Frederic Melton
Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Parmesan, is a type of cheese that is often used in Italian cooking. It is made from cow's milk and has a strong, salty, nutty flavour. However, due to its high price, people often look for substitutes. The best substitutes for Parmesan are Grana Padano, Pecorino, Piave, and Reggianito. For vegans, a combination of kelp powder, nutritional yeast, ground sesame seeds, walnuts, and salt can be used. Breadcrumbs, known as the Parmesan of the poor, can also be used as a substitute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper substitutes | Grana Padano, Pecorino, Piave, Reggianito, generic "hard cheese", breadcrumbs, chickpea hozon |
| Vegan substitutes | Nutritional yeast, a combination of kelp powder, ground sesame seeds and walnuts, and salt |
| Other substitutes | Crumbs, generic "hard cheese", rinds from Parmesan cheese wheels |
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What You'll Learn
Breadcrumbs
Toasted breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese. They can add a nutty, salty flavour to dishes, as well as a crunchy texture that somewhat mirrors the role of grated Parmesan. Breadcrumbs can be used as a topping for pasta, gratins, roasted vegetables, and salads.
To make your own 'Poor Man's Parmesan', you can use crusty bread, good-quality olive oil or butter, and flaky salt. You can also add ingredients such as garlic, anchovies, dried herbs, chilli pepper, or citrus zest to your pan of olive oil as it heats up to infuse your breadcrumbs.
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Nutritional yeast
When substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan, it is recommended to use about half the amount of nutritional yeast as you would Parmesan, as the flavour is quite concentrated. It can be added to other ingredients, such as lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cashews, to create a cheesy topping for pasta, pizza, and salads.
In addition to being a substitute for Parmesan, nutritional yeast is also commonly used by vegans to emulate cheesy flavours in dishes. It can be combined with other ingredients, such as kelp powder, ground sesame seeds, and walnuts, to create a vegan Parmesan cheese.
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Grana Padano
In terms of taste, Grana Padano has a savory and nutty flavor profile similar to Parmesan. It pairs well with sweets such as figs, dates, or honey, and it complements beef carpaccio and pasta dishes.
When substituting Grana Padano for Parmesan, it is important to note that the former has a less crumbly texture. This makes it softer and more suitable for mixing into sauces, but it may also affect the overall consistency of the dish.
Overall, Grana Padano is a suitable and cost-effective substitute for Parmesan, offering a similar flavor profile and functionality in cooking and grating.
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Pecorino
The main difference between the two cheeses is their source of milk—Pecorino is made from sheep's milk, while Parmesan is made from cow's milk. Their aging times also differ. Pecorino is aged for a few months to a year, while Parmesan is aged anywhere from 12 months to 3 years. Parmesan is usually aged longer, making it harder and drier, with a nuttier, sweeter flavour. On the other hand, Pecorino is younger, softer, and creamier, with a saltier, tangier taste. It also has a black, waxy rind, compared to Parmesan's hard, light-yellow rind.
When substituting Pecorino for Parmesan, remember that Pecorino is saltier, so use about one-third less to keep salt levels in check. Parmesan can also be used in place of Pecorino, but it won't have the same salty, tangy flavours, so you may need to adjust the seasoning.
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Reggianito
Other substitutes for Parmesan include Grana Padano, Asiago DOP, Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast, and crumbs or breadcrumbs. Grana Padano is considered a less expensive version of Parmesan, with a similar texture and taste. Asiago DOP is a mildly flavoured substitute with a hint of nuttiness, while Pecorino Romano is a close match to Parmesan with a unique character. Nutritional yeast is a common vegan substitute for Parmesan, and crumbs or breadcrumbs can be used to achieve a similar texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese include Grana Padano, Pecorino, Piave, and Reggianito. Grana Padano is a less expensive version of Parmesan cheese with a similar texture and nutty flavor. Pecorino is made from sheep's milk and has a sharp, nutty, and herbaceous flavor. Piave is an Italian cow's milk cheese with a similar texture to Parmesan but is less mature. Reggianito is a cow's milk cheese from Argentina with a smooth texture and mild, fruity flavor.
Yes, there are vegan substitutes for Parmesan cheese. One option is to combine kelp powder, nutritional yeast, ground sesame seeds and walnuts, and salt. This combination provides a nutty flavor and some fat, mimicking the texture and taste of Parmesan cheese.
Breadcrumbs, also known as "the Parmesan of the poor," can be used as a non-cheese substitute. To make your own, use crusty bread, good-quality olive oil or butter, and flaky salt. You can also add garlic, anchovies, dried herbs, chili pepper, or citrus zest to infuse your breadcrumbs with additional flavors.
Parmesan cheese can be expensive due to its limited production region and aging process. Some cheaper alternatives include purchasing the rinds from cheese wheels, which are often sold at a lower price, or generic "hard cheese" sold in supermarkets. Additionally, looking for similar cheeses with similar textures and flavor profiles can be a more affordable option, such as Grana Padano or Pecorino.
