Randy Chandler
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty, salty flavour. It is made from cow's milk and usually aged between 18 and 36 months. This long maturation process, along with its limited production region, contributes to its high price. However, there are several more affordable substitutes that offer similar textures and flavours. This includes other cheeses, such as Grana Padano, Pecorino, Manchego, and Piave, as well as non-dairy alternatives like nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, and sea salt flakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitute for Parmesan Cheese | Pecorino, Halloumi, Feta, Goats Cheese, Cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, Breadcrumbs, Nutritional Yeast Flakes, Grana Padano, Piave, Fiore Sardo, Aged Manchego, Asiago, Brazil Nut 'Parmesan' |
| Pecorino as a Substitute | Made from sheep's milk, sharper and more acidic flavour, similar texture to Parmesan |
| Halloumi as a Substitute | Softer and less crumbly texture, provides a similar substance and salty kick to Parmesan |
| Feta as a Substitute | Saltier and won't melt as well as Parmesan but will give an intense boost of flavour |
| Goats Cheese as a Substitute | Tangier, creamier and less salty than Parmesan, won't melt in the same way as Parmesan |
| Cheddar as a Substitute | Softer than Parmesan, finely grated cheddar will still give a pleasant cheesy flavour and will melt well for cooked dishes |
| Gruyère as a Substitute | Softer than Parmesan but has a lovely cheesy flavour |
| Comté as a Substitute | Can be easily grated and used wherever you use Parmesan |
| Breadcrumbs as a Substitute | Toasted breadcrumbs, also known as 'pan gratato' or 'poor man's Parmesan', add crunch and visual interest when sprinkled over pasta |
| Nutritional Yeast Flakes as a Substitute | Vegans use it to emulate cheesy flavours |
| Grana Padano as a Substitute | Tastes almost the same as Parmesan but is half the price, made in a certain region of Italy |
| Piave as a Substitute | Italian cow's milk cheese, similar to Parmesan but less mature, sweeter than Parmesan, noticeably creamier, hard enough to grate into sauces and on top of roasted vegetables, toasts, and pastas |
| Fiore Sardo as a Substitute | Aged raw sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia, lightly smoked with nuttiness and olivey flavour, ideal for snacking or eating straight or grated atop pasta |
| Aged Manchego as a Substitute | Budget-friendly, nice for cooking with as it has a more complex flavour, can be found nationally |
| Asiago as a Substitute | Good melting cheese, has a nice bite and toasty woodsiness, flavours get sharper as it ages |
| Brazil Nut 'Parmesan' as a Substitute | Delicious sprinkled on pasta dishes or anywhere you'd normally grate Parmesan |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Breadcrumbs, or 'poor man's Parmesan'
Breadcrumbs: The Poor Man's Parmesan
In Italy, toasted breadcrumbs, or 'pan gratato', are a well-known substitute for Parmesan cheese. This alternative is also known as 'poor man's Parmesan'. Breadcrumbs can add a similar nutty, salty flavour to dishes as Parmesan does.
How to Make Breadcrumbs
To make your own breadcrumbs, start with crusty bread, good-quality olive oil or butter, and flaky salt. You can also add garlic, anchovies, dried herbs, chilli pepper, or citrus zest to your pan of olive oil as it heats up, infusing your breadcrumbs with flavour. Heat the oil over a medium flame in a small pan. Add the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, stirring until the crumbs have absorbed the oil.
Using Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are a great topping for pasta, adding crunch and visual interest. They can also be used to top salads, casseroles, and other dishes. When used as a topping for pasta, choose a shape that will cradle the breadcrumbs, such as orecchiette.
Other Parmesan Substitutes
In addition to breadcrumbs, there are several other substitutes for Parmesan cheese. These include other cheeses such as Pecorino, Halloumi, Feta, and Cheddar, as well as non-cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast flakes, sea salt flakes, and salted capers.
Eggplant Parmesan: Which Cheeses Melt Best?
You may want to see also
Nutritional yeast flakes
Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy, umami flavour, although its taste is not exactly the same as parmesan. When substituting, it is recommended to use about half the amount of nutritional yeast as you would parmesan, tasting as you go. It is also suggested to add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
Nutritional yeast is a complete protein, containing all the amino acids the body needs. It is also an excellent source of B vitamins, including thiamin, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin B12, which are important for various bodily functions, such as metabolizing energy and DNA production.
In addition to its health benefits, nutritional yeast is also a good option for those seeking a longer-lasting alternative to parmesan, as it is much more shelf-stable than cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: US Price and Value
You may want to see also
Grana Padano
When substituting Grana Padano for Parmesan, it is important to note that the former may not be as crumbly, so adjustments may be needed when using it in recipes that require mixing into sauces. However, its sharp flavour and melting properties make it a suitable alternative to Parmesan in cooked dishes.
In summary, Grana Padano is a suitable substitute for Parmesan cheese due to its similar flavour, texture, and melting properties. It is a more affordable option that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a versatile and cost-effective alternative to Parmesan.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pecorino
Firstly, Pecorino is made from sheep's milk, while Parmesan is made from cow's milk. This gives Pecorino a sharper, more acidic, and saltier flavour than Parmesan. Pecorino also has a shorter ageing time, typically aged for a few months to a year, while Parmesan is aged for 12 months to 3 years, or longer. Because of this difference in ageing, Parmesan has a nuttier, sweeter flavour profile, while Pecorino has a grassy, earthy flavour.
When substituting Pecorino for Parmesan, it is recommended to use about one-third to half as much Pecorino as the recipe calls for Parmesan, as Pecorino is saltier. On the other hand, if substituting Parmesan for Pecorino, you may need to add a pinch of salt to compensate for the reduced saltiness.
In terms of texture, both cheeses are similar, making Pecorino an easy substitute for Parmesan. However, Pecorino Romano, a type of Pecorino, has a very high melting point and may not be suitable for some dishes, such as mashed potatoes.
In terms of cost, Pecorino is typically similarly priced to Parmesan, but because of its stronger flavour, you may use less, making it a more cost-effective option.
Parmesan Cheese: Seasoning or Something More?
You may want to see also
Halloumi
When looking for substitutes for halloumi, similar cheeses include other Cypriot cheeses such as anari and kefalotyri. Feta is another good substitute for halloumi, as it has a similar salty flavour, although its texture is more dry and crumbly. It can be cut into cubes and used in salads like halloumi. However, feta does not melt or squeak in the same way as halloumi. Mozzarella is another option, although it is softer and cooks more quickly.
Other substitutes for halloumi include paneer, a fresh, unripened cheese widely used in Indian cuisine. It has a milder flavour and does not have the same squeaky texture as halloumi, but it can be grilled or fried and used in dishes like curries or stir-fries. Nabulsi, a Palestinian cheese made from sheep's milk, is another option. It has a softer texture and a milder flavour but can be used in dishes where halloumi is called for, such as salads or kebabs.
Parmesan Partners: Which Cheeses Complement Parmesan?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A cheaper alternative to Parmesan cheese is Grana Padano, which is made in a larger region of Italy and is therefore more affordable. Other substitutes include Pecorino, Manchego, Asiago, Gruyère, Cheddar, Comté, and Piave. For vegans, nutritional yeast flakes can be used to emulate cheesy flavours.
Nutritional yeast flakes are a great substitute for Parmesan for those who are vegan. It can be combined with almond meal, cashew meal, or other nut meals to create a passable substitute for Parmesan.
"Poor Man's Parmesan" is a concept that Italians have been using for many years. It involves using toasted breadcrumbs, also called "pan gratato", as a substitute for Parmesan cheese.
