Pecorino Romano is one of Italy’s most famous hard cheeses, prized for its sharp, salty bite and robust flavor.
Made from sheep’s milk, it has a firm, crumbly texture and is often grated over pasta, soups, and roasted vegetables to add a savory depth.
It’s a key ingredient in classic dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara, where its intense saltiness and umami-rich flavor shine.
But what if you can’t find Pecorino Romano or need a less salty alternative? There are several cheeses that offer a similar sharpness, salty edge, or crumbly texture, making them great substitutes depending on your dish.
We’ve tested different cheeses in pasta, salads, soups, and baked dishes to find the best replacements for Pecorino Romano. Whether you need a close match, a milder option, or even a dairy-free swap, these seven substitutes will keep your recipe flavorful and balanced.
7 Substitutes for Pecorino Romano
Each of these substitutes offers a different balance of sharpness, saltiness, and texture, so the best choice depends on your dish.
1. Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Parmesan is one of the best substitutes for Pecorino Romano, offering a similar hard texture and umami-packed flavor but with a milder, nuttier taste.
Why it works: Parmesan has a rich, savory depth with a slightly grainy texture, making it perfect for pasta, risottos, and soups. It’s not as salty as Pecorino Romano, so you may need to adjust seasoning.
Best for: Pasta dishes, risottos, salads, and soups.
How to use: Replace Pecorino Romano with Parmesan in equal amounts. If you need more saltiness, add a pinch of sea salt or aged Parmesan.
If Parmesan isn’t available, check out these other useful Parmesan cheese substitutes.
2. Grana Padano
Grana Padano is similar to Parmesan but with a slightly softer, more buttery texture and less aging time. It’s an excellent low-sodium alternative to Pecorino Romano.
Why it works: Grana Padano has a nutty, mildly tangy flavor with excellent grating properties, making it a great substitute for Pecorino Romano in pasta dishes.
Best for: Pasta, soups, salads, and risottos.
How to use: Use Grana Padano in equal amounts as a Pecorino Romano substitute. If you want a sharper bite, mix it with Parmesan.
For more Grana Padano alternatives, check out these Grana Padano cheese substitutes.
3. Asiago Cheese
Asiago is a stronger-flavored substitute that works well when you need a tangier, slightly sweeter alternative to Pecorino Romano.
Why it works: Aged Asiago has a firm, crumbly texture and a bold, nutty taste, making it ideal for dishes where Pecorino’s sharpness is key.
Best for: Pasta, pizza, cheese platters, and soups.
How to use: Replace Pecorino Romano with aged Asiago in equal amounts. If using fresh Asiago, reduce the quantity as it’s milder.
For more Asiago alternatives, check out these Asiago cheese substitutes.
4. Manchego Cheese
Manchego, a Spanish sheep’s milk cheese, offers a nutty, slightly tangy taste that can work as a milder substitute for Pecorino Romano.
Why it works: Manchego’s firm texture and rich umami flavor make it a great grating cheese for pasta and salads. However, it’s less salty than Pecorino Romano.
Best for: Pasta, cheese boards, and salads.
How to use: Use Manchego in equal portions as a Pecorino Romano substitute, but if more saltiness is needed, mix it with Parmesan.
For more Manchego alternatives, check out these Manchego cheese substitutes.
5. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a bold, salty Mexican cheese that works as a Pecorino Romano substitute in certain dishes. It’s firmer and doesn’t melt well, but it adds a sharp, salty flavor when crumbled over pasta or salads.
Why it works: Cotija is salty, tangy, and crumbly, making it a great alternative for sprinkling over dishes that require Pecorino Romano’s signature punch.
Best for: Salads, tacos, pasta, and soups.
How to use: Use Cotija in slightly smaller amounts than Pecorino Romano, as it tends to be even saltier.
For more Cotija alternatives, check out these Cotija cheese substitutes.
6. Romano Cheese
Romano cheese is a milder, cow’s milk version of Pecorino Romano, making it a great low-sodium substitute while keeping the same firm texture.
Why it works: Romano cheese has a nutty, tangy taste but is far less sharp and salty, making it a good alternative in dishes where you want a softer bite.
Best for: Pasta, salads, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Use Romano cheese in equal portions as a Pecorino Romano substitute. If you need more saltiness, mix it with Parmesan.
7. Nutritional Yeast
If you need a vegan or dairy-free substitute, nutritional yeast is one of the best options. It adds a cheesy, umami-packed flavor without the dairy.
Why it works: Nutritional yeast has a nutty, slightly salty taste that mimics grated Pecorino Romano when sprinkled over pasta or salads.
Best for: Vegan pasta dishes, soups, and risottos.
How to use: Use nutritional yeast in smaller amounts than Pecorino Romano, as its flavor is concentrated. Mixing it with cashew-based Parmesan-style cheese can enhance its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is the closest substitute for Pecorino Romano. It has a similar hard texture and umami-rich flavor, though it is slightly nuttier and less salty than Pecorino Romano.
Yes, Grana Padano is a good substitute for Pecorino Romano, especially if you want a milder and less salty alternative. It has a similar hard texture and grates well over pasta and salads.
Parmesan is the best substitute for Pecorino Romano in Carbonara. Since Parmesan is less salty, you may need to add a pinch of salt to maintain the dish’s traditional flavor.
Yes, Asiago can work as a substitute for Pecorino Romano in pasta dishes. Aged Asiago has a sharper bite, while younger Asiago is milder and creamier. Use aged Asiago if you want a closer match.
For a non-dairy alternative, nutritional yeast is a great option. It provides a cheesy, umami-rich flavor that works well when sprinkled over pasta or salads. Some vegan Parmesan-style cheeses made from cashews or almonds can also mimic Pecorino Romano’s salty, nutty taste.
