Ten ways to put your leftover cheese rinds to work

There’s a silver lining to reaching the end of your Parmesan block; an old-time culinary secret used by both chefs and everyday folk around the world.

It's called the rind and it's exactly what it sounds like: a protective crust that forms around the outside of a cheese wheel. While Parmesan rinds are completely edible, the dense texture makes it difficult to grind, and somewhat intimidating to work with.

Parmesan rinds can be used in many ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes, and when prepared in certain ways, can also be eaten.

​Here are ten ways to reduce waste in the kitchen and put your Parmesan cheese rinds to work:

1. Use as a base for cheese sauces

​Steep the rinds in milk and cream until softened, then strain the remaining pieces out. Use the condensed sauce as a base for comfort delights like mac n' cheese or au gratin potatoes.

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2. Cook and eat rinds

​Cheese rinds can be toasted like s'mores, grilled, or put under the broiler until soft and slightly crunchy on the tips. When cooled, eat as is, or throw on a sandwich for extra flavor.

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3. Use cheese rinds as a bowl

​Carve out a wheel of Parmesan and use as bowl to serve cheese fondue, or cut up cheese chunks as a fun display.

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4. Crisp rinds and serve

​Cut into thinly and microwave for 30 seconds. Top on a burger, crumble on a salad, or eat as is.

5. Flavor rinds in tomato sauce

Cut the cheese rinds into rough, big chunks and throw into a tomato sauce base sauce such as bolognese.

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6. Store rinds in olive oil

Store Parmesan cheese rinds in olive oil and drizzle on bread. Store alone or with garlic, chili pepper, or other herbs for added flavor.

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7. Add rinds to soup

When simmering, add cheese rinds to soup pot or slow cooker and then spoon around when serving to enhance the flavor.

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8. Grate and eat

With a good, sharp grater, patience, and enough elbow grease, a Parmesan rind can be finely grated just like the rest of the wheel.

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9. Make a Parmesan broth

Add cheese rinds to a potted of salted water and simmer until rind has melted. Strain with a sieve and use as a base for pasta, soup, or risotto

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10. Steam with veggies

Add Parmesan rind to a steamer basket to add a umami flavor to vegetables.

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