Out of Pecorino cheese, one case
Vegan Pecorino cheese substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Nutritional yeast + cashew cream
Per ¼ cup Pecorino
2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp cashew cream
The best vegan substitute for Pecorino cheese is nutritional yeast combined with cashew cream. Use 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast plus 1 tablespoon cashew cream for every ¼ cup of Pecorino. This combination provides the salty, umami flavor and creamy texture.
- The tweak —
- Mix nutritional yeast with cashew cream for creamy applications, or use nutritional yeast alone for grating over pasta.
- Best for —
- vegan carbonara
One casethe full Pecorino cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ¼ cup Pecorino cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutritional yeast + cashew creamvegan carbonara | 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp cashew cream |
| 2 | Nutritional yeast + tofuvegan pasta dishes | 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 2 tbsp crumbled firm tofu |
| 3 | Nutritional yeast + coconut creamvegan sauces | 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp coconut cream |
| 4 | Vegan Parmesan (store-bought)convenience | Same amount |
| 5 | Nutritional yeast + hemp heartsvegan pasta dishes | 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp hemp hearts |
| 6 | Miso paste + nutritional yeastvegan sauces | 1 tbsp miso paste + 1 tbsp nutritional yeast |
Nutritional yeast + cashew cream
Salty, umami, cheesy
The best vegan substitute that mimics both the flavor and texture of Pecorino cheese.
- Best for
- vegan carbonara, vegan pesto, vegan pasta dishes, grating over pasta, vegan risotto
- Texture
- Creamy when mixed, powdery when dry
- Prep
- Mix nutritional yeast with cashew cream for creamy applications, or use nutritional yeast alone for grating over pasta.
This combination provides the salty, umami flavor of Pecorino with a creamy texture. Nutritional yeast adds the cheesy flavor while cashew cream adds richness.
Nutritional yeast + tofu
Salty, umami, cheesy
Protein-rich vegan substitute that provides both flavor and texture.
- Best for
- vegan pasta dishes, when you want protein, grating over pasta, vegan carbonara
- Texture
- Crumbly, similar to grated cheese
- Prep
- Press firm tofu, then crumble and mix with nutritional yeast. Use as a topping or mix into sauces.
Tofu adds protein and texture while nutritional yeast provides the cheesy flavor. Press the tofu first to remove excess water.
Nutritional yeast + coconut cream
Salty, umami, slightly coconut
Rich, creamy vegan substitute with tropical notes.
- Best for
- vegan sauces, vegan dips, when you want richness, vegan pasta dishes
- Texture
- Smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Mix nutritional yeast with coconut cream until smooth. Use in sauces or as a topping.
Coconut cream adds richness but may impart a slight coconut flavor. Use refined coconut cream for neutral taste.
Vegan Parmesan (store-bought)
Varies by brand, usually cheesy
Commercial vegan cheese alternatives designed to mimic Parmesan/Pecorino.
- Best for
- convenience, grating over pasta, when you want exact texture, quick meals
- Texture
- Varies by brand, usually granular
- Prep
- Grate or sprinkle over dishes as needed.
Quality varies by brand. Look for brands with good melting properties and authentic flavor. Some are better than others.
Nutritional yeast + hemp hearts
Salty, umami, nutty
Nutty, protein-rich vegan substitute with good texture.
- Best for
- vegan pasta dishes, when you want protein and omega-3s, grating over pasta, vegan salads
- Texture
- Crumbly, similar to grated cheese
- Prep
- Mix nutritional yeast with hemp hearts. Use as a topping or mix into sauces.
Hemp hearts add protein, omega-3s, and a nutty texture. They're also rich in nutrients.
Miso paste + nutritional yeast
Salty, umami, savory
Umami-rich vegan substitute that provides deep, savory flavor.
- Best for
- vegan sauces, vegan soups, when you want deep umami, vegan pasta dishes
- Texture
- Paste-like, creamy when mixed
- Prep
- Mix miso paste with nutritional yeast. Add to sauces or use as a flavoring agent.
Miso paste provides deep umami flavor similar to aged cheese. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor.
Tips for substituting Pecorino cheese
9 tips- Nutritional yeast is the key ingredient for cheesy flavor in vegan substitutes
- Always use nutritional yeast flakes, not powder, for the best texture
- Cashew cream provides the best creamy texture for vegan cheese substitutes
- Soak cashews for 2-4 hours before blending for the smoothest cream
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the salty flavor of Pecorino substitutes
- For grating applications, use nutritional yeast alone or mixed with crumbled tofu
- For creamy sauces, combine nutritional yeast with cashew cream or coconut cream
- Store homemade vegan cheese substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor of vegan cheese substitutes
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for Pecorino cheese?
The best vegan substitute is nutritional yeast combined with cashew cream. Use 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast plus 1 tablespoon cashew cream for every ¼ cup of Pecorino.
Can I use nutritional yeast alone as a Pecorino substitute?
Yes, nutritional yeast alone can work as a Pecorino substitute for grating over pasta, but it won't provide the creamy texture. For best results, combine it with cashew cream or crumbled tofu.
How do I make cashew cream for vegan cheese?
Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 2-4 hours, then drain and blend with ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
Can I use store-bought vegan cheese instead of Pecorino?
Yes, commercial vegan cheese alternatives can work, but quality varies by brand. Look for brands specifically designed to mimic Parmesan or hard cheeses for the best results.
What's the difference between nutritional yeast and regular yeast?
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast that's grown specifically for its nutritional value and cheesy flavor. Regular yeast is active and used for baking bread. They're completely different products.
Can I use tofu as a Pecorino substitute?
Tofu alone won't provide the cheesy flavor of Pecorino, but crumbled firm tofu combined with nutritional yeast can work well as a substitute, especially for grating over pasta.