🥛 Dairy

Parmesan Cheese Substitute for Pesto - for Pesto Sauce

Find the best parmesan cheese substitutes specifically for pesto sauce. Learn which alternatives work best for authentic pesto flavor and texture.

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Quick Answer

The best parmesan cheese substitutes for pesto are pecorino romano, asiago, grana padano, or nutritional yeast. Use 1:1 ratio and blend with other pesto ingredients for authentic flavor.

Best Substitutes

Pecorino Romano

1:1

Hard Italian cheese with sharp, salty flavor that blends well in pesto

Best for:

pesto saucepastapizzasandwichesdips

Most similar flavor and texture to parmesan in pesto

Asiago

1:1

Hard Italian cheese with nutty flavor that creates smooth pesto

Best for:

pesto saucepastapizzasandwichesdips

Slightly nuttier flavor, excellent for pesto

Grana Padano

1:1

Hard Italian cheese with nutty flavor that blends perfectly in pesto

Best for:

pesto saucepastapizzasandwichesdips

Very similar to parmesan, perfect for pesto

Nutritional Yeast

1:1

Deactivated yeast flakes that add cheesy, umami flavor to pesto

Best for:

vegan pestodairy-free pestopastapizzasandwiches

Vegan option, adds umami flavor to pesto

Manchego

1:1

Spanish hard cheese with nutty flavor that creates smooth pesto

Best for:

pesto saucepastapizzasandwichesdips

Spanish cheese with nutty flavor, works well in pesto

Cashew Parmesan

1:1

Blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and seasonings for pesto

Best for:

vegan pestodairy-free pestopastapizzasandwiches

Homemade blend, perfect for vegan pesto

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Grate cheese finely before adding to pesto for smooth blending
  • 💡Add cheese gradually while blending pesto for best texture
  • 💡For nutritional yeast: Add 1 tablespoon at a time while blending
  • 💡For cashew parmesan: Soak cashews for 2-4 hours for creamier texture
  • 💡Use a food processor for best pesto texture and blending
  • 💡Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor if using nutritional yeast
  • 💡Store pesto in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
  • 💡Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for parmesan cheese in pesto?

Pecorino romano is the best substitute for parmesan cheese in pesto. It has similar flavor and texture, though it's saltier than parmesan, so you may need to adjust the salt in your pesto recipe.

Can I use asiago instead of parmesan in pesto?

Yes, asiago is an excellent substitute for parmesan in pesto. It has a slightly nuttier flavor and blends very smoothly, creating a creamy pesto similar to parmesan.

How do I substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan in pesto?

Use nutritional yeast in a 1:1 ratio, but add it gradually while blending. It won't melt like cheese, so you'll need to blend it well with your other pesto ingredients for smooth texture.

Can I use grana padano instead of parmesan in pesto?

Yes, grana padano is very similar to parmesan and works excellently in pesto. It has a nutty flavor and blends perfectly, creating authentic pesto flavor.

What about cashew parmesan in pesto?

Cashew parmesan is perfect for vegan pesto. It provides similar texture and flavor to parmesan while being completely dairy-free. Soak the cashews first for creamier texture.

How do I make pesto without parmesan cheese?

Use nutritional yeast, cashew parmesan, or another hard cheese substitute. Blend with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Add the cheese substitute gradually while blending for best texture.

Summary

Find the best parmesan cheese substitutes for pesto sauce. Pecorino romano, asiago, grana padano, and nutritional yeast alternatives with pesto recipes.