Skip to Content

7 Hard and Fresh Asiago Cheese Substitutes

Asiago cheese is a deliciously versatile cheese that adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. It’s available in fresh and hard varieties and used in many recipes like pasta, pizza, salads and risotto.

It can sometimes be harder to source depending on your location, but if you have a problem getting your hands on any don’t worry because there are several good substitutes for both hard and fresh Asiago cheese.

A block of Asiago cheese on a wooden board.

What is Asiago Cheese?

Asiago cheese is an Italian cow’s milk cheese with two main types: fresh (Asiago Pressato) and aged (Asiago d’Allevo). Fresh Asiago has a softer texture and mild, creamy flavor, making it ideal for slicing and using as a table cheese.

Aged Asiago, on the other hand, has a firm, crumbly texture with a stronger, nutty taste that intensifies as it matures. This versatility means Asiago can serve different culinary needs, from melting on sandwiches to grating over pasta.

You’ll find Asiago cheese in many grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section. Fresh Asiago is typically priced moderately, while aged varieties may be a bit more costly due to the aging process. Below, we cover the best substitutes to match either fresh or aged Asiago cheese.


3 Substitutes for Hard Asiago Cheese

You can substitute each of these cheeses for hard Asiago at a 1:1 ratio.

1. Parmigiano-Reggiano

Parmigiano-Reggiano, often known as Parmesan, is a popular choice when you need a substitute for aged Asiago. This hard Italian cheese offers a nutty, savory flavor with a slightly sharper profile than Asiago. Its crumbly texture makes it easy to grate, and it adds a rich depth of flavor to dishes.

Parmigiano-Reggiano is widely available in U.S. grocery stores, often in both block and grated forms. While it can be a bit pricier, its bold flavor means a small amount goes a long way.


2. Grana Padano

Grana Padano provides a similar texture to aged Asiago but has a slightly milder taste than Parmigiano-Reggiano. Its hard, granular texture makes it perfect for grating, while its nutty flavor profile works well in various dishes.

Grana Padano is available in larger grocery stores and tends to be more budget-friendly than Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s a reliable option if you’re looking for a cheese that provides the same texture with a subtle, balanced flavor.


3. Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese made from sheep’s milk, known for its bold, salty flavor. Compared to Asiago, it has a sharper and saltier profile, making it a suitable substitute when you want a more intense taste. Its crumbly texture allows for easy grating, similar to aged Asiago.

Pecorino Romano is widely available in most grocery stores and is slightly more expensive than some cow’s milk cheeses. However, its strong flavor requires less cheese, stretching your use.


4 Substitutes for Fresh Asiago Cheese

You can substitute each of these cheeses for fresh Asiago at a 1:1 ratio.

1. Provolone

Provolone is an Italian cheese that offers a mild, creamy flavor similar to fresh Asiago. It has a semi-soft to semi-hard texture and melts smoothly, making it an ideal choice for hot dishes or as a slicing cheese.

Provolone is widely available in grocery stores across the U.S., typically sold in both smoked and unsmoked varieties. It’s a more budget-friendly option and brings a mild flavor that pairs well with many ingredients.


2. Fontina

Fontina is a creamy, slightly nutty Italian cheese with a rich, buttery flavor that closely resembles fresh Asiago. This cheese melts beautifully, making it versatile in recipes that call for a softer cheese. Fontina’s mild but flavorful taste enhances both savory and cheesy dishes.

You can find Fontina in specialty cheese sections of grocery stores, often priced moderately. It’s an excellent choice if you want a mild, creamy cheese to replace fresh Asiago.


3. Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is an American cheese with a mild, buttery flavor that works as a suitable substitute for fresh Asiago in recipes needing a melting cheese. Its semi-soft texture and smooth meltability make it versatile in dishes that benefit from a mild, creamy cheese.

Monterey Jack is widely available in U.S. grocery stores and is often budget-friendly, making it an accessible substitute for fresh Asiago in a variety of recipes.


4. Young Gouda

Young Gouda has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a semi-soft texture that makes it a good substitute for fresh Asiago. It melts well and adds a creamy consistency, fitting easily into recipes that call for a softer cheese.

Young Gouda is often found in specialty sections of grocery stores and is typically priced affordably. Its mild flavor and smooth texture make it an excellent addition to many recipes.