How do you soften hard Parmesan cheese?

1. Grate it: Grating the cheese into smaller pieces will increase its surface area, making it easier to melt and soften.

2. Microwaving: Place a small piece of Parmesan in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it for a few seconds at a time, checking it frequently to avoid burning.

3. Warm water: Place a small piece of Parmesan in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. The cheese will absorb some of the water and soften.

4. Room temperature: Leave the cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the cheese to soften naturally.

5. Use it in a recipe: The heat from cooking will often be enough to soften the cheese.

Important Note: While these methods can soften Parmesan cheese, it's important to remember that Parmesan is a hard cheese and will never become completely soft like a cream cheese or mozzarella.

Let me know if you have any other questions!