SaurabhThere are many types of cheese that are commonly used in our cooking. Whether you are making pasta, pizza, or any other savory dish, cheese is something that is a perfect addition for extra flavor.
Romano cheese is one of those varieties. It is an Italian type of cheese that has a tangy, sharp, and salty taste. It is made of sheep’s milk and has a crystalline texture with an umami taste.
The origins are from Rome, that’s where the name comes from. You can add it onto pasta, baked dishes, or even some other savory meals to add perfect taste.
However, if you don’t enjoy the strong taste of Romano, or you don’t have any at hand, is there a replacement?
Further, you can also find some nondairy, vegan alternatives which can help you in your cooking like nutritional yeast, vegan Romano cheese, soy, gluten, or tree nuts.
All you have to do is go through our list and make sure to find your suitable replacement.
Substitutes for Romano Cheese
There are many variations to cheese that differ in their taste based on age. Romano cheese may be a bit hard to replace because of its taste, but it is not irreplaceable.
No need to worry, here you’ll find the best 10 substitutes in which you can find some non-dairy alternatives. Read how much you need to use or adjust based on the other ingredients that are used in your recipe.
1. Parmesan
One of the first replacements for Romano cheese that comes to mind is Parmesan, a very commonly used cheese. This Italian cheese is a staple ingredient in our kitchen. It is made of dried cheese and cow’s milk has a nutty and tangy flavor.
Parmesan has very similar to Romano cheese and you can add it to almost every recipe. You can use a ratio of 1:1 or adjust based on the other ingredients in your cooking.
However, you may need to add extra salt to get close to the Romano taste. Sprinkle over dishes, pasta, or any other savory dishes.
2. Grana Padano
Another Italian type of cheese that is hard and has a rich flavor similar to Romano cheese is the Grana Padano.
Made from aged cow’s milk, this cheese is sweeter and has a less crumbly texture. You can add a ratio of 1:1 in almost any recipe or adjust based on the other ingredients in your dish.
3. Cheddar cheese
Romano cheese will be perfectly replaced in almost any recipe with Cheddar cheese. It is made of cow’s milk and has a very sharp, pungent taste which is similar to Romano.
This cheese is also left to mature so the taste changes with age. It is a cheese that is typically used in macaroni and sandwiches, but you can add it to almost any recipe that asks for Romano.
4. Mozzarella
Another common type of cheese that is a good substitute for Romano cheese is Mozzarella. It is yet another Italian cheese that has a soft shell with a creamy texture.
The taste of Mozzarella is salty with a slight tangy hint. The taste is not as sharp as Romano’s, so you will need to adjust the quantity. Add it to pizzas, pasta, soups, and other recipes that require Romano.
5. Piave
A very similar cheese to Romano and one of the most suitable replacements is the Piave cheese from Italy. This white, sweet cheese is good for any recipe that calls for Romano.
As the cheese ages, the color and taste become stronger. You can add a ratio of 1:1. Keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the quantity of salt when you use Piave in your cooking.
6. Asiago
This Italian cheese is a great substitute for Romano cheese. It has a smooth texture and mild flavor that is similar to Romano cheese. As the cheese ages, it becomes harder and sharper. Also, the pungent taste is more noticeable.
Asiago is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and is nuttier than Romano. Use a ratio of 1:1 in almost any recipe or sprinkle it over food.
7. Spanish Manchego
A semi-hard cheese that makes a good substitute for Romano cheese is the Spanish Manchego. It has a tangy flavor which is similar to Romano cheese.
Spanish Manchego is made of sheep’s milk and since there are a few types they are classified by age. It is less sweet and has a flaky sharp taste. You can use it over pasta, baked, in pastry, or any other recipes that call for Romano cheese.
Non-Dairy Romano Cheese Substitutes
Since many people do not like or can not eat dairy products, we have non-dairy alternatives as well. Whether you are allergic or simply need to use a non-dairy alternative, here is a list of non-dairy substitutes that will help you imitate the taste of Romano cheese.
8. Nutritional yeast
A non-dairy vegan product that can replace Romano cheese is nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy, savory taste which has many vitamins and minerals. The taste is strong and it resembles the taste of the Romano cheese.
9. Vegan Romano Cheese
A great vegan replacement is homemade romano cheese.
You will need ¾ cup of organic raw cashews, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, ½ organic garlic, 3 tablespoons of organic almond meal, organic onion, and a teaspoon of sea salt.
Mix all of the ingredients together and create a perfect texture. You can add it to an airtight container and keep it for at least six months in the fridge.
10. Soy, gluten, or tree nuts
A non-dairy substitute for Romano cheese that you can use is soy, gluten, or tree nuts. These are also vegan-friendly replacements that will help you replace Romano cheese at any time. You can easily find them at the store and replace them with a ratio of 1:1.
Related Questions
Can I substitute mozzarella for Romano cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella to replace Romano cheese. Mozzarella is a soft cheese. However, it does not have a very sharp taste. Still, it is a good replacement in almost any recipe.
What is the difference between Parmesan and Romano cheese?
The main difference is in the richness of the flavor. The parmesan has a light yellow and granular texture, while Romano has a milder flavor.
What can I use instead of Pecorino Romano cheese?
You can add Asiago cheese or Spanish Manchego to replace Romano cheese at any time.
Can you substitute Parmesan for Pecorino Romano?
Yes, you can use Parmesan for Pecorino cheese at any time. They are similar with a sharp and nutty flavor and you can add a ratio of 1:1.
