Substitute For Romano Cheese

Here are the top 7 substitutes for Romano Cheese in 2024.

If you are curious about what cheese can be used as a substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese, check out the list below!

Pecorino Romano cheese was first discovered in the Italian provinces and is a hard, aged cow’s milk cheese that has been used for centuries to make pasta dishes.

It can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. It is one of those versatile and classic cheeses that can be used in pasta, pizza, and savory dishes. But what would you do if you lacked Romano cheese in your pantry?

What are the Best Substitutes For Romano Cheese

1. Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a type of Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. The name comes from the city of Parma, where it originated. It is often called “the king of cheeses” because of its versatility and popularity. It is usually added at the end of cooking or baking to add savory flavor and texture to dishes such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, and baked potatoes.

Why is Parmesan a good substitute for Romano cheese?

It is similar in taste and texture to Pecorino Romano cheese. In fact, some people even say that they cannot tell the difference between the two.

2. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is another type of Italian cheese that is made by adding rennet to fresh milk. This process causes the type of milk protein to coagulate into curds and whey. After this step, the curds are cut into small pieces and then heated until they become soft enough to stretch. When cooled down, the curds will form into balls, and these balls are pressed together to create long strings called “beads.” These beads are then stretched again and knotted to create thicker strings called “cheese wheels.”

romano cheese vs mozzarella
Romano Cheese vs Mozzarella

Why is Mozzarella cheese a good substitute for Romano cheese?

It tastes very much like Romano cheese. You may not notice any difference in taste, however it adds a nice tanginess to the dish when served with tomato sauce. The taste of Mozzarella is salty and tangy. The flavor isn’t as sharp as Romano’s, so you’ll need to adjust the quantity. It may be used in pizzas, pasta, soups, and other dishes that require your favorite Romano cheese because it has a less pungent flavor.

3. Grana Padano

Grana Padano is another type of Italian cheese that is also known as “hard grained cheese”. It is a semi-soft cheese that has a milder flavor with grainy texture than Parmigiano Reggiano. It is made using the same method as mozzarella cheese but instead of rennet, citric acid is used to coagulate the milk proteins in this grainy cheese. 

4. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular American cheeses. It is made by heating milk up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius) before adding bacteria and enzymes. Once the milk reaches this temperature, it undergoes a fermentation process that creates lactic acid and produces a thick curd. As the curd continues to mature, it becomes harder and drier. 

Why is Cheddar Cheese a good substitute for Romano cheese?

The strong flavor of Cheddar cheese is quite different from that of Romano cheese. If you want to use cheddar cheese as a substitute for Romano cheese, you should increase the amount of seasoning. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a strong, pungent flavor comparable to Romano.

5. Fresh Asiago

Fresh Asiago is a hard cheese made from sheep’s milk. It gets its name from the region where it was first produced, Italy’s Asiago region. It is often used as a cheese pizza topping because it melts easily and doesn’t dry out quickly. It is usually added at the end of cooking to give a creamy consistency to sauces and stews. 

Why is Fresh Asiago a good substitute for Romano cheese?

Fresh Asiago is a semi-hard cheese that contains a smooth texture and a rich flavor. It can be used as a cheese pizza topping since it melts well and does not dry out too quickly. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is best used in recipes that call for mild cheese, such as lasagna.

6. Piave

Piave is a soft cheese made from cow’s milk. It is named after the river Piave near Venice, Italy. This cheese is sometimes referred to as “Italian cream cheese” due to its light color and buttery flavor. It is traditionally eaten fresh and spread on bread or pasta. 

Why is Piave a good substitute for Romano cheese?

Piave is considered to be a soft cheese that melts well. It has a delicate flavor and is often used as a dessert cheese. It is also delicious when served over fruit desserts like apple pie or baked apples. You can use Piave as a replacement for Romano cheese in any recipe calling for mild cheese.

Spanish Manchego vs Romano Cheese
Spanish Manchego vs Romano Cheese

7. Spanish Manchego

Spanish Manchego is a white cheese made from cow’s or goat’s milk. This aged cheese takes about 2 months in the process and is wrapped in paper molds. These are left to age for several weeks before they’re unwrapped and sold. The cheese is known for having a very strong aroma and tanginess.

Why is Spanish Manchego a good substitute for Romano cheese?

This cheese is a semi-hard cheese that comes in various sizes. It is commonly used as a table cheese and is often sliced and served with ham or other cured meats. It is also used as a sandwich filling. It is ideal for grilling or baking since it melts well.

8. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast that contains B vitamins. It is used as a flavoring agent in many foods including soups, sauces, dressings, dips, and spreads. It can be found in health food stores and some supermarkets.

Why is nutritional yeast a good substitute for Romano cheese?

Nutritional yeast is an inactive form of yeast that contains all eight essential amino acids. It can be used in place of Pecorino Romano cheese in most recipes as a vegan alternative. It adds a cheesy flavor without adding fat.

What Can I Substitute for Romano Cheese in Alfredo Pasta?

Alfredo sauce is typically prepared using heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and egg yolks. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, try substituting nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.

Is it okay to substitute Mozzarella for Romano cheese?

Yes! Mozzarella is another great substitute for Romano cheese. It works especially well in lasagna and stuffed shells.

What Makes Parmesan Cheese Different from Romano Cheese?

Both Parmesan and Romano kinds of cheese have sharp flavors, but Parmesan is more pungent than Romano. Both kinds of cheese are high in calcium and contain vitamin K.