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Say Cheese! The Best Parmesan Cheese Substitutes for Your Recipes
Are you a fan of the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese but looking for a substitute? Perhaps you’re lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet? Whatever the reason, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to Parmesan cheese that can be used in your favorite recipes.
From nutritional yeast and cashews to hemp seeds and tofu, we’ve rounded up the best Parmesan cheese substitutes that will add flavor and texture to your dishes. Whether you’re making pesto, pasta, or a Caesar salad, these substitutes will not disappoint.
So say cheese and give these Parmesan cheese substitutes a try in your next recipe!
Say Cheese! The Best Parmesan Cheese Substitutes for Your Recipes
Are you a cheese enthusiast who loves to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on almost everything? Whether it’s pasta, pizza, soups, salads, or any other dish, nothing can beat the tangy and nutty flavors of Parmesan cheese. But what happens when you run out of Parmesan cheese, or like many people, cannot have it due to dietary restrictions or allergies?
Fret not because there are several other alternative cheeses that you can use to replace Parmesan cheese in your recipes. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best Parmesan cheese substitutes that you can try, without compromising on taste.
1. Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is a perfect replacement for Parmesan cheese, as it is quite similar in taste and texture. Made from cows’ milk, Asiago cheese has a nutty, sharp, and tangy flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste. It’s available in different varieties, from fresh Asiago to aged Asiago, and each has a unique taste and consistency.
One of the best things about Asiago cheese is that it melts perfectly, making it great for topping dishes like pizza, lasagna, and pasta. You can also sprinkle some grated Asiago cheese on top of your favorite soups, salads, or meats for an extra zing of flavor.
2. Pecorino Romano Cheese
Pecorino Romano cheese is another great substitute for Parmesan cheese, known for its salty and sharp tangy flavor. Made from sheep milk, Pecorino Romano cheese has a hard texture and is excellent for grating, just like Parmesan cheese.
You can use Pecorino Romano cheese in your pasta sauces, risotto, salad dressings, or even in your homemade pesto sauce. It’s a bit saltier than Parmesan cheese, so you may have to adjust the recipe accordingly, but it’s definitely a good choice.
3. Grana Padano Cheese
Grana Padano cheese is another popular Italian cheese that is an excellent substitute for Parmesan cheese. It has a nutty and fruity flavor with a granular and crumbly texture, similar to Parmesan cheese.
Grana Padano cheese is a versatile cheese that can be grated or shaved and used in a variety of dishes like pasta, risotto, soups, or salads. It’s also cheaper than Parmesan cheese and readily available in most grocery stores.
4. Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Are you a vegan or lactose intolerant but loves the taste of Parmesan cheese? Don’t worry; you can still enjoy the same taste and texture of Parmesan cheese by using vegan Parmesan cheese.
Vegan Parmesan cheese is made from nutritional yeast, cashews, and salt, and has a similar nutty and cheesy flavor as the original Parmesan cheese. It’s also low in calories and sodium, making it a healthy alternative to Parmesan cheese.
Basically, it’s a win-win situation as you get the same cheesy flavor without any animal-based ingredients. You can use vegan Parmesan cheese in your vegan pizza, pasta, or salads and enjoy the taste.
5. Feta Cheese
If you are looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese in your salad, feta cheese is the best choice. Made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk, feta cheese has a salty and tangy taste that can spruce up your salads and give you the satisfaction of having cheese in your salad.
Feta cheese is crumbly and soft, and you can either crumble it on top of your salads or cubes into your pasta or quiches. It also pairs perfectly with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, adding an authentic Greek touch to your dishes.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of the best Parmesan cheese substitutes that you can try the next time you run out of Parmesan cheese. Whether you are a fan of nutty, cheesy, or salty flavors, these cheese substitutes can help you achieve the same taste as Parmesan cheese without any hassle.
Note that each of these cheeses has a different texture and taste, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly. But, we hope that these cheese substitutes will help you create delicious dishes that everyone will love.
If you have any favorite Parmesan cheese substitute that we didn’t mention in this blog, do let us know in the comments section below.
Source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-substitutes-for-parmesan-cheese-4160063
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Say Cheese! and what does it offer?
Say Cheese! is a website that features articles and recipes centered around cheese. We offer reviews of different types of cheese, as well as recipes that highlight different cheeses as the star ingredient.
Why should I look for Parmesan cheese substitutes?
While Parmesan cheese is a classic and delicious ingredient, it’s not always accessible or affordable. Additionally, if you or someone you’re cooking for has a dairy allergy or is vegan, Parmesan cheese won’t work in your recipes. That’s why it’s helpful to know about Parmesan cheese substitutes!
What are some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese?
There are several great substitutes for Parmesan cheese, including:
- Grated Pecorino Romano: This cheese has a similar sharpness to Parmesan and is often less expensive.
- Nutritional yeast: This is a vegan-friendly option that has a cheesy, savory flavor. It can be sprinkled on top of dishes, added to sauces, or blended into vegan pestos.
- Grated Asiago: This cheese has a nuttier flavor than Parmesan but can be used similarly in recipes.
- Grated Grana Padano: This cheese has a similar flavor to Parmesan but is slightly milder.
Can I substitute any of these cheeses directly for Parmesan in a recipe?
Usually, yes! However, keep in mind that each of these cheeses has a unique flavor, so your dish may taste slightly different than it would with Parmesan. Also, some cheeses may melt differently than Parmesan, so they may not work as well in certain recipes.
Where can I find these Parmesan cheese substitutes?
You can find most of these cheeses at well-stocked supermarkets or specialty cheese shops. Nutritional yeast can often be found at health food stores or online.
The Best Parmesan Cheese Substitute For Your Recipes
1. Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a hard and salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a similar texture to Parmesan and a strong, sharp flavor that can enhance the taste of your dishes. It’s an excellent substitute for Parmesan cheese in pasta, soups, and risottos.
2. Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that is similar to Parmesan cheese. However, it’s not as sharp, so you may need to use a little more of it to get the same taste. You can use Asiago cheese in almost any recipe that calls for Parmesan cheese.
3. Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk that has a nutty and sweet flavor. It’s similar to Parmesan cheese, but it’s milder and less salty. You can use Grana Padano in pasta, salads, and even on top of pizza.
If you want to learn more about the different types of Italian cheese, you can visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_cheese.
Introduction
- Overview of Parmesan cheese substitutes
1. Pecorino Romano
- Description of Pecorino Romano cheese
- Similarity to Parmesan cheese
- Use in recipes
2. Grana Padano
- Description of Grana Padano cheese
- Comparison to Parmesan cheese
- Uses in cooking
3. Asiago
- Details about Asiago cheese
- Similarities and differences to Parmesan cheese
- How to use it in recipes
4. Pecorino-Romano/Grana Padano Blend
- Combining these cheeses for a Parmesan substitute
- How to blend the two cheeses
- Recipes that call for this cheese combination
5. Nutritional Yeast
- Description and uses of nutritional yeast
- Nutritional benefits and comparison to Parmesan cheese
- How to use it in recipes
