How Much Parmesan Cheese to Substitute for Cheddar Cheese
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Parmesan Cheese keeps a similar flavor profile to Cheddar Cheese.
How much parmesan cheese equals one Cheddar Cheese?
Use 1 cup Parmesan Cheese per cup of Cheddar Cheese
Health notes
Compared with Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese has: less calories (370 vs 403 per 100g in Cheddar Cheese), less fat (5g vs 33.3g per 100g in Cheddar Cheese), less saturated fat (3.1g vs 18.9g per 100g in Cheddar Cheese), more protein (40g vs 22.9g per 100g in Cheddar Cheese), and more carbs (40g vs 3.4g per 100g in Cheddar Cheese).
Using parmesan cheese as a cheddar cheese substitute in baking
1:1 by weight. Works in savory muffins, biscuits, and cheese breads. Adds umami and salt.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 by weight. Melts into creamy pools. Add at the end to avoid toughening.
- Frying
1:1 by weight. Crisps and browns beautifully. Adds nutty, salty crust.
- Grilling
1:1 by weight. Melts into creamy layer. Watch heat to avoid burning.
- Raw Cold
1:1 by weight. Shave or grate fine. Adds salty, umami punch.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Slow Cook
Not recommended: hardens and becomes tough in long, moist heat.
- Steaming
Not recommended: doesn't emulsify; becomes tough and grainy.
- Drinks
Not recommended: doesn't dissolve; texture is gritty.
FAQ
- Can I substitute parmesan cheese for Cheddar Cheese in baking?
Yes. 1:1 by weight. Works in savory muffins, biscuits, and cheese breads. Adds umami and salt. Not recommended: hardens and becomes tough in long, moist heat.
- How much parmesan cheese to use as a cheddar cheese substitute?
Sharper and saltier with less fat richness; reduce added salt in the recipe.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Parmesan cheese keeps a similar flavor profile to cheddar cheese.
- How does texture change when substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Parmesan cheese drier, crumblier texture in baked goods. Melts into thinner, less creamy layer. Crisps more readily when fried or grilled.
- What else should I know about substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
For savory baking, sauteing, frying, and grilling, use parmesan 1:1 by weight. Expect sharper, saltier results with more umami and less fat richness. Skip slow cooking and steaming. Parmesan is drier and harder than cheddar - it melts differently and won't create the same creamy layer. Use less salt elsewhere in the recipe. Shave or grate fine for even melting.
- What still works when substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Parmesan cheese still works as a fat, flavor carrier, texture, and umami.
- What won't work when substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Parmesan cheese won't work as a emulsifier.
- How well does Parmesan Cheese match Cheddar Cheese?
Parmesan cheese is good on structure, good on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Parmesan cheese has about x7 fewer fat and x6 fewer sat. fat, and about x2 more protein. Overall, calories is similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Parmesan Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
The flavor shifts toward more acidic and less pungent notes.