🧀 Cheese

Best Pecorino Cheese Substitute for Pesto: Complete Guide

Find the perfect substitute for Pecorino cheese in pesto sauce. Learn about Parmesan, Romano, and other alternatives that work best for authentic pesto flavor and texture.

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Quick Answer

The best substitute for Pecorino cheese in pesto 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.

Best Substitutes

Parmesan Cheese

1:1

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

Best for:

pesto saucewhen you want similar flavorgrating into pestoauthentic Italian taste

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

Romano Cheese

1:1

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

Best for:

authentic pestowhen you want exact flavor matchtraditional Italian cooking

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 but works well in pesto.

Best for:

pesto with milder flavorwhen you want less salty tastegrating into pesto

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

Manchego Cheese

1:1

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

Best for:

pesto with buttery noteswhen you want similar origin (sheep's milk)grating into pesto

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

Aged Cheddar

1:1

Sharp, tangy cheese that can work in pesto, though it's not traditional.

Best for:

pesto with sharp flavorwhen you want tangy notesgrating into pesto

Not traditional for pesto but can work. Look for aged varieties (2+ years) for best texture.

Nutritional Yeast + Cashew Cream

1/4 cup Pecorino = 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp cashew cream

Vegan alternative that mimics the salty, umami flavor of Pecorino in pesto.

Best for:

vegan pestodairy-free pestowhen you want plant-based optiongrating into pesto

Best vegan substitute for Pecorino in pesto. Nutritional yeast provides the salty, cheesy flavor while cashew cream adds richness.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For authentic pesto, Pecorino Romano is traditional and provides the most authentic flavor
  • 💡Always grate the cheese fresh - pre-grated cheese loses flavor and doesn't blend as well
  • 💡The cheese should be finely grated for smooth pesto texture
  • 💡If using Parmesan instead of Pecorino, add a pinch more salt to compensate for the milder saltiness
  • 💡The cheese should be at room temperature when grating for easier handling
  • 💡For the best results, use high-quality cheese and grate it yourself
  • 💡Don't over-process the pesto or the cheese will become too fine and affect the texture
  • 💡The cheese should be added gradually while processing to ensure even distribution
  • 💡For vegan pesto, nutritional yeast provides the cheesy flavor while cashew cream adds richness
  • 💡Store pesto in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino in pesto?

Yes, Parmesan is the most common substitute for Pecorino in pesto. It has similar texture and salty flavor, though it's slightly less sharp than Pecorino. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What's the difference between Pecorino and Parmesan in pesto?

Pecorino is made from sheep's milk and has a sharper, saltier flavor, while Parmesan is made from cow's milk and has a more nutty, complex flavor. Both work well in pesto, but Pecorino is more traditional.

Can I use Romano cheese instead of Pecorino in pesto?

Yes, Romano cheese is essentially the same as Pecorino Romano, so it's an excellent substitute. Use a 1:1 ratio and grate it fresh into the pesto mixture.

Why is Pecorino traditional in pesto?

Pecorino Romano is traditional in pesto because it's a Ligurian dish, and Pecorino Romano provides the sharp, salty flavor that's essential to authentic pesto. It also helps balance the richness of the pine nuts and olive oil.

Can I use pre-grated cheese for pesto?

It's better to grate the cheese fresh for pesto. Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and flavor of the pesto.

What's the best vegan substitute for Pecorino in pesto?

The best vegan substitute is nutritional yeast combined with cashew cream. Use 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast plus 1 tablespoon cashew cream for every 1/4 cup of Pecorino.

Summary

Find the best substitute for Pecorino cheese in pesto sauce. Learn about Parmesan, Romano, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips for authentic pesto flavor.