Let's Get Cracking!

There’s a reason Parmigiano-Reggiano is known as the King of Cheese. Savory and nutty with a hint of satisfying crunch, true Parmigiano-Reggiano follows a strict set of guidelines:

  • Produced in a specific region of Italy
  • Use milk from grass-fed cows
  • Aged at least 12 months

It’s also produced and shipped to Mariano’s in giant 80-pound wheels! We crack these wheels in-house before we break them into smaller portions that are available in our cheese shop.

Hailing from Traversetolese Artisan Dairy in Parma, Italy, it’s made with raw, grass-fed milk and aged for 24 months. This small operation only makes 20,000 wheels a year (of the 3.6 million produced globally) and is known for cheese with bright flavor, a dense paste, and a nutty finish — all in all, one of the best versions you can buy.

Join the fun and see how it’s done!

We’re tired of keeping the Parm Cracking excitement to ourselves — we want to share the experience with you, our loyal customers!

Stop into your local Mariano’s for our BIG citywide Parm Cracking event the third Saturday of every month. - NO EVENT IN MAY 2023

Watch our cheese mongers crack open a fresh wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Plus enjoy samples straight from the heart of the wheel, where it’s at peak flavor. You will also learn more about Parmigiano-Reggiano and discover why it’s a culinary staple — and why using the real deal in your cooking makes a difference.

We’re tired of keeping the Parm Cracking excitement to ourselves — we want to share the experience with you, our loyal customers!

Stop into your local Mariano’s for our BIG citywide Parm Cracking event the third Saturday of every month. - NO EVENT IN MAY 2023

Watch our cheese mongers crack open a fresh wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Plus enjoy samples straight from the heart of the wheel, where it’s at peak flavor. You will also learn more about Parmigiano-Reggiano and discover why it’s a culinary staple — and why using the real deal in your cooking makes a difference.

The secret ingredient is always Parm!

Whether it’s folded in, sprinkled on top, or melted in the middle, cooking with freshly cracked Parmigiano-Reggiano adds an authentic Italian flavor to every dish. Try making some of our favorites.

Hungry for more?

Watch these quick videos and follow along with the full recipes provided above so you can cook these classic dishes with confidence in your kitchen.

It’s time you introduced your taste buds to the Italian version of grilled street corn that’s loaded with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Chef Paul from the Illinois Pork Association will have your mouth watering as you watch him mix together this easy and irresistible recipe for homemade meatball salad. Your family will squeal with delight after the first bite!

Tastemaker Chef Tony Priolo is sharing his recipe for Mushroom Risotto using our very own Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, complimented by Piccolo Sogno Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Feed you passion to shop local and eat local when you learn how to make 4 Star Artisan Italian Sausage Pasta from the pros!