Copycat Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning Recipe

Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning is a rich, tangy essence of Parmesan cheese paired with a smooth blend of savory herbs and spices. It’s not just a seasoning; it’s a flavor revolution waiting to happen.

How to make Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning

Dan-O’s Cheesoning Seasoning is a versatile, all-purpose blend that combines rich, full-bodied Parmesan cheese with savory Italian herbs and spices, offering a taste of Italy with a Southern twist. It’s designed to be a flavorful alternative to traditional Parmesan or Italian seasoning, suitable for enhancing a wide range of dishes.​

Ingredients

Core Base Ingredients:

• Powdered Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoons) – For that rich, cheesy flavor.
• Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon) – Adds depth and warmth.
• Onion Powder (1 tablespoon) – Balances the garlic while adding a subtle sweetness.

Herb Blend:

• Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon) – Brings a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Dried Basil (1 teaspoon) – For that “Taste of Italy” flair.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon) – Adds a slight earthy tang.
• Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon) – Adds a mild smokiness and a pop of color.

Seasonings:

• Salt (1½ teaspoons) – Enhances the flavors and balances the blend.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – A hint of spice and sharpness.
• Red Chili Flakes (Optional, ¼ teaspoon) – For a slight kick of heat if desired.

Optional Additives:

• Nutritional Yeast (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the cheesiness while keeping it healthy.
• Citric Acid (¼ teaspoon) – Adds a tangy brightness to round out the flavors.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out each ingredient precisely and set them aside in small bowls to avoid mixing errors.
2. Combine the Spices and Herbs: In a medium mixing bowl, add all the dried herbs (parsley, basil, oregano) followed by garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
3. Add Your Parmesan Base: Mix in the powdered Parmesan cheese. Be sure to break up any clumps for a smooth texture.
4. Incorporate Salt and Pepper: Stir in the salt and black pepper. Adjust quantities to suit your taste preferences.
5. Optional Enhancers: If you’d like a cheesier punch, mix in nutritional yeast or citric acid for added complexity. This step is especially useful for achieving a closer match to Dan O’s Cheesoning.
6. Blend Thoroughly: Use a whisk or spoon to combine everything evenly. You want the seasoning to be uniform in texture and flavor.
7. Store the Mix: Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar. For optimal freshness, store in a cool, dry place for 2–3 months.

Tips for Success

• Taste as You Go: Always give your seasoning a quick taste before storing it. Adjust salt, pepper, or add herbs depending on your personal flavor preferences.
• Customize the Heat Level: If you enjoy a bit of spice, try increasing the red chili flakes slightly. Alternatively, omit the chili for a milder flavor profile.
• Experiment with Uses: This blend is amazing over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, popcorn, homemade pasta, or as a finishing touch for soups. Think beyond the traditional!
• Make It Vegan: Replace powdered Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a 100% vegan version. It still delivers cheesy goodness!
• Batch Size: Feel free to scale the recipe based on your needs. Make a large batch to have it ready for weeks, or whip up a smaller batch if you’re just experimenting.

What to serve with

Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning is a versatile blend packed with bold, cheesy flavors, herbs, spices, and a hint of smokiness. It’s perfect for enhancing everything from proteins to snacks, vegetables, and sides.

1. Proteins

Cheesoning pairs beautifully with various meats, seafood, and vegetarian substitutes.

Chicken Dishes:

• Use Cheesoning to season grilled chicken breasts or thighs. Rub it on the surface before grilling or roasting to create a golden, crusty layer of flavor.
• Sprinkle over pan-seared chicken wings for a twist on traditional wing seasoning.
• Add to shredded chicken for tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.

Beef & Pork:

• Rub it onto steak or pork chops before cooking. The cheesiness perfectly complements the rich flavors of the meat.
• Mix Cheesoning into your ground beef for seasoned burger patties or meatballs.

Seafood:

• Dust tilapia, salmon, or shrimp with Cheesoning before baking or grilling for a flavorful seafood option.
• Toss it with bread crumbs for crispy fish tacos or fried calamari.

Vegetarian Protein Alternatives:

• Season tofu or tempeh before pan-frying or grilling.
• Sprinkle it over a skillet of crispy chickpeas or edamame for a high-protein snack.

2. Vegetables

Cheesoning elevates even the simplest vegetable dishes by adding a depth of flavor.

Roasted Vegetables:

• Toss vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, carrots, asparagus, or cauliflower with olive oil and Cheesoning before roasting. The Parmesan flavor crisps up beautifully, creating a golden crust.

Grilled Vegetables:

• Sprinkle Cheesoning over corn on the cob before grilling for a cheesy twist. It works great with melted butter or a drizzle of lime juice.
• Add it to grilled eggplant or bell peppers for Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Mashed Potatoes:

• Stir Cheesoning into mashed potatoes or sprinkle it as a garnish to bring a cheesy, herby note to this classic side dish.

Fries or Potatoes:

• Toss French fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes with Cheesoning for a burst of flavor.

3. Snacks

Dan O’s Cheesoning shines as a seasoning for quick, flavorful bites.

Popcorn:

• Sprinkle Cheesoning onto freshly popped popcorn for a cheesy, savory snack.
• Add melted butter or olive oil to help the seasoning stick better.

Chips: Toss Cheesoning with homemade baked tortilla chips or potato chips for a gourmet snack upgrade.

Roasted Nuts: Dust Cheesoning over roasted almonds, cashews, or peanuts for a bold, cheesy snack.

Garlic Bread: Combine Cheesoning with softened butter and spread on bread before toasting. The Parmesan and herb flavors work wonders on garlic bread.

4. Pasta and Rice Dishes

Pasta:

• Stir Cheesoning into creamy alfredo sauce or tomato-based pasta sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
• Sprinkle over cooked pasta before serving as a finishing touch.

Macaroni and Cheese:

• Add Cheesoning to your mac and cheese recipe for an extra cheesy, bold flavor.

Rice Dishes:

• Mix Cheesoning into your fried rice or sprinkle it over freshly steamed white or brown rice.
• Use it to season risotto for a gourmet cheesy kick.

5. Breakfast Dishes

Eggs:

• Sprinkle Cheesoning over scrambled eggs, omelets, or fried eggs.
• Mix it into egg batter for a flavorful quiche or frittata.

Avocado Toast:

• Boost your avocado toast by sprinkling Cheesoning on top, along with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.

Hash Browns:

• Toss shredded potatoes for hash browns with Cheesoning and fry until crispy and golden.

6. Soups and Salads

Soups:

• Sprinkle Cheesoning over creamy soups like tomato soup, potato leek soup, or corn chowder for an elevated garnish.
• Stir it into the base of soup recipes for cheesy depth in every bite.

Salads:

• Add Cheesoning to your salad greens when tossing or mix it into dressings to add a flavor boost.
• Sprinkle it over Caesar salad or mixed vegetable salads for cheesy goodness.

7. Breads and Doughs

Cheesoning works wonders in baked goods and bread-based recipes.

• Pizza: Sprinkle Cheesoning over homemade pizza dough to add additional flavor to your crust. It’s perfect for white or tomato-based pizzas!
• Flatbreads: Brush flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle Cheesoning before baking for an herbaceous appetizer or side dish.
• Biscuits: Mix Cheesoning into your biscuit dough for cheesy herb biscuits perfect for pairing with soups or stews.

8. Miscellaneous Ideas

Dip or Dressing:

• Mix Cheesoning into sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese for a flavorful dip for veggies, chips, or crackers.
• Add it to ranch dressing or vinaigrettes for elevated salad or dipping sauces.

Homemade Croutons:

• Sprinkle Cheesoning onto bread cubes before baking to make flavorful croutons for salads or soups.

Tacos or Wraps:

• Use Cheesoning to season taco fillings (chicken, beef, or crumbled tofu) or sprinkle it on top as a final garnish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Dan-O’s Cheesoning is a blend of spices and cheese flavoring that gives dishes a cheesy, savory kick without artificial ingredients. However, if you’re out of this specific seasoning or are looking for alternatives due to dietary restrictions or to customize flavor profiles, consider creating your own mix using substitute ingredients.

1. Cheese Powder

Primary Ingredient: Dan-O’s Cheesoning likely gets its cheesy flavor from some form of cheese powder, commonly made from cheddar, parmesan, or blue cheese.

Substitutes: Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan substitute for cheese powder due to its cheesy, nutty flavor profile. For a non-vegan alternative, you can use any kind of powdered cheese that suits your taste (such as parmesan or Romano). You could also dehydrate your preferred cheese and grind it into a powder.

2. Garlic Powder

Primary Ingredient: An integral part of most seasoning blends, providing a savory depth.

Substitutes: Granulated garlic, though slightly coarser, can be a direct substitute. If you’re in a pinch, a half teaspoon of fresh minced garlic can substitute for one-eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder. Asafoetida (hing) can mimic garlic’s umami quality in a pinch, but due to its potency, use sparingly.

3. Onion Powder

Primary Ingredient: Offers a slightly sweet, savory flavor.

Substitutes: Granulated onion is a good alternative, similar to the garlic substitution strategy. A small amount of fresh finely minced onion can work too, though it may affect the texture.

4. Salt

Primary Ingredient: Enhances all the flavors in the seasoning.

Substitutes: Kosher salt or sea salt can replace table salt. Note the differences in crystal size; you may need to adjust the amount used. Alternatively, for a lower sodium option, potassium chloride salts or salt substitutes could work but will alter the taste slightly.

5. Herbs and Spices

Primary Ingredients: Any specific blend can include a range of herbs and spices like paprika for a touch of heat and color, oregano, thyme for their earthy notes, and perhaps turmeric for its color and slight bitterness.

Substitutes: You can tailor this mix depending on your goal. If you desire more heat, increase paprika or add cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a more Italian flavor profile, you might lean heavier on oregano and basil.

6. Yeast Extract

Primary Ingredient: Often used to add umami, a savory taste that deepens the overall flavor.

Substitutes: For a similar umami depth, you can use a bit of soy sauce powder (watch out for additional liquid if using liquid soy sauce), miso powder, or even ground-dried mushrooms.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning allows you to customize the flavors to your liking while saving money in the long run. Plus, it’s always fun to experiment and tweak recipes until they reflect your taste preferences!

More Seasoning Recipes:

• Homemade Dan O’s Seasoning Recipe
• Cherry Powder Recipe
• Chimichurri Seasoning Recipe