lasagna and timballo.
What other Italian dishes pair well with the grated Parmesan cheese prepared by YouTube channel Alessandra Brontsema?
Alessandra Brontsema’s freshly grated Parmesan pairs beautifully with classic Italian recipes on her channel such as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Risotto alla Milanese, and her creamy Tomato Basil Soup, enhancing flavor without overpowering the dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making grated Parmesan cheese using a food processor?
Common mistakes include grating warm cheese, which creates clumps, over‑loading the processor which can overheat the motor, and not removing air from storage bags, leading to freezer burn. Keep the cheese cold, work in small batches, and seal bags tightly.
Why does this recipe use a food processor instead of a hand grater for Parmesan?
Alessandra Brontsema’s method speeds up the process, especially for a whole wheel, and produces a consistent fine texture without the fatigue of manual grating. The processor also minimizes waste by quickly handling large chunks.
Can I make the grated Parmesan ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, grate the cheese in advance. Store portions in airtight zip lock bags: keep a few in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and freeze the rest for up to three months. Label each bag with the date for easy tracking.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Parmesan is properly grated?
Properly grated Parmesan should be light, fluffy, and snow‑flake like, with no large clumps. The particles should be fine enough to melt quickly when added to hot dishes but still retain a slight bite.
What does the YouTube channel Alessandra Brontsema specialize in?
The YouTube channel Alessandra Brontsema specializes in home‑cooking tutorials that focus on classic Italian recipes, practical kitchen hacks, and ingredient‑savvy techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Alessandra Brontsema's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Alessandra Brontsema emphasizes minimal equipment, batch‑prep strategies, and waste‑reduction tips—like turning a cracked cheese wheel into usable grated Parmesan—while many other channels focus on elaborate presentations or specialty tools.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
