Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, from pasta to pizza, and is often enjoyed as a simple topping. However, what if you don't have any Parmesan cheese in your kitchen? Luckily, there are several alternatives that can be used in its place. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free option, or simply want to explore different flavours and textures, there are many substitutes to choose from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes | Feta, goat cheese, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta Salata, Grana Padano, Reggianito, Dry Jack, American Grana, Gruyère, Toasted breadcrumbs, Nutritional yeast, Plant-based cashew "cheese" |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for a week or freeze in 1/2 cup (50 g) or 1 cup (100 g) portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for 3–6 months |
| Vegetarian options | Parmesans that do not use animal rennet |
| Vegan options | Plant-based versions made with nuts or nutritional yeast |
| Lactose intolerance | Pecorino Romano (made from sheep's milk) |
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What You'll Learn
- Try Grana Padano, a less expensive alternative with a similar texture
- Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, especially for those with cow's milk allergies
- Feta is saltier and won't melt as well, but it will add an intense flavour boost
- Ricotta Salata has a similar texture and salty flavour to Parmesan
- Toasted breadcrumbs can be used in lieu of Parmesan on soups
Try Grana Padano, a less expensive alternative with a similar texture
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can try Grana Padano, a less expensive alternative with a similar texture. Grana Padano is a hard, semi-fat cheese made from cow's milk. It is produced in the Po Valley region of northern Italy and is one of the country's most popular and widely produced cheeses.
Grana Padano has a similar granular, hard texture to Parmesan, but it melts in the mouth. It has a nutty flavour with hints of browned butter and a sharp fruitiness balanced by a savoury, salty finish. While Parmesan is generally aged for at least two years, Grana Padano is typically aged for at least 12 months, giving it a more delicate flavour.
Like Parmesan, Grana Padano is a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) cheese, meaning it must be made in a specific place following strict rules. It is made from cow's milk, salt, and rennet, and the cheese can be aged for 12 to 16 months or eaten fresh. The longer it is aged, the grainier it becomes, with notes of butter, hay, and dried fruit.
Grana Padano is an excellent cheese for grating, and it complements pasta and salads well. It is also a good melting cheese that can be used in cooking. When choosing between Grana Padano and Parmesan, consider your intended use, as Grana Padano is better for cooking, while Parmesan is typically grated on top of dishes.
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Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, especially for those with cow's milk allergies
If you don't have parmesan cheese, there are several alternatives you can use, especially if you have a cows' milk allergy. Parmesan is a hard, dry cheese made from cows' milk and aged for at least a year, often longer. It has a nutty, sweet flavour and is often used to add a salty, savoury note to dishes.
Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, especially for those with cows' milk allergies. It is made from sheep's milk and has a similar texture and appearance to parmesan. However, it has a saltier, tangier, and grassier flavour profile. It is also aged for a shorter period, usually between eight months and one year.
Pecorino Romano is a popular alternative to parmesan and is used in classic Italian dishes such as basil pesto and cacio e pepe. It is also a good option for those who want to be sure they are buying authentic Italian cheese. This is because Pecorino Romano has PDO status, meaning it must be produced in Sardinia, Italy, under certain practices to legally bear its name.
When substituting Pecorino Romano for parmesan, you may need to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe, as Pecorino Romano is much saltier. It works well in dishes with strong flavours, such as tomato-based dishes, gratins with several types of cheese, and carbonara sauce.
Other alternatives to parmesan include Grana Padano, Piave, Asiago, and Pecorino Sardo. Grana Padano is a hard, slow-ripened, semi-fat cheese made from cows' milk. It has a similar texture to Parmigiano-Reggiano but is less expensive. Piave is another Italian cheese made from cows' milk with a strikingly similar taste to Parmigiano-Reggiano. Asiago is a semi-hard cheese made from cows' milk with a sweet and nutty flavour. Pecorino Sardo is a sheep's milk cheese with a similar texture and tangy, salty flavour to Pecorino Romano.
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Feta is saltier and won't melt as well, but it will add an intense flavour boost
Feta is a Greek cheese with a distinct, tangy, and salty flavour. It is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Its texture is crumbly, and it is soaked in salt water to give it an acidic taste.
Feta can be a substitute for Parmesan, although it has a vastly different flavour and texture. Parmesan is a hard, aged Italian cheese with a nutty, salty, and savoury taste. It is not crumbly like feta and is less tangy.
Feta is saltier than Parmesan and won't melt as well due to its crumbly texture. However, it can add an intense flavour boost to dishes that call for Parmesan. Feta's sharp, tangy, and salty flavour can enhance recipes that rely on Parmesan for flavour, such as pasta dishes.
When substituting feta for Parmesan, consider the dish's other ingredients and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Feta works well in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, salads, pastries, and grilled dishes. It can also be used as a topping or filling for omelettes and sandwiches.
In summary, while feta may not mimic Parmesan's texture or taste exactly, it can add a delicious, intense flavour boost to dishes that call for Parmesan.
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Ricotta Salata has a similar texture and salty flavour to Parmesan
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, Ricotta Salata is a great option. This Italian cheese is made from sheep's milk whey and has a firm texture and a tangy, slightly salty flavour. It is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping for bruschetta.
While the texture of Parmesan cheese is harder and more granular than Ricotta Salata, both cheeses can be grated or shaved over dishes to add a bold, savoury flavour. Parmesan is commonly used in pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own, while Ricotta Salata is often crumbled or shaved to add a creamy texture to dishes.
When it comes to taste, Parmesan has a rich, nutty, and savory profile, while Ricotta Salata has a milder, milkier flavour with a hint of tanginess. Both cheeses have their unique characteristics, so the choice between them depends on the desired flavour profile and texture.
In terms of appearance, Parmesan has a straw colour, while Ricotta Salata is white. Parmesan is also ranked higher than Ricotta Salata in terms of community preference. So, if you prefer a harder cheese with a stronger flavour, Parmesan may be the better option. However, if you're looking for a milder, slightly salty cheese that adds a creamy texture, Ricotta Salata is a great choice.
In conclusion, while Parmesan and Ricotta Salata have some differences in texture, flavour, and appearance, Ricotta Salata can be a suitable substitute for Parmesan in many dishes, especially those where a gentle cheese flavour and creamy texture are desired.
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Toasted breadcrumbs can be used in lieu of Parmesan on soups
Toasted breadcrumbs can be a great substitute for Parmesan cheese on soups. This combination is known as Pangrattato in Italian and is traditionally known as the "poor man's parmesan". It is a simple recipe that can be made in about 10 minutes with just a few staple ingredients.
To make Pangrattato, you can use stale bread and blitz it in a food processor or blender to create the breadcrumbs. You can also make the breadcrumbs by hand by grating fresh bread into fine crumbs. The breadcrumbs can then be toasted in a pan with butter or oil. Olive oil is usually preferred, and you can add garlic cloves to infuse the oil with garlic flavour. Once the oil starts to bubble, add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly until golden brown and crispy. You can also add herbs and spices to enhance the flavour. For example, parsley, thyme, sage, basil, rosemary, and red pepper flakes are commonly used.
Pangrattato brings a satisfying crunch to your dishes and can be used to elevate a wide range of dishes, including pasta, roasted vegetables, and soups. It is a great way to add texture and depth of flavour to creamy or soft dishes.
When making toasted breadcrumbs, it is important to cook on low to medium-low heat as the breadcrumbs can burn very quickly. It is also recommended to spread the breadcrumbs in an even layer to encourage even toasting and stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Frequently asked questions
Some alternatives to Parmesan cheese include Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Reggianito, Feta, Goat Cheese, Ricotta Salata, Gruyère, and Nutritional Yeast.
If you are dairy-free, you can use nutritional yeast to get a similar savoury flavour to Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is a dried, deactivated yeast usually sold in flakes.
If you are vegetarian, look for Parmesan cheese that does not use animal rennet. If you are vegan, there are plant-based versions of Parmesan available, usually made with nuts or nutritional yeast.
Parmesan cheese can be expensive due to its controlled production in specific areas of northern Italy. Cheaper alternatives include Grana Padano, Reggianito, and breadcrumbs.
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan in a salad, consider using Ricotta Salata, Feta, or Goat Cheese. These cheeses have similar salty and tangy flavours to Parmesan.
