Experts Say This Is the "King of All Cheeses," and It's $6.05 at Aldi Right Now

If you’re building a holiday cheese board on a budget, take note: Aldi’s $6.05 Parmigiano Reggiano might be the best deal you’ll score all season.

“We’re seeing shoppers gravitate to high-protein and versatile cheeses like our Specially Selected Parmigiano Reggiano,” says Kim Brazington, Director of National Buying for Cheese for Aldi. “Most may think of Parmigiano Reggiano as the go-to to grate over pasta, but it's also great for charcuterie and one of my essential cheeses for any kind of board. Many people like to call Parmesan the king of all cheeses because it pairs well with any wine and accoutrements.”

Plunk down a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano next to some sharp cheddar, crackers, and slices of apple or pear, and you'll have a fantastic yet affordable holiday cheese board.

Why People Love This Wedge

Parmigiano Reggiano is surprisingly versatile. It's at home on a cheese board, grated over good frozen pizza, or sprinkled generously on a salad. "[It] will enhance the flavors of the dish without overpowering anything, says Ann Ziata, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

“People are often surprised to learn you can bake ‘chips’ from grated Parmesan known as frico,” Ziata says. “These thin, wafer-like crackers can be used as a salty snack, crispy garnish, or molded into a cup-shape and served topped with mushrooms or herb-whipped goat cheese for a very satisfying hors d'oeuvre.”

There could be something about the history of Parmigiano that appeals to cheese lovers, too. “Americans are really learning to know and appreciate our Parmigiano Reggiano DOP for what it is: a unique, unrepeatable product that tells a thousand-year-old story,” says chef Massimo Spigaroli. (His restaurant Antica Corte Pallavicina in Parma, Italy, has a Michelin star.)

“There's a growing interest, an authentic curiosity that goes far beyond a simple gastronomic trend," he adds.

Where To Find Parmigiano Reggiano

“I am not the cheese police, but opt for authentic Parmigiano at every chance you get,” says Ziata, the chef-instructor. “It’ll taste much nuttier and more complex."

Real Parmigiano Reggiano has an iconic, dotted rind and is certified “PDO” (Protected Designation of Origin). It must be produced and processed to meet certain standards, and can only come from specific regions in Italy.

Many grocery stores carry real Parmigiano, especially those with a cheese counter or large cheese selection. Right now, a 5.3-ounce wedge of the popular cheese is $6.05 at Aldi, or about $18.26 per pound. Trader Joe's sells an older, more flavorful Parmigiano Reggiano (aged 40 months) for $19.99 per pound.

Compare that to Target, where a 24-month wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano is $11.69 (about $26.72 per pound)! If you shop at the right stores, this "king of cheeses" is relatively affordable and well within reach for a holiday snack spread.