If you love Italian cuisine, you know that Parmesan cheese is a staple ingredient in most dishes. From pasta to pizza, salads to soups, grated Parmesan cheese adds a unique flavor and texture to any recipe. But what do you do if you don’t have any Parmesan cheese on hand?
Or worse yet, what if you’re lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy? Don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes for grated Parmesan cheese that will still give your dishes that delicious umami flavor.
1. Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk.
It has a similar salty and nutty taste as Parmesan cheese, but with a slightly sharper flavor profile. Pecorino Romano is also lactose-free, making it an ideal substitute for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.
2. Grana Padano
Grana Padano is another hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a milder and sweeter taste than Parmesan cheese, but can still be used as a substitute in most recipes that call for grated Parmesan.
3. Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is an Italian cow’s milk cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It can be used as a substitute for grated Parmesan in many recipes, especially pasta dishes and salads.
4. Vegan Parmesan Cheese
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are many vegan parmesan cheeses available on the market made from ingredients like nutritional yeast, cashews, and almonds. These substitutes have a similar flavor profile to traditional grated parmesan and are perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
5. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that has been grown on molasses.
It has a cheesy and nutty flavor and is often used to add a cheesy flavor to vegan dishes. Nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute for grated Parmesan cheese in many recipes.
6. Romano Cheese
Romano cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a sharp, tangy flavor similar to Parmesan cheese. It’s a great substitute for grated Parmesan in pasta dishes, soups, and salads.
7. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk. While it has a slightly different taste and texture than Parmesan cheese, it can still be used as a substitute in some recipes like salads or roasted vegetables.
In conclusion, grated Parmesan cheese may be an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes, but there are plenty of substitutes available that will still give your meals that delicious umami flavor. Whether you choose Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, Asiago Cheese, vegan parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, Romano cheese or feta cheese – each of these substitutes brings their own unique flavor profile to your dish. So next time you run out of grated Parmesan cheese or need a dairy-free option, don’t hesitate to try one of these substitutes!