pecorino cheese substitute
Mia Russell
Updated on June 11, 2026
Though the best way to enjoy Italian food is by following the original recipe, you can generally substitute pecorino cheese for parmesan. Keep in mind that pecorino cheese is two to three times saltier than parmesan.
What can I use instead of Pecorino in carbonara?
The best substitutes for Pecorino Romano cheese in Pasta alla Carbonara are Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano, and aged Asiago cheese.
What is the same as pecorino cheese?
Pecorino Romano
Like Parmigiano, Romano is a hard cheese. But Pecorino Romano is white in color and has a slightly saltier and much stronger, more piquant flavor. While the visual distinctions are a fun and simple way to tell these two Italian cheeses apart, the most important difference is the milk source.
Are Parmesan and Pecorino interchangeable?
After living in the country for a total of seven months, I came to find out that Pecorino and Parmesan are not one in the same. In fact, they are very different. While they both come from Italy and are typically found in hard, grated forms, they each have distinct flavors, and should not be interchangeable in recipes.
Can you use Parmesan instead of Pecorino in carbonara?
Anyway the authentic carbonara just calls for Pecorino Romano which is best for this recipe. If you like or don’t have pecorino cheese instaed you can use Parmigiano Reggiano.
What is the difference between Pecorino cheese and Parmesan?
Pecorino is whiter and slightly softer. Parmesan is more golden, and very hard and dry. Now take a taste. Overall, Parmesan has a more nutty flavor.
What’s the best cheese for carbonara?
Cheese: Pecorino Romano — a hard, salty, sheep’s cheese — is traditionally used in carbonara. But I often substitute Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese, which also works well and tastes similar.
Can you use shredded cheese for carbonara?
Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (“Real” Parmesan), Pecorino Romano, or a mixture of both makes the BEST Carbonara sauce. The eggs won’t be raw!
Can I use Parmesan instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano?
Can I use Parmesan instead of Parmigiano Reggiano? Yes, many dishes that call for Parmigiano-Reggiano can be substituted with Parmesan. Parmigiano-Reggiano may add more flavor, but it’s OK to use Parmesan.
What does pecorino cheese taste like?
Pecorino Romano has a slightly tangy, almost spicy taste. This provides an ideal contrast with rich and earthy flavours. Note – the more mature a Pecorino is, the sharper the taste.
Is Pecorino and Romano the same?
Romano is another hard, grating-type cheese used on pizzas and pastas. It has a creamy white appearance and sharp, piquant flavor. Italian Romano, named Pecorino, is made from ewe’s milk, but domestic versions are made from cow’s milk which produces a milder flavor.
Is Pecorino stronger than Parmesan?
Produced in Sardinia, a region in central Italy, Pecorino Romano is a cheese produced from sheep’s milk, so its differences in flavor and texture are unavoidable. Since sheep’s milk possesses a more bitter taste than cow’s milk, Pecorino Romano is much saltier and stronger tasting than your classic Parm.
What is a substitute for Romano cheese?
Substitute For Romano Cheese
Use any of the three types of Roman that you can find interchangeably.OR – Use equal amounts of Parmesan cheese.OR – Alternately with Asiago which is also very salty.OR – Spanish Manchego will work too.
Which is healthier Parmesan or Pecorino Romano?
Heart healthy: Compared to a host of other diary products (fresh milk, ricotta, butter, parmesan cheese and more), Pecorino wins when it comes to Omega 3s, which have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease in women.
Is Asiago like Pecorino?
Asiago Cheese
But if you’re struggling to picture just what Asiago looks like, that may be because it often turns up in different forms, ranging from hard to semi-soft, depending on how it’s made and how long it’s been aged. Compared to Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, which are much dryer, Asiago is a pretty moist.
Can you substitute Asiago for Pecorino?
Here are some good substitutes for Pecorino cheese. Use equal amounts of either of these alternatives: Parmesan. OR – Asiago cheese.
Which cheese is best for spaghetti?
Here are the best cheeses to pair with your next pasta recipe!
#1. Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) Parmesan is the classic choice, and there’s never a recipe that won’t be complemented by this versatile cheese! #2. Ricotta. #3. Ricotta Salata. #4. Feta. #5. Mozzarella. #6. Pecorino Romano. #7. Gorgonzola. #8. Cheddar.