Pecorino cheese is a popular hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a sharp, salty and savory flavor and is commonly used in pasta dishes, salads, and grated over soups.
However, if you don’t have Pecorino on hand or are looking for a different option, there are several substitutes that can mimic its flavor and texture.
What is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk and originates from Italy. The most well-known variety is Pecorino Romano, but there are other types like Pecorino Toscano and Pecorino Sardo.
6 Best Substitutes for Pecorino Cheese
Note: Any aged, dry, salty cheese should give a decent result as a Pecorino substitute, but here are some of the best options:
1) Parmigiano Reggiano
- Profile: Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the best substitutes for Pecorino. While it’s made from cow’s milk instead of sheep’s milk, it has a similar texture with a savory, salty flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano is less tangy than Pecorino but can still provide a rich, savory kick to recipes.
- Best Uses: Parmigiano Reggiano is perfect when used with pasta, pizza, risotto and salads. It can also be used in the same quantity as Pecorino.
2) Grana Padano
- Profile: Grana Padano is another hard, Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s slightly milder and less salty than Pecorino and Parmiginao Reggiano but is to savory and salty Grana Padano offers a more delicate flavor, making it a good option if you want to tone down the sharpness in a dish.
- Best Uses: Grana Padano works well in pasta dishes, soups, and sauces where Pecorino is typically used. It’s also a good grating cheese for pizza, salads and pizzas.
3) Asiago Cheese
- Profile: Asiago cheese is a semi-hard to hard cheese that varies in flavor depending on its age. Aged Asiago, or “Asiago d’allevo,” has a stronger, sharper flavor that resembles Pecorino.
- Best Uses: Use aged Asiago in pasta, risottos, and soups. It can also be grated over dishes in place of Pecorino for a similar taste.
4) Aged Manchego Cheese
- Profile: Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, making it one of the closest matches to Pecorino. It has a similar tangy flavor but is less salty and typically more buttery. It has a tangy flavor and a firm texture similar to Pecorino, but it is typically less salty and a bit more buttery.
- Best Uses: Aged Manchego works well in pasta dishes, grated over salads, or even eaten on its own. It’s a good substitute in recipes where you want a milder flavor than Pecorino but still need that sharp, aged taste.
5) Piave Cheese
- Profile: Piave is an Italian cow’s milk cheese that offers a flavor profile similar to Parmigiano Reggiano, though it’s a bit sweeter and milder. Aged Piave (Piave Vecchio) has a firm texture and can be grated, making it a suitable alternative to Pecorino.
- Best Uses: Piave is excellent for grating over pasta or risotto, and it works well in sauces or as part of a cheese board.
6) Vegan Parmesan (Vegan Option)
- Profile: Vegan Parmesan is a plant-based alternative made from ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, and seasonings designed to mimic the sharp, salty flavor of Pecorino. While the texture may not be as firm, it still provides a good flavor for a vegan-friendly option.
- Best Uses: Vegan Parmesan is great for grating over pasta, salads, and pizza, just like Pecorino. It works well as a dairy-free alternative in most recipes.
How to Choose the Best Substitute
When selecting a substitute for Pecorino cheese, consider the following factors:
- Flavor: If you want a similar sharpness and saltiness, Parmigiano Reggiano and aged Asiago are great choices. For a slightly milder option, try Manchego or Grana Padano.
- Dietary Restrictions: For a sheep’s milk alternative, aged Manchego is a good option. For vegetarians, check the cheese’s label to ensure it’s made with microbial or vegetarian rennet. Vegan Parmesan is a great dairy-free and vegan-friendly substitute.
Final Thoughts
Pecorino cheese is a beloved ingredient for adding sharp, salty flavors to dishes, but when it’s unavailable or too strong for your recipe, these substitutes can step in and offer similar flavors and textures.
Whether you’re cooking pasta, making a cheese board, or grating cheese over a salad, these alternatives will ensure your dish remains flavorful and satisfying. Next time you’re out of Pecorino, try one of these substitutes to maintain that savory, cheesy goodness in your meal.