Out of Grated Parmesan cheese, one case
Grated Parmesan cheese substitute - for grating
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Pecorino Romano
Same amount as the grated Parmesan cheese
The best substitutes for grated parmesan cheese are pecorino romano, asiago, grana padano, or nutritional yeast. Use 1:1 ratio and grate finely for best results.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- pasta
One casethe full Parmesan cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of grated Parmesan cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pecorino Romanopasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Asiagopasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Grana Padanopasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Manchegopasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Nutritional yeastpasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Cheddarpasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Pecorino Romano
different taste, similar texture
Hard Italian cheese that grates easily and has similar texture to parmesan
- Best for
- pasta, risotto, soups, salads, pizza, finishing dishes
Most similar texture and grating properties to parmesan.
Asiago
similar taste and texture
Hard Italian cheese with nutty flavor that grates well and melts smoothly
- Best for
- pasta, risotto, soups, salads, pizza, finishing dishes
Similar flavor and grating properties to parmesan.
Grana Padano
similar taste and texture
Hard Italian cheese with nutty flavor that grates easily and melts well
- Best for
- pasta, risotto, soups, salads, pizza, finishing dishes
Very similar to parmesan in flavor and grating properties.
Manchego
different taste, similar texture
Spanish hard cheese with nutty flavor that grates easily and melts smoothly
- Best for
- pasta, risotto, soups, salads, pizza, finishing dishes
Spanish cheese with nutty flavor, grates well.
Nutritional yeast
different taste and texture
Deactivated yeast flakes that can be sprinkled like grated cheese
- Best for
- pasta, soups, salads, popcorn, grain bowls, vegan recipes
Vegan option, doesn't need grating.
Cheddar
different taste, similar texture
Hard cheese with different flavor that grates easily and melts well
- Best for
- pasta, soups, salads, pizza, finishing dishes
Different flavor but grates well.
How it behaves in this recipe
Grated parmesan substitutes work because they provide similar texture and can be easily sprinkled or grated over dishes. The key is choosing alternatives that grate well and have similar melting properties while maintaining the ability to enhance the dish's flavor.
Tips for substituting grated Parmesan cheese
8 tips- Grate cheese finely for best melting and distribution
- Use a microplane grater for the finest, most even grating
- Grate cheese just before using for best flavor and texture
- For nutritional yeast: Sprinkle directly from the container
- Store grated cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Freeze grated cheese for up to 3 months for longer storage
- For pasta: Toss grated cheese with hot pasta for best melting
- For soups: Add grated cheese gradually while stirring
Notes on grated Parmesan cheese
- Use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor
- Try pre-grated cheese for convenience
- Consider cheese powder for instant flavor
- Use herbs and spices to enhance flavor without cheese
Questions
6 questionsWhat is the best substitute for grated parmesan cheese?
Pecorino romano is the best substitute for grated parmesan cheese. It has similar texture and grating properties, though it has a sharper, saltier flavor than parmesan.
Can I use asiago instead of grated parmesan?
Yes, asiago is an excellent substitute for grated parmesan cheese. It has similar flavor and texture, grates easily, and melts well in most recipes.
What about grana padano for grating?
Grana padano is very similar to parmesan and works excellently for grating. It has a nutty flavor and grates easily, making it good for finishing dishes.
Can I use nutritional yeast instead of grated parmesan?
Yes, nutritional yeast can be used instead of grated parmesan. It doesn't need grating and can be sprinkled directly from the container, though it has a different texture and flavor.
How do I grate cheese for the best results?
Use a microplane grater for the finest, most even grating. Grate cheese just before using for best flavor and texture. Store grated cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use cheddar instead of grated parmesan?
Yes, cheddar can work as a substitute for grated parmesan cheese. It grates easily and melts well, though it has a different flavor profile than parmesan.