Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is an expensive ingredient, often costing $10 or more for 100g. This is due to the limited number of producers, as true Parmesan can only be made in a particular region of Italy. As a result, people often look for cheaper substitutes that can deliver similar dried, nutty, and salty flavours. Some alternatives include Gran Padano, which has a similar texture and nutty flavour, and Piave, which is a little less mature and sweeter than Parmesan. For vegans, a combination of kelp powder, nutritional yeast, ground sesame seeds, walnuts, and salt can be used as a substitute. Breadcrumbs, known as the Parmesan of the poor, can also be used as a replacement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper substitutes | Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, breadcrumbs, generic "hard cheese", Lincolnshire Poacher, Piave, Reggianito, cheddar, salted ricotta, Gruyère, Comté, halloumi, feta, fresh goat's cheese, cashew, plant-based cheese, nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast, roast almonds, sea salt flakes, salted capers |
| Similar texture | Pecorino Romano, halloumi, feta, fresh goat's cheese, breadcrumbs, roast almonds |
| Similar flavour | Pecorino Romano, halloumi, feta, fresh goat's cheese, cheddar, salted ricotta, Gruyère, Comté, cashew, plant-based cheese, nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast |
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Breadcrumbs
To make the breadcrumbs, you can use stale bread blitzed in a food processor or blender, or use pre-toasted bread. The breadcrumbs should resemble coarse sand and not be too fine. You can also use crusty bread or whole grain toast, which will add a nice texture.
Once you have your breadcrumbs, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the breadcrumbs, stirring until they have absorbed the oil and are golden brown and crispy. You can then sprinkle these over pasta, vegetables, or salads, adding a salty, crunchy, and oily element to your dish.
While not a direct substitute for Parmesan, breadcrumbs can be a tasty, creative, and budget-friendly alternative that can add a nice texture and flavour to your meals.
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Nutritional yeast
When substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese in a recipe, the ratio may vary depending on the dish. For sauces and fillings, it is recommended to add a mix of lemon juice or lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and nutritional yeast to taste. The flavour of nutritional yeast is quite concentrated, so less is usually needed compared to the amount of Parmesan a recipe calls for.
In addition to nutritional yeast, there are other substitutes for Parmesan cheese, such as breadcrumbs, Pecorino, Halloumi, Feta, and fresh goat cheese. However, these alternatives may not provide the same salty or nutty flavours as Parmesan.
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Grana Padano
Other substitutes for Parmesan include Pecorino Romano, which has a different flavour profile, and Piave, an Italian cow's milk cheese with a similar texture and flavour to Parmesan but is less mature. For a cheaper option, some suggest breadcrumbs, which are known as "poor man's Parmesan". Nutritional yeast is also used by vegans to emulate cheesy flavours and can be mixed with nuts to create a passable substitute for Parmesan.
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Pecorino Romano
While Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for Parmesan in many dishes, it may not be the best choice for dishes that require the cheese to emulsify well, such as smashed potatoes.
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Lincolnshire Poacher
As for substituting Parmesan cheese, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that Parmesan is a hard cheese, similar to Cheddar and Gruyère, so one option could be to substitute it with one of these varieties. Another option could be to use a different type of hard, unpasteurised cow's milk cheese, such as Lincolnshire Poacher itself. Lincolnshire Poacher has a rich, nutty flavour that could work well as a substitute for Parmesan in certain dishes. However, it is always a matter of personal preference and taste when substituting cheeses, so it may be worth experimenting with a few different options to find the best substitute for your particular dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese include Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, breadcrumbs, cheddar, Gruyère, and salted ricotta.
Some grocery stores sell the odd ends of cheeses at a cheaper price. You can also buy Parmesan cheese rinds, which are sold at a lower price than the wedges.
Nutritional yeast, also known as "nooch", is a popular vegan substitute for Parmesan. It can be mixed with ground almonds, walnuts, onion powder, and salt to create a sprinkle that can be used on pasta, salads, and popcorn.
Breadcrumbs, also known as "poor man's Parmesan", can be used as a cheap and vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese.
Yes, Pecorino Romano has a similar texture to Parmesan cheese. It is made from sheep's milk, which contains more fat than cow's milk, giving it a sharper and saltier flavour.
