Out of Pecorino cheese, one case
Pecorino cheese substitute: top 5 alternatives ranked
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Parmesan cheese
Same amount as the Pecorino cheese
The best substitute for Pecorino cheese is Parmesan cheese, followed by Romano cheese, Asiago, Manchego, and aged cheddar. Each has its own strengths depending on your specific cooking needs.
- The tweak —
- Grate fresh for best results.
- Best for —
- pasta dishes
One casethe full Pecorino cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Pecorino cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parmesan cheesepasta dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Romano cheeseauthentic Italian dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | Asiago cheesepasta dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Manchego cheesepasta dishes | Same amount |
| 5 | Aged Cheddarpasta dishes | Same amount |
Parmesan cheese
Salty, nutty, similar to Pecorino
The #1 substitute for Pecorino cheese. Has similar salty, nutty flavor and granular texture.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, soups, grating over dishes, most cooking applications
- Texture
- Hard, granular, good for grating
- Prep
- Grate fresh for best results.
Parmesan is the most versatile substitute for Pecorino. It has similar texture and salty flavor, though it's slightly less sharp than Pecorino.
Romano cheese
Sharp, salty, identical to Pecorino
The #2 substitute for Pecorino cheese. Very similar to Pecorino Romano with sharp, salty flavor.
- Best for
- authentic Italian dishes, when you want exact flavor match, traditional cooking, grating over dishes
- Texture
- Hard, granular, identical to Pecorino
- Prep
- Use exactly like Pecorino - grate fresh over dishes.
Romano is essentially the same as Pecorino Romano, so this is the closest substitute available.
Asiago cheese
Nutty, mild, less salty than Pecorino
The #3 substitute for Pecorino cheese. Italian cheese with nutty flavor, slightly milder than Pecorino.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, soups, when you want milder flavor, grating over dishes
- Texture
- Firm, granular, good for grating
- Prep
- Add extra salt to compensate for milder flavor.
Asiago is milder than Pecorino but works well in most dishes. Good for those who find Pecorino too salty.
Manchego cheese
Nutty, buttery, less salty than Pecorino
The #4 substitute for Pecorino cheese. Spanish sheep's milk cheese with nutty, buttery flavor.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, when you want similar origin (sheep's milk), grating over dishes, cheese boards
- Texture
- Firm, similar to Pecorino
- Prep
- Add extra salt if needed.
Made from sheep's milk like Pecorino but has a more buttery, less salty flavor.
Aged Cheddar
Sharp, tangy, nutty
The #5 substitute for Pecorino cheese. English cheese with sharp, tangy flavor and firm texture when aged.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, when you want sharp flavor, grating over dishes, cooking
- Texture
- Firm, crumbly, similar to Pecorino
- Prep
- Best when aged 2+ years for similar texture.
More tangy than Pecorino but similar texture. Look for aged varieties (2+ years) for best results.
Tips for substituting Pecorino cheese
10 tips- Parmesan is the most versatile substitute for Pecorino in most cooking applications
- Romano cheese is the closest match to Pecorino Romano in flavor and texture
- Asiago is a good choice for those who find Pecorino too salty
- Manchego provides a similar sheep's milk origin but with different flavor notes
- Aged cheddar works well for grating applications but has a different flavor profile
- Always grate cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture
- Store hard cheeses wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper in the refrigerator
- For authentic Italian dishes, Pecorino is preferred over substitutes
- Consider the specific dish when choosing a substitute - some work better than others
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different substitutes to find your preferred taste
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best overall substitute for Pecorino cheese?
Parmesan cheese is the best overall substitute for Pecorino cheese. It has similar texture and salty flavor, works well in most cooking applications, and is widely available.
Which substitute is closest to Pecorino Romano?
Romano cheese is the closest substitute to Pecorino Romano because it's essentially the same cheese. Both are made from sheep's milk and have identical flavor and texture.
What's the best substitute for someone who finds Pecorino too salty?
Asiago cheese is the best substitute for someone who finds Pecorino too salty. It has a milder flavor while still providing the nutty, cheesy taste you want.
Can I use any of these substitutes in carbonara?
Yes, all of these substitutes can work in carbonara, but Parmesan and Romano are the best choices. They have the salty, sharp flavor that's essential to authentic carbonara.
Which substitute is best for grating over pasta?
All of these substitutes work well for grating over pasta, but Parmesan and Romano are the most traditional choices. They have the right texture and flavor for finishing pasta dishes.
Are there any vegan substitutes for Pecorino cheese?
Yes, nutritional yeast combined with cashew cream is the best vegan substitute for Pecorino cheese. Use 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast plus 1 tablespoon cashew cream for every ¼ cup of Pecorino.