If you’re a lover of Italian cuisine, then you know that Parmesan cheese is a staple ingredient in many dishes. Its nutty and salty flavor profile makes it an essential component of classic dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto. However, if you’re looking to avoid dairy or simply don’t have any Parmesan cheese on hand, there are several substitutes that you can use instead.

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

If you’re trying to avoid dairy altogether or are vegan, then vegan Parmesan cheese is the perfect substitute for traditional Parmesan. It’s made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt. You can easily make it at home by blending the ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture.

How to make vegan Parmesan cheese:

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp salt

1. In a food processor or blender, add all three ingredients. 2.

Pulse until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. 3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Pecorino Romano Cheese

Pecorino Romano cheese is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a similar taste to Parmesan but is saltier and sharper in flavor. It’s an excellent substitute for grated Parmesan in pasta dishes like carbonara or cacio e pepe.

Asiago Cheese

Asiago cheese is another hard Italian cheese that can be used as a substitute for Parmesan. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor profile. Asiago works well as a topping for salads or pizzas.

Romano Cheese

Romano cheese is another hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a sharp and tangy flavor profile that’s similar to Parmesan. Romano cheese is an excellent substitute for grated Parmesan in pasta dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara.

Grana Padano Cheese

Grana Padano cheese is a hard Italian cheese that’s made from partially skimmed cow’s milk. It has a nutty and savory flavor profile that’s similar to Parmesan. Grana Padano works well as a substitute for grated Parmesan in dishes like risotto or pasta.

Conclusion

While nothing can replace the unique taste of Parmesan cheese, these substitutes are excellent alternatives that you can use in your cooking. Whether you’re avoiding dairy or simply don’t have any Parmesan on hand, these substitutes will help you achieve the same delicious flavor profile in your favorite Italian dishes.