Parmesan
Nutty, salty and packed with savory flavor, Parmesan (or Parmigiano-Reggiano, if you’re being proper) is the cheese I reach for more than any other. It’s the backbone of a great Caesar, whether that’s my Classic Caesar Salad with crispy croutons or a bright, 5-minute Lemon Caesar Dressing you’ll want on everything. It melts into cozy soups like Ribollita, the hearty Tuscan bread soup, and Italian Wedding Soup with escarole. Blend it into a Sicilian-inspired Pesto Rosso with sun-dried tomatoes and almonds, or bake it into a golden, crispy topping for Pomodori Ripieni. And don’t toss those rinds: save them to add rich flavor to soups and sauces.