Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a distinct, deeply savoury flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta. However, it can be expensive and hard to find, so what are some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese? There are several options, both dairy and non-dairy, that can be used instead of Parmesan. Breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil, nutritional yeast, and other cheeses such as Pecorino, Grana Padano, Asiago, and Comté can all be used as substitutes for Parmesan, each bringing its own unique flavour and texture to dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitute for Parmesan Cheese | Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, Asiago, Romano, Aged Gruyere, Pana Ganada, Nutritional Yeast, Breadcrumbs, Comté, Sea Salt Flakes, Halloumi, Feta, Fresh Goat Cheese, Cheddar, Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Pine Nuts, Macadamia Nuts, Sunflower Seed Kernels, Hemp Seeds |
| Texture | Same as Parmesan |
| Taste | Sharper, more acidic, saltier, less crumbly, softer, tangier, creamier, less salty, less hard, less flavour-packed |
| Use | Grated on pasta, casseroles, flatbread, pizza, cheese boards, soups, salads, entrees, breading, coatings |
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What You'll Learn
Breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil
To make breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil, start by infusing olive oil with garlic, anchovies, dried herbs, chilli pepper, or citrus zest. Heat the oil in a pan over low heat and add the desired ingredients for infusion. Then, add the breadcrumbs and stir until they turn golden brown and crispy. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure not to skimp on the oil and use good-quality olive oil or butter.
While breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil are a tasty and economical substitute for Parmesan, it is important to note that they are not the same as Parmesan. Parmesan has a unique, deeply savoury flavour that is hard to replicate. However, breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil can still satisfy your salty, crunchy, and oily cravings.
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Nutritional yeast
When substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan, you will usually need about half the amount of nutritional yeast as you would Parmesan, but it is best to taste as you go. Some people also like to add other ingredients such as lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt to enhance the cheesy flavour.
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Other cheeses, e.g. Pecorino, Grana Padano, Asiago
Pecorino is very similar in style to Parmesan, but it is made from sheep's milk and has a sharper, more acidic flavour. It has the same texture as Parmesan, so it can be used as an easy substitute.
Grana Padano is another cheese that is very similar to Parmesan. The difference between the two is a slight regional difference and about 6-18 months in aging time. Grana Padano is known for its strong taste and distinctly buttery, nutty flavour. It is a great enhancement to most Italian dishes, especially soups and creamy risottos.
Asiago is a semi-hard yet smooth cheese with a slightly nutty flavour. It is a bit sweeter than Parmesan and offers a mild sharpness that doesn't overwhelm but rather accents a mellow vegetable or meat dish. It is a great snacking cheese and can be paired with nuts or fresh fruit. It can also be grated on roasted vegetables or used in grilled cheese sandwiches.
Romano cheese is another option that is similar to Parmesan. It is aged for less time, which lends to its piquant, slightly salty taste.
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Nuts, e.g. almonds, cashews, walnuts
Nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and Brazil nuts can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese.
Brazil Nut 'Parmesan' is a sprinkle made from Brazil nuts that can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese. It can be sprinkled on pasta dishes or anywhere Parmesan is usually grated. Brazil nuts are not as salty as Parmesan but add a similar hit of deeply savoury umami flavours.
Walnuts are another type of nut that can be used as a Parmesan substitute. A common vegan replacement for Parmesan is a combination of kelp powder, nutritional yeast, ground sesame seeds, and walnuts. This combination works well in anything that won't require the cheese to melt. The kelp and nutritional yeast provide umami, the seeds and nuts provide a nutty flavour and some fat, and the salt adds saltiness.
Almonds can also be used as a substitute for Parmesan to add texture and a salty hit to dishes.
Cashews are another nut that can be used to make a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute. A recipe for a cashew-based vegan Parmesan can be found online.
Nuts can be a great way to add savoury, nutty flavours to dishes in place of Parmesan cheese.
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Salt
If you are looking for a substitute that more closely resembles the look and texture of Parmesan, you could try toasted breadcrumbs, also known as 'pan gratato' in Italy. These can be made by toasting breadcrumbs in olive oil, sometimes infused with garlic, citrus zest, anchovies, or chilli oil, and sprinkling them with salt. This option provides a savoury, rich, and nutty flavour, along with a crunchy texture that pairs well with pasta.
Another option is to use a different type of cheese that has a similar salty flavour to Parmesan. For example, Pecorino Romano is a sharper and saltier version of Parmesan, made from sheep's milk, with a piquant and slightly salty taste. Halloumi is another cheese that provides a similar substance and salty kick to Parmesan, although it is softer and less crumbly in texture. Feta is also saltier than Parmesan and will give an intense boost of flavour, but it won't melt as well.
If you are looking for a dairy-free option, you can create a Parmesan substitute using nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pine nuts, or macadamia nuts. These nuts can be grated and blended with salt to create a cheesy flavour. Additionally, nutritional yeast can be added to enhance the cheesiness and provide a salty aspect.
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Frequently asked questions
Some dairy-free alternatives to Parmesan cheese include nutritional yeast, Brazil Nut 'Parmesan', sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and a variety of nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pine nuts, and macadamia nuts.
Some non-dairy alternatives to Parmesan cheese include Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Asiago, Gruyere, and aged Cheddar.
Some non-cheese alternatives to Parmesan cheese include breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil, salt, and garlic, and sea salt flakes.
Some store-bought alternatives to Parmesan cheese include pre-grated bags of cheese, domestic cheese, and "shake cans".
Some vegan alternatives to Parmesan cheese include a cashew, plant-based version, and nutritional yeast.
