What Cheese Is Closest to Pecorino Cheese?

When a recipe calls for Pecorino cheese, but you don’t have it on hand, it’s easy to worry that your dish won’t turn out the same. However, several cheeses can serve as excellent substitutes, offering similar flavors, textures, and functionality in cooking. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the characteristics of Pecorino, dive into the best alternatives, and provide insights into how you can make the most out of these substitutions.

Whether you’re looking for a quick switch for a pasta dish, need an alternative for a cheese board, or simply want to learn more about the world of Italian cheeses, this article covers everything you need to know. We’ll also use internal links to related articles that can further guide your cheese journey.

What is Pecorino Cheese?

To understand what cheeses can replace Pecorino, it’s essential to grasp the characteristics that make Pecorino so distinct. Pecorino is a family of Italian cheeses made from 100% sheep’s milk. The term Pecorino is derived from the Italian word “pecora,” which means sheep.

One of the most well-known varieties of Pecorino is Pecorino Romano, which has been a staple of Italian cuisine for thousands of years. Other varieties include Pecorino Toscano, Pecorino Sardo, and Pecorino Siciliano, each with slightly different characteristics based on their region of origin and the specific production techniques used.

Characteristics of Pecorino:

• Sheep’s Milk: The primary component that gives Pecorino its distinct flavor. Sheep’s milk is richer and fattier than cow’s milk, leading to a more intense, buttery, and tangy flavor.
• Salty and Sharp: Due to its high salt content and extended aging process, Pecorino develops a strong, tangy, and salty flavor that intensifies as it ages.
• Hard and Crumbly Texture: Pecorino cheeses are hard, making them perfect for grating over pasta, salads, and soups. As the cheese ages, it becomes more crumbly and dry, which makes it ideal for dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara.
• Aged: Pecorino can be aged for varying lengths of time. Fresher Pecorino is milder, while aged Pecorino can be very salty and robust in flavor.

For more details on the different varieties and uses of Pecorino, you can read our complete guide to Pecorino cheese, which delves deeper into the history, production, and culinary uses of this beloved Italian cheese.

Why Would You Need to Substitute Pecorino?

Before we dive into the best substitutes for Pecorino, let’s examine why you might need a substitute in the first place.

1. Availability Issues

One of the primary reasons for seeking a substitute for Pecorino is that it may not always be available, especially if you live outside of Italy or in areas where specialty cheeses are harder to find. While Pecorino Romano is more widely distributed internationally, some of the other varieties like Pecorino Toscano or Pecorino Sardo can be much harder to track down.

2. Flavor Preference

3. Dietary Restrictions

If you’re lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, you may need to look for alternatives that offer similar flavors and textures without the dairy component.

4. Cost

Pecorino, particularly varieties like Pecorino Toscano and Pecorino Sardo, can be quite expensive. Depending on your location, you may find more budget-friendly substitutes that won’t break the bank.

For those who are looking for similar cheeses that won’t overwhelm dishes or require a large budget, exploring the alternatives discussed below will offer some great solutions.

The Best Substitutes for Pecorino Cheese

1. Parmesan Cheese: The Closest Substitute

Parmesan (also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano) is often considered the closest substitute for Pecorino. Both are hard, grating cheeses with a sharp, savory flavor, and both are staples in Italian cuisine. While Parmesan is made from cow’s milk rather than sheep’s milk, the aging process produces a similar crumbly texture and strong taste.

• Flavor Profile: Parmesan has a nutty and slightly salty taste but is less intense than Pecorino. Its milder flavor makes it a more versatile option in a variety of dishes.
• Texture: Parmesan is just as crumbly as Pecorino, making it perfect for grating over dishes. The two cheeses have very similar textures, especially when Parmesan has been aged for 24 months or more.
• Uses in Cooking: You can use Parmesan in almost any recipe that calls for Pecorino. It works especially well in pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Pasta alla Gricia.

If you’re looking to delve deeper into the nuances between these two cheeses, you can read more in our article about whether Pecorino is the same as Parmesan.

2. Grana Padano: A Subtler Alternative

Grana Padano is another Italian cheese that can replace Pecorino. Like Parmesan, Grana Padano is a hard, cow’s milk cheese, though its flavor is milder and less salty than both Parmesan and Pecorino. Aging this cheese gives it a crumbly texture and a complex flavor that develops over time.

• Flavor Profile: Grana Padano is a bit sweeter and less salty than Pecorino, making it a great choice for those who find Pecorino’s flavor too strong. It also has a nutty, buttery flavor similar to Parmesan.
• Texture: It has a fine, crystalline texture that is perfect for grating. While not as crumbly as Pecorino, it still works well as a substitute in most dishes.
• Best Uses: Grana Padano is ideal for grating over pasta, salads, or risotto. It’s also a great addition to a cheese board, where its milder flavor can balance out stronger cheeses.

If you’re a fan of pasta and cheese combinations, you might also be interested in learning about the closest noodle to Cavatappi, a unique type of pasta that pairs well with hard cheeses like Grana Padano.

3. Asiago Cheese: A Versatile Option

Asiago is a versatile Italian cheese that comes in both fresh and aged varieties. When aged, Asiago develops a crumbly texture and sharp flavor that makes it an excellent substitute for Pecorino. While it’s typically milder than Pecorino, its nutty, buttery taste is perfect for many of the same dishes.

• Flavor Profile: Aged Asiago has a sharp, nutty flavor that intensifies the longer it ages. However, it is still less salty and less intense than Pecorino.
• Texture: Like Pecorino, aged Asiago becomes quite hard and crumbly, making it great for grating.
• Best Uses: Aged Asiago works wonderfully in dishes like pasta, risotto, or even on a cheese platter. For those who prefer a less salty cheese, Asiago provides a milder option.

4. Piave Cheese: The Parmesan Cousin

Piave is another Italian cow’s milk cheese that is closely related to Parmesan. Like Parmesan, Piave is a hard, grating cheese that becomes more crumbly and sharp as it ages. However, Piave is often slightly sweeter and less salty than Parmesan or Pecorino.

• Flavor Profile: Piave has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that intensifies with age. Aged Piave is quite similar to Parmesan, but with a slightly milder saltiness.
• Texture: The texture of aged Piave is firm and crumbly, making it ideal for grating.
• Best Uses: You can use Piave in most recipes that call for Pecorino. It works especially well in dishes that benefit from a slightly sweeter flavor, such as vegetable-based pasta dishes or soups.

5. Manchego: A Spanish Alternative

Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, just like Pecorino. While it’s not Italian, Manchego shares many similarities with Pecorino, particularly when it comes to texture and flavor. The main difference is that Manchego tends to be milder and slightly sweeter than Pecorino.

• Flavor Profile: Manchego has a rich, buttery flavor with a slight sweetness, particularly in younger varieties. As it ages, it becomes sharper and more complex, though it never reaches the same intensity as Pecorino.
• Texture: Aged Manchego becomes firm and crumbly, similar to Pecorino, making it a good substitute in many dishes.
• Best Uses: Manchego is versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from pasta to cheese boards. Because it’s slightly milder, it’s a great option for those who find Pecorino too salty.

6. Romano Cheese: Pecorino’s Italian Cousin

Romano cheese is another excellent substitute for Pecorino, particularly Pecorino Romano, as the two cheeses share a similar history and culinary use. However, Romano cheese can be made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk, which gives it a more varied flavor profile.

• Flavor Profile: Romano cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor that is similar to Pecorino, though it tends to be less salty, depending on the milk used.
• Texture: Like Pecorino, Romano cheese is hard and crumbly, making it a great option for grating over dishes like pasta and salads.
• Best Uses: Use Romano cheese in any dish that calls for Pecorino. It works particularly well in Italian dishes like Pasta alla Gricia or Pasta Carbonara.

For those who enjoy experimenting with different cheese types, you might also find our Pepper Jack cheese guide to be an interesting read, offering insights into spicier cheese varieties.

7. Iberico Cheese: A Unique Blend of Milk Types

Iberico cheese, a Spanish cheese, combines cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk. This unique combination of milks gives it a rich, tangy flavor and firm texture, making it a suitable alternative to Pecorino in many dishes.

• Flavor Profile: Iberico has a complex flavor profile due to the combination of different milks. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and nutty, though not as salty as Pecorino.
• Texture: Like Pecorino, Iberico is firm and slightly crumbly, making it easy to grate over pasta or salads.
• Best Uses: Iberico is versatile and can be used in both hot and cold dishes. It’s great for grating over pasta or serving on a cheese board.

8. Ossau Iraty: A French Sheep’s Milk Cheese

• Flavor Profile: Ossau Iraty has a rich, buttery flavor with mild sweetness. It’s less salty than Pecorino, making it a good option for those who prefer a milder taste.
• Texture: The firm texture of Ossau Iraty makes it easy to grate, though it’s slightly creamier than Pecorino.
• Best Uses: Use Ossau Iraty in any dish that calls for Pecorino, particularly when a milder flavor is preferred.

Vegan Alternatives for Pecorino Cheese

For those following a plant-based or dairy-free diet, there are several vegan alternatives to Pecorino that deliver on flavor and texture without the use of animal products. These vegan cheeses mimic the salty, nutty flavor of Pecorino, making them suitable substitutes in many recipes.

1. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan substitute for hard cheeses like Pecorino. It has a cheesy, umami flavor and can be sprinkled over dishes like pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables. While it doesn’t have the same texture as Pecorino, its flavor is a great stand-in for many dishes.

2. Vegan Parmesan Alternatives

Many brands now offer vegan Parmesan alternatives designed to mimic the texture and flavor of hard cheeses like Pecorino and Parmesan. These products typically use a base of nuts or seeds and deliver the salty, savory flavor you’d expect from a hard cheese through careful seasoning.

3. Homemade Vegan Cheese

For those who enjoy making their own dairy-free alternatives, there are plenty of recipes for homemade vegan cheese. These recipes often use cashews, almonds, or tofu as a base, combined with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices to create a flavor that mimics Pecorino.

If you want to delve deeper into vegan alternatives, you can read more in this article about Vegan Cheese Substitutes.

FAQs About Pecorino cheese and Its Substitutes

Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Romano Cheese?

While Pecorino and Romano cheese share similarities, they are not the same. Pecorino is made entirely from sheep’s milk, while Romano can be made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk. This results in a milder, less salty flavor in Romano compared to Pecorino.

Is there another name for Pecorino Cheese?

The term Pecorino actually refers to a family of Italian cheeses made from sheep’s milk. Depending on the region, producers may label the cheese as Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, or Pecorino Sardo. Each of these varieties has its own distinct flavor and texture, but all share the common characteristics of being hard, salty cheeses made from sheep’s milk.

Can you substitute Pecorino Cheese with Parmesan?

Yes, Parmesan is one of the closest substitutes for Pecorino. Both cheeses share a similar texture and work interchangeably in many recipes.

However, keep in mind that Parmesan is milder and less salty than Pecorino, so you may need to adjust the seasoning in your dish accordingly.

What are the best Pecorino Cheese substitutes for pasta?

For pasta dishes, the best substitutes for Pecorino are Parmesan, Grana Padano, and Romano cheese. All of these cheeses have a similar texture and flavor profile to Pecorino, making them excellent choices for grating over pasta or incorporating into sauces.

Conclusion

Whether you’re out of Pecorino or simply looking to try something new, there are plenty of cheeses that can deliver a similar punch of flavor. From Parmesan and Grana Padano to Manchego and Asiago, these substitutes ensure you can still enjoy a delicious, savory dish without missing out on the unique qualities of this cheese.

By experimenting with different substitutes, you can tailor the flavor and texture to your liking. Whether you’re cooking a traditional Italian dish or exploring new recipes, these alternatives will ensure your meals remain flavorful and satisfying.