🧀 Cheese

Best Pecorino Romano Cheese Substitute: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for Pecorino Romano cheese. Learn about Parmesan, Romano, and other alternatives that work best for authentic Italian cooking.

✓

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese is Parmesan cheese. Use a 1:1 ratio and grate it fresh for the most authentic flavor. Romano cheese also works well as it's very similar to Pecorino Romano.

Best Substitutes

Parmesan Cheese

1:1

The most popular substitute for Pecorino Romano. Has similar salty, nutty flavor and granular texture.

Best for:

pasta dishesrisottosoupswhen you want similar flavorgrating over dishes

Parmesan is slightly less salty than Pecorino Romano, so you may want to add a pinch more salt to your dish.

Romano Cheese

1:1

Very similar to Pecorino Romano, made from sheep's milk with sharp, salty flavor.

Best for:

authentic Italian disheswhen you want exact flavor matchtraditional cookinggrating over dishes

Romano is essentially the same as Pecorino Romano, so this is the closest substitute available.

Asiago Cheese

1:1

Italian cheese with nutty flavor, slightly milder than Pecorino Romano but works well in most dishes.

Best for:

pasta dishesrisottosoupswhen you want milder flavorgrating over dishes

Asiago is milder than Pecorino Romano, so you may need to add extra salt to your dish.

Manchego Cheese

1:1

Spanish sheep's milk cheese with nutty, buttery flavor. Good substitute for Pecorino Romano.

Best for:

pasta dishesrisottowhen you want similar origin (sheep's milk)grating over dishescheese boards

Made from sheep's milk like Pecorino Romano but has a more buttery, less salty flavor.

Aged Gouda

1:1

Dutch cheese with nutty, caramel-like flavor and firm texture when aged.

Best for:

pasta dishesrisottowhen you want sweet notesgrating over dishescheese boards

Sweeter than Pecorino Romano but similar texture. Look for aged varieties (2+ years).

Aged Cheddar

1:1

English cheese with sharp, tangy flavor and firm texture when aged.

Best for:

pasta dishesrisottowhen you want sharp flavorgrating over dishescooking

More tangy than Pecorino Romano but similar texture. Look for aged varieties (2+ years).

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Pecorino Romano is the most traditional choice for authentic Italian dishes
  • 💡Always grate the cheese fresh - pre-grated cheese loses flavor and doesn't melt as well
  • 💡Pecorino Romano has a sharp, salty flavor that adds depth to recipes
  • 💡Perfect for grating over pasta, risotto, and soups as a finishing touch
  • 💡Can be used in place of Parmesan in most recipes, but is saltier
  • 💡Store in the refrigerator wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper
  • 💡Grate fresh for the best flavor and texture - pre-grated loses flavor quickly
  • 💡Works well in breadcrumbs for coating meats and vegetables
  • 💡Adds saltiness to dishes, so reduce other salt in the recipe
  • 💡For authentic carbonara, Pecorino Romano is traditional and provides the authentic flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Pecorino Romano and regular Pecorino?

Pecorino Romano is a specific type of Pecorino cheese that's the most commonly found variety in stores. The term 'Pecorino' refers to any Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, while 'Pecorino Romano' is the specific variety most commonly used in cooking.

Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano?

Yes, Parmesan is an excellent substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese. It has similar texture and salty flavor, though it may be slightly less sharp than Pecorino Romano. Use a 1:1 ratio.

Is Romano cheese the same as Pecorino Romano?

Yes, Romano cheese is essentially the same as Pecorino Romano. Both are made from sheep's milk and have the same sharp, salty flavor and texture.

What's the best substitute for Pecorino Romano in carbonara?

Parmesan is the best substitute for Pecorino Romano in carbonara. It has similar texture and salty flavor. For authentic carbonara, use Pecorino Romano, but Parmesan works perfectly as a substitute.

Can I use Asiago instead of Pecorino Romano?

Yes, Asiago can work as a substitute for Pecorino Romano, but it's milder in flavor. You may need to add extra salt to compensate for the milder taste.

How should I store Pecorino Romano cheese?

Wrap Pecorino Romano cheese in wax paper or cheese paper and store in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks when properly stored. Avoid plastic wrap as it can cause the cheese to sweat.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for Pecorino Romano cheese in Italian cooking. Learn about Parmesan, Romano, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.