Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor, making it a go-to ingredient in pasta dishes, soups, risottos, and sauces.
It’s known for its sharp umami taste and crumbly yet firm texture, making it perfect for grating over food or melting into creamy dishes.
But what if you don’t have Parmesan on hand? Whether you’re looking for a similar texture, a plant-based alternative, or a budget-friendly swap, several cheeses can step in without compromising your recipe.
Some substitutes provide the same salty, aged bite, while others bring a unique depth of flavor to elevate your dish in a different way.
We’ve tested different cheeses in everything from Alfredo sauce to Caesar salads to find the best Parmesan cheese substitutes. Whether you need something hard and grateable or a softer melting alternative, these seven swaps will keep your dish delicious.
7 Substitutes for Parmesan Cheese
Each of these cheeses offers a unique take on Parmesan’s sharpness, texture, or umami richness. The best choice depends on how you’re using it.
1. Pecorino Romano
If you need a nearly identical substitute for Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is the best choice. It has a sharp, salty bite and a crumbly texture, making it perfect for grating over pasta or blending into sauces.
Why it works: Pecorino Romano is made from sheep’s milk, giving it a stronger, saltier flavor than Parmesan. It’s also slightly firmer, making it ideal for grating.
Best for: Pasta dishes, soups, risottos, and Caesar salad.
How to use: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano in a 1:1 ratio, but since it’s saltier, you may want to reduce added salt in your recipe.
If Pecorino Romano isn’t available, check out these other useful Pecorino Romano cheese substitutes.
2. Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a great substitute if you want a cheese that’s similar to Parmesan but milder and less crumbly.
Why it works: Grana Padano has a smooth, slightly nutty flavor with less saltiness, making it ideal for recipes where Parmesan might be too overpowering. It also melts beautifully, making it a good choice for creamy dishes.
Best for: Pasta sauces, soups, risottos, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use Grana Padano in equal amounts as a Parmesan substitute. If you need more sharpness, mix it with a little Pecorino Romano.
If Grana Padano isn’t an option, explore other helpful Grana Padano cheese substitutes.
3. Asiago Cheese
Asiago is a versatile cheese that works well as a Parmesan substitute, especially when aged. It has a firm texture and a slightly nutty, tangy flavor, making it great for pasta dishes and salads.
Why it works: Aged Asiago has a hard, crumbly consistency that grates well, much like Parmesan. Fresh Asiago is softer and better for melting.
Best for: Pasta, salads, pizzas, and cheese boards.
How to use: Replace Parmesan with aged Asiago in equal portions. If using fresh Asiago, it works best in sauces and melted applications.
For more aged cheese alternatives, check out these Asiago cheese substitutes.
4. Cotija Cheese
Cotija is a Mexican cheese that offers the same salty, aged flavor as Parmesan but with a slightly drier texture.
Why it works: Cotija has a crumbly, firm consistency and a bold, tangy taste, making it an excellent Parmesan substitute in dishes where sharpness matters.
Best for: Tacos, pasta dishes, and salads.
How to use: Use Cotija in a 1:1 ratio for Parmesan, but note that it doesn’t melt well, so it’s best used as a topping.
If Cotija isn’t available, check out these Cotija cheese substitutes.
5. Manchego Cheese
Manchego is a sheep’s milk cheese with a rich, buttery taste, making it a good substitute for Parmesan when you want a smooth, slightly nutty flavor.
Why it works: Aged Manchego is firm enough to grate like Parmesan but has a slightly creamier consistency, making it a great alternative in recipes that need a less salty cheese.
Best for: Cheese platters, pasta, risottos, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use aged Manchego in equal portions as a Parmesan substitute. If it’s too mild, mix it with a sharper cheese like Pecorino Romano.
For more firm cheese options, check out these Manchego cheese substitutes.
6. Dry Jack Cheese
Dry Jack cheese is an aged version of Monterey Jack that’s firm, nutty, and easy to grate, making it an ideal Parmesan substitute.
Why it works: Dry Jack has a slightly sweet, nutty taste and a firm texture that’s perfect for grating over pasta, salads, and soups.
Best for: Pasta dishes, soups, and salads.
How to use: Replace Parmesan with Dry Jack in a 1:1 ratio. If you need more saltiness, mix it with a touch of Pecorino Romano.
If Dry Jack isn’t available, check out these Monterey Jack cheese substitutes.
7. Nutritional Yeast
If you need a vegan or dairy-free substitute for Parmesan, nutritional yeast is the best option. It has a natural umami-rich taste and a slightly nutty, cheesy flavor, making it a popular plant-based choice.
Why it works: Nutritional yeast is packed with flavor and can be sprinkled over pasta, popcorn, or salads to add a cheesy kick without any dairy.
Best for: Vegan cheese sauces, pasta, and seasoning blends.
How to use: Use nutritional yeast in equal portions as a Parmesan topping, or mix it with cashew-based cheese for a creamier substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pecorino Romano is the closest substitute for Parmesan. It has a similarly hard texture and sharp, salty flavor, making it perfect for grating over pasta, soups, and salads.
Yes, Grana Padano is an excellent substitute for Parmesan in pasta dishes. It has a milder, slightly creamier flavor and melts smoothly into sauces, making it a great alternative in recipes like Alfredo or carbonara.
Asiago cheese is a great alternative to Parmesan in Caesar salad. Aged Asiago has a slightly nutty and tangy flavor that complements the dressing while providing a similar grated texture.
Cotija cheese can work as a substitute for Parmesan, but it has a more crumbly texture and a saltier, tangier taste. It’s best used as a topping for tacos, salads, and pasta rather than in melted applications.
Nutritional yeast is the best dairy-free substitute for Parmesan. It has a naturally cheesy, umami-rich flavor that works well as a topping for pasta, salads, and roasted vegetables.
