The Ultimate Guide to Parmesan Cheese Substitutes

Hello, my lovely tribe of food enthusiasts! It’s your gal Eva, here again to tickle your taste buds with my culinary adventures. Say CHEESE! Ah, did that brighten your day? We know how much you pizza and pasta fans are obsessed with parmesan cheese, but what if one day, you looked in the fridge and it’s gone missing?

Or your dietary preferences have changed? Or you just wish to experiment with new flavors? Do not fret, I’m here with your ultimate guide to Parmesan Cheese substitutes 🙂

Once upon a time, during my younger years, I threw a cheese-themed party, but lo and behold, I ran out of Parmesan cheese! Now, it’s no party without Parmesan – at least for me. I mean, who could resist the delicate balance of flavor that parmesan brings to our favorite dishes, right? I wouldn’t even dare to dream of my much-loved pasta and risottos without their cheesy sidekick.

Substitute	Taste	Texture	Uses
Pecorino Romano	Salty, tangy	Hard, crumbly	Pasta, salads, soups
Grana Padano	Nutty, milder	Hard, granular	Grating, sauces, risottos
Asiago	Rich, slightly sweet	Firm, crumbly	Baked dishes, salads, pizza
Vegan Parmesan	Savory, cheesy	Grated, powdery	Pasta, roasted vegetables
Nutritional Yeast	Umami, nutty	Flaky, powdery	Popcorn, salads, dressings
Panko Breadcrumbs	Mild, crunchy	Crisp, coarse	Casseroles, breading
Hemp Seeds	Nutty, earthy	Small, soft seeds	Salads, pasta, grain bowls

So, what’s a lady like me to do when something like that happens? Panic? No way, José! I did what any self-respecting, cheese-lovin’ foodie would do –find a substitute. That crazy day marked the start of my exhilarating journey venturing into the world of Parmesan cheese substitutes. The choices left my mouth in “brie-liant” awe, as I was wowed by the cheesecidents (cheese incidents, duh!) around every corner.

So, ladies and gents, buckle up! Put your cheese-loving hats on and let’s dive deep into the exciting world of Parmesan alternatives – trust me, it’s “grate”. Remember, a wheel* of cheese opens up a whole new world. (No pun intended, hehe..)

Asiago cheese

Alrighty, leading our list is the ever-palatable Asiago cheese. Asiago is like Parmesan’s first cousin, who opted for a country life, preferring the rustic charm over city glam. Slightly sweeter than our beloved parmesan, it melts beautifully over hot dishes. That Saturday where I served Asiago-topped pasta instead of Parmesan still brings a cheese-filled smile to my friends’ faces.

Romano cheese

Then I met Romano, and boy, did he rock my world! Romano cheese is like Parmesan’s older, bolder brother –with a personality punch that could knock Elvis’s socks off. The tangy and salty flavor is fantastic for those who crave a bit more drama in their dishes. Remember that lasagna I served at Anna’s baby shower? Well, it was Romano, not Parmesan, that had everyone asking for seconds, proving that it can indeed be a “Romano- ncer”.

Grana Padano

Entering next is Grana Padano, the long-lost Italian cousin of Parmesan. It’s like a charming Italian gentleman, mild, slightly gritty but intensely flavorful that pairs exceptionally well with wines and pasta. Now listen up, my vegan buddies! Happily, I discovered Nutritional Yeast, a fan-favorite in the vegan community, when my college roommate Jaime turned vegan. Though far off from the traditional taste, it’s a non-dairy, versatile alternative loaded with health benefits.

Gruyere cheese

Then we have the ever-elegant Gruyere with a nutty, soft and sweet flavor. Picture this: it’s like the delicate Parisian lady of the cheese world, so mild and graceful, but still worth your Eiffel – I mean, effort.

Folks, variety is the spice of life. And cheese – well, it’s the cream! Do not shy away from trying new things. I remember the dinner party I hosted where I substituted Parmesan with Cheddar, and guess what? It turned out to be a delightful surprise. Some loved it, some quirked up their brows amusingly, but at the end of the day, it created memories to cherish and stories to share.

After all, isn’t that what cooking, sharing and experimenting with food is all about? As much as we love our good old Parmesan, exploring alternatives can add a fresh twist to our regular dishes. So, go ahead, spice up your pizzas, zest up your salads, excite your pastas with these marvelous Parmesan substitutes.

What are some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese?

There are several great substitutes for Parmesan cheese including Asiago, Romano, Grana Padano, Nutritional Yeast, and Gruyere.

Could you suggest a vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! Nutritional Yeast is a popular vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese because of its cheesy flavor.

I only have Cheddar, can it be used as a Parmesan cheese substitute?

Yes, though it changes the flavor profile, Cheddar Cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan in your recipes.

Is Grana Padano a good alternate for Parmesan cheese?

Grana Padano is a fantastic substitute for Parmesan cheese. It’s an Italian cheese with a flavor profile that is mild but intensely flavorful.

I love the punchy flavor of Parmesan. What’s an ideal alternative for me?

If you love the robust flavor of Parmesan, Romano could be an ideal substitute because of its strong, tangy, and salty flavor.

I’m new to cheese substitutes; what friendly suggestion do you have for replacing Parmesan cheese?

If you’re just starting out, Asiago could be a friendly substitute. It’s slightly sweeter than Parmesan but holds up well in recipes and melts beautifully over hot dishes.

Can you recommend a Parmesan cheese substitute that pairs well with wine?

Grana Padano, an Italian cheese similar to Parmesan, pairs exceptionally well with wines.

I want to try something different, which is a new but delicious alternative for Parmesan?

I would suggest you could’ve a go at Gruyere, it’s a nutty, mild, and sweet cheese that adds an elegant twist to any dish.

Remember, creativity lies within those who dare to try, and every kitchen catastrophe is just an adventure away from being a delightful discovery. What’s your favorite Parmesan substitute? Get cheesy & come chat with me in the comments below.

Until then, stay cheesy, stay hungry, and keep taking big, delicious bites out of life!

Ciao,
Eva

P.S: My ode to cheese (because why not?) – “Oh mighty cheese, you make us sigh, from Parmesan to Brie to good old Stilton. But dare we try substitutes, and behold – a new world in the kitchen!”