Out of Pecorino Romano cheese, one case
Pecorino Romano cheese substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Parmesan cheese
Same amount as the Pecorino Romano cheese
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.
- 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 Romano 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 Goudapasta dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | Aged Cheddarpasta dishes | Same amount |
Parmesan cheese
Salty, nutty, similar to Pecorino Romano
The most popular substitute for Pecorino Romano. Has similar salty, nutty flavor and granular texture.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, soups, when you want similar flavor, grating over dishes
- Texture
- Hard, granular, good for grating
- Prep
- Grate fresh for best results.
Parmesan is slightly less salty than Pecorino Romano, so you may want to add a pinch more salt to your dish.
Romano cheese
Sharp, salty, identical to Pecorino Romano
Very similar to Pecorino Romano, made from sheep's milk 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 Romano
- Prep
- Use exactly like Pecorino Romano - 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 Romano
Italian cheese with nutty flavor, slightly milder than Pecorino Romano but works well in most dishes.
- 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 Romano, so you may need to add extra salt to your dish.
Manchego cheese
Nutty, buttery, less salty than Pecorino Romano
Spanish sheep's milk cheese with nutty, buttery flavor. Good substitute for Pecorino Romano.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, when you want similar origin (sheep's milk), grating over dishes, cheese boards
- Texture
- Firm, similar to Pecorino Romano
- Prep
- Add extra salt if needed.
Made from sheep's milk like Pecorino Romano but has a more buttery, less salty flavor.
Aged Gouda
Nutty, sweet, caramel
Dutch cheese with nutty, caramel-like flavor and firm texture when aged.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, risotto, when you want sweet notes, grating over dishes, cheese boards
- Texture
- Firm, crystalline, similar to Pecorino Romano
- Prep
- Best when aged 2+ years for similar texture.
Sweeter than Pecorino Romano but similar texture. Look for aged varieties (2+ years).
Aged Cheddar
Sharp, tangy, nutty
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 Romano
- Prep
- Best when aged 2+ years for similar texture.
More tangy than Pecorino Romano but similar texture. Look for aged varieties (2+ years).
Tips for substituting Pecorino Romano cheese
10 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
- Good 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
Questions
6 questionsWhat'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 well 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.