Romano cheese is a hard, salty cheese that is often used in Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads. However, it can be difficult to find Romano cheese in your favorite stores.
Fortunately, there are several substitutes available that are similar to Romano cheese. And these similar cheeses won’t compromise the flavor or texture of the dish!
Here are seven of my top replacements for Romano cheese for when you’re in a pinch:
Pecorino Romano
One of my favorites! Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a similar texture and flavor to Romano cheese, making it a great alternative.
Both Pecorino and regular Romano share a sharp and robust flavor profile. It really does make Pecorino Romano a perfect stand-in for the traditional Romano cheese.
Crafted from the milk of sheep grazing on lush pastures, Pecorino Romano boasts a distinct tanginess that adds depth and complexity to a dish. Its crumbly texture and salty notes make it an excellent companion for pasta dishes, soups, and hearty recipes. Go get some!
Parmesan
Ah, trusty Parmesan. Who doesn’t have some in the fridge?! It has a nutty and tangy flavor that is similar to Romano. It boasts a rich, nutty taste with savory undertones that resonate with the umami flavors found in Romano cheese.
Additionally, Parmesan’s hard and granular texture makes it a perfect choice for grating, much like Romano. Can you tell I love this option!
Asiago
Asiago cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Like Romano, Asiago boasts a firm and crumbly texture that grates beautifully, allowing it to be sprinkled over dishes with ease.
I find its flavor profile brings a delightful blend of nuttiness and subtle sweetness, reminiscent of Romano’s distinct taste. It works a charm grated over pasta, melted into sauces, or just as part of a cheese platter. If you want to add a touch of complexity and depth to your recipes, give it a go!
Grana Padano
Grana Padano is an excellent substitute for Romano cheese for a few reasons. Firstly, both cheeses have a similar taste profile with a slightly nutty and savory flavor. They both add a delicious umami kick to your dishes.
Secondly, Grana Padano has a hard and granular texture that makes it easy to grate, just like Romano cheese. This means you can sprinkle it over pasta, salads, or soups to enhance their flavors in jig time.
Sardo
Sardo cheese makes for a great stand-in for Romano because it shares similar qualities and flavors.
Both cheeses have a firm and crumbly texture, which adds a nice bite to your dishes. In terms of taste, Sardo cheese is salty and nutty, just like Romano cheese, giving your meals a delicious savory kick.
Whether you grate it over pasta or sprinkle it on your salads, Sardo cheese adds a wonderful burst of flavor.
Manchego
Manchego cheese is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that is similar to Romano cheese. Manchego cheese is often used in Spanish dishes like pasta, spaghetti and paella.
Cotija
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that has a salty and crumbly texture. It is a good substitute for Romano cheese in dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and salads.
There are many great substitutes for Romano cheese. Whether you are looking for a hard, aged cheese or a crumbly, salty one, there is a substitute out there that will work wonders for your recipe.
Additional Substitutes For Romano
Before you go, here are a few bonus options you can check out!
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a non-dairy substitute for Romano cheese. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Nutritional yeast works well in pasta dishes, soups, and stews. It can also be used as a topping for popcorn or added to a cheese plate.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that can be used as a substitute for Romano cheese in pasta dishes and salads.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a sharp, aged cheese that can be used as a substitute for Romano cheese in pasta dishes and salads. It can also be used as a topping for burgers or added to a cheese plate.
Why Look for Romano Cheese Substitutes?
Romano cheese is a hard, salty cheese with a sharp flavor that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. However, some people may not be able to consume Romano cheese due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Here are some reasons why people may look for Romano cheese substitutes:
Lactose Intolerance or Dairy Sensitivity
Some people are lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to dairy products, which means they cannot consume Romano cheese. In such cases, they need to find a substitute that is free from lactose or dairy products.
Vegan or Plant-Based Diet
People who follow a vegan or plant-based diet do not consume any animal products, including dairy. Romano cheese is made from cow’s milk, which means it is not suitable for a vegan or plant-based diet. A substitute that is made from plant-based ingredients is required.
Cost
Romano cheese can be expensive, and some people may not be able to afford it. In such cases, finding a substitute that is more affordable can be helpful.
Availability
Romano cheese may not be available in some regions, or it may be difficult to find in certain grocery stores. In such cases, finding a substitute that is readily available can be convenient.
In summary, there are several reasons why people may look for Romano cheese substitutes, including lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity, a vegan or plant-based diet, cost, and availability.
What is Romano Cheese, Anyway?
It is a hard, salty, and sharp Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It is named after the city of Rome, where it was first produced. Love that place!
Romano cheese is commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara and fettuccine alfredo. It is also used as a topping for pizzas and salads.
Romano cheese comes in two varieties: Pecorino Romano and Romano. Pecorino Romano is made from 100% sheep’s milk and has a more pungent flavor, while Romano is made from a combination of sheep’s and cow’s milk and has a milder taste.
Romano cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, but it is also high in sodium and saturated fat. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Here are some key characteristics of Romano cheese:
- Texture: Hard and crumbly
- Flavor: Salty and sharp
- Aroma: Pungent
- Color: Pale yellow
- Aging: Typically aged for at least five months
Romano cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient in Italian cooking. However, if you are looking for a substitute due to dietary restrictions or personal preference, there are several options available that can provide a similar flavor and texture.
