Out of Parmesan cheese, one case
Parmesan cheese substitute for pesto - for pesto sauce
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Pecorino Romano
Same amount as the Parmesan cheese
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- pesto sauce
One casethe full Parmesan cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Parmesan cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pecorino Romanopesto sauce | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Asiagopesto sauce | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Grana Padanopesto sauce | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Nutritional yeastvegan pesto | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Manchegopesto sauce | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Cashew Parmesanvegan pesto | Same amountWorks | Works |
Pecorino Romano
similar taste and texture
Hard Italian cheese with sharp, salty flavor that blends well in pesto
- Best for
- pesto sauce, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, dips
Most similar flavor and texture to parmesan in pesto.
Asiago
similar taste and texture
Hard Italian cheese with nutty flavor that creates smooth pesto
- Best for
- pesto sauce, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, dips
Slightly nuttier flavor, excellent for pesto.
Grana Padano
similar taste and texture
Hard Italian cheese with nutty flavor that blends well in pesto
- Best for
- pesto sauce, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, dips
Very similar to parmesan, good for pesto.
Nutritional yeast
different taste and texture
Deactivated yeast flakes that add cheesy, umami flavor to pesto
- Best for
- vegan pesto, dairy-free pesto, pasta, pizza, sandwiches
Vegan option, adds umami flavor to pesto.
Manchego
different taste, similar texture
Spanish hard cheese with nutty flavor that creates smooth pesto
- Best for
- pesto sauce, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, dips
Spanish cheese with nutty flavor, works well in pesto.
Cashew Parmesan
similar taste and texture
Blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and seasonings for pesto
- Best for
- vegan pesto, dairy-free pesto, pasta, pizza, sandwiches
Homemade blend, good for vegan pesto.
How it behaves in this recipe
Parmesan cheese substitutes work well in pesto because they provide similar umami flavor and help create the creamy, smooth texture that characterizes good pesto. The key is choosing alternatives that blend well with the other ingredients and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Tips for substituting Parmesan cheese
8 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
Notes on Parmesan cheese
- Use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor
- Try adding a pinch of miso paste for enhanced umami
- Consider using walnuts instead of pine nuts for nuttier flavor
- Use extra virgin olive oil for better pesto flavor
Questions
6 questionsWhat 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 well, creating authentic pesto flavor.
What about cashew parmesan in pesto?
Cashew parmesan is good 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.