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4 inspiring Grana Padano recipes

By TASTE, 10 November 2022

With a history unmatched by most cheeses, Grana Padano is in a class of its own. Named for its grainy texture, Grana Padano adds an irresistible depth of flavour to everything from crumbled chicken to a asparagus gratin – no wonder 5 million wheels are produced each year

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This iconic cheese has been handcrafted in Italy for almost 1 000 years (it’s even got Protected Designation of Origin status to prove it)! With a 9–15-month-long meticulous production process and distinct flavour, it’s no wonder 5 million wheels are produced each year. Take your meals to the next level with Grana Padano! This Italian hard cheese is full-bodied with salty, nutty flavours. It can easily be enjoyed on its own, thinly sliced on bread, or added to classic Italian dishes. Here are 4 recipes to turn to when you're not sure what to make using your wedge of Grana Padano:

New midweek favourite: Grana Padano crumbed chicken

If you’re in search of a new chicken recipe to your midweek recipe rotation, this Grana Padano-crumbed chicken is it! It has a golden and crispy exterior, while the chicken remains super juicy and tender. It’s also versatile; you can add these crumbed fillets to lunchbox sandwiches and salads. Get the recipe for Grana Padano-and-coppa crumbed chicken with sautéed kale here.

Cheesy classic: Grana Padano mac 'n cheese

Mac ’n cheese is quick, easy and always comforting. But if you want to elevate this simple dish, add grated Grana Padano to your béchamel sauce. It adds a sharp, nutty, salty flavour. Get the recipes for Grana Padano PDO mac ‘n cheese here.

Sunday roast side: asparagus gratin

Why stop at potatoes? Baking seasonal veg in a creamy cheese sauce is always a good idea. This a great way to explore a new method of serving vegetables – and it's utterly irresistible. Get the recipe for asparagus gratin with spiced Grana Padano white sauce here.

Just add veg: Roast vegetables

When summer comes around, you want quick and light meals that don’t require too much hassle in the kitchen. This recipe ticks all those boxes. Use store-bought pre-cut pumpkin and toss with an assortment of mushrooms, olive oil and herbs, finish off with Grana Padano shavings and pop in the oven to roast. It’s ready to serve in under 60 minutes and can be added to pasta, and salads or served as a side with your favourite meaty roast. Get the recipe or roast pumpkin and mushrooms here.

With its crystal-like, crumbly texture and mild, delicate flavour, it’s no mystery why Grana Padano is so popular. Its consistently excellent quality is due to each wheel being examined at nine months by an impartial technician from the official Consortium of Grana Padano. Only after this does a wheel of Grana Padano receive its iconic firebrand – your guarantee of authenticity and exceptional flavour.