Best Romano Cheese Substitutes as Flavorful Options for Every Dish

Exploring Romano cheese substitutes can truly elevate your culinary creations. As an expert home cook, I've been on a constant quest to push the boundaries of flavor.

Romano cheese, with its salty, sharp, and slightly tangy profile, adds a distinctive touch to a multitude of dishes. But what happens when this Italian cheese is not available, or if you're looking for a less pronounced flavor or a dairy-free alternative?

In this guide, I will delve into the world of Romano cheese substitutes, exploring their unique characteristics and how they blend into different recipes.

We're going to investigate cheeses that share similarities with Romano, along with non-cheese alternatives, taking into account various dietary restrictions.

This exciting exploration will equip you with a flavorful arsenal for your culinary experiments, ensuring every dish you create is a sensation on the palate. Stay with us, as we embark on this journey of taste discovery.

Jump to:

• What Is Romano Cheese?
• Best Substitutes for Romano Cheese
• Non-Dairy Alternatives to Romano Cheese
• Other Great Substitutes for Romano Cheese
• Tips for Substituting Romano Cheese in Recipes
• Romano Cheese Substitute FAQs
• From Traditional to Dairy-Free
• Recipe

What Is Romano Cheese?

Romano cheese is a hard, salty cheese that originates from Italy. Made primarily from sheep's milk (pecorino Romano), cow's milk (vacchino Romano), or a blend of both (caprino Romano), this cheese is often aged for around eight months to a year.

Romano's flavor profile is distinctive—robust, sharp, and tangy, which only intensifies as it ages, offering a rich savory note to any dish it graces.

The Nutritional Value of Romano Cheese

Romano cheese is not only flavorful but also packed with nutritional benefits. A single ounce serving of Romano cheese contains approximately 110 calories, with 9 grams of fat and 9 grams of protein.

It's also rich in calcium, offering about 300 milligrams per serving, which is nearly a third of the daily recommended intake. Additionally, Romano cheese provides vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B2, and essential minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, and selenium.

Common Dishes Featuring Romano Cheese

Romano cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes with its robust flavor. It's most commonly grated over pasta dishes, like spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo, adding a depth of flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.

Romano is also a staple in risottos, offering a rich, savory note. Besides, it is often used in baked dishes like lasagna and au gratin potatoes, where its salty tang balances the richness of other ingredients.

Lastly, it's not unusual to see Romano cheese in Italian-style soups or simply sprinkled over fresh salads for an extra punch.

Best Substitutes for Romano Cheese

Looking for a substitute for Romano cheese? Several excellent alternatives can provide similar flavors while still maintaining the integrity of your dish.

1. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese, originating from Italy like its counterpart Romano, is a hard and granular cheese with a strong flavor profile.

Its sharpness and nuttiness closely resemble those of Romano cheese. When using Parmesan as a replacement for Romano, use equal amounts to ensure consistent results.

Best for various recipes such as pasta dishes or salads.

2. Grana Padano

Grana Padano is another Italian hard cheese that shares similarities with both Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Although it has a slightly sweeter taste compared to Romano due to its lower salt content, this alternative still provides an umami-rich flavor when grated over pasta or used in sauces.

Swap out equal portions of Grana Padano for Romano in your recipe to avoid any discrepancies in the final product.

Best for pasta dishes, risotto recipes, Caesar salad, pizza toppings, and as a table cheese to complement various Italian dishes.

3. Asiago Cheese

Asiago cheese is another Italian cheese that can be used as a good substitute for Romano. It has a smooth texture and milder yet savory notes compared to traditional Romanos, making it suitable for those who prefer less intense flavors in their dishes.

Asiago comes in both fresh and aged varieties; the latter being more similar to Romano due to its crumbly consistency when grated or shaved atop various food items. The former offers a softer, creamier option better suited for melting purposes.

Best for pizza toppings, flatbreads, grated over roasted vegetables, baked dishes, pasta sauces, and pesto.

4. Spanish Manchego Cheese

Manchego cheese is a popular Spanish cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep. It's well-known for its creamy and nutty flavor, with a slightly salty aftertaste.

It's often aged for 3 months to 2 years, which deepens its flavor profile. It's a fantastic Romano cheese substitute as it carries a similar saltiness but with a unique Spanish twist.

To substitute Manchego for Romano, use it in a 1:1 ratio. It will still give you that sharp, salty punch that Romano cheese is famous for, but with an added creaminess.

Best for pasta, risotto, or even baked vegetable dishes as well as Spanish-inspired dishes.

5. Piave Cheese

Piave is a cow's milk cheese from the Veneto region of Italy. Named after the river Piave, it has a sweet, full-bodied flavor that varies depending on age.

Young Piave has a soft, creamy texture, while older Piave becomes harder and develops a more intense flavor, similar to Parmesan.

In terms of substituting for Romano cheese, use Piave in the same 1:1 ratio. The older varieties of Piave can stand up to the robust flavor of Romano quite well. 

Best for Italian dishes such as lasagna, pasta, or even a Caprese salad.

Non-Dairy Alternatives to Romano Cheese

Looking for non-dairy alternatives to replace Romano cheese in your recipes? No problemo. Here are some options that not only mimic the flavor and texture of Romano but also offer added health benefits:

1. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that comes in flake or powder form. It's a popular ingredient in vegan cooking due to its savory, umami flavor that's reminiscent of cheese, particularly Parmesan or Romano.

When using nutritional yeast as a substitute for Romano cheese, use about half the amount, as its flavor is quite potent.

Best for sprinkling on top of pasta, pizza, salads, or incorporated into a vegan cheese sauce.

2. Store-Bought Vegan Cheeses

If you're short on time or prefer the convenience of store-bought options, there are plenty of vegan cheeses on the market that can replace Romano.

Look for block-style or shredded versions made from nuts or soy products that mimic the texture and flavor of hard Italian cheeses. 

When substituting for Romano, look for vegan parmesan-style cheeses. They're typically made from a blend of nuts, nutritional yeast, and seasonings. Substitute these in a 1:1 ratio.

Best for any dish where you would use Romano, from pasta to salads and gratins.

3. Cashew or Almond-based Cheese

Cashew and almond-based cheeses are creamy and versatile, often made by blending soaked nuts with water, nutritional yeast, and various seasonings. They can be a softer, creamier substitute for Romano.

Start with a 1:1 ratio, but adjust to your taste. These are fantastic in

Best for creamy sauces, dips, or anywhere you'd like a dairy-free cheesy flavor.

4. Tofu Ricotta

Tofu Ricotta is made by crumbling tofu and mixing it with seasonings like nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice to give it a cheese-like flavor.

It has a softer texture than Romano but offers a creamy, mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, or to your taste.

Best for dishes like lasagna, stuffed shells, or anywhere you might use Romano in a creamy context.

Other Great Substitutes for Romano Cheese

If you're in need of a change from the regular Romano cheese, there are other choices that can add unique tastes and textures to your meals. Here are some noteworthy alternatives that I like:

1. Pecorino Sardo

Pecorino Sardo, like Romano, is an Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, but it originates from the island of Sardinia. It carries a mild yet distinctive flavor, a bit less salty and tangy compared to Romano.

When using Pecorino Sardo as a substitute, use it in a 1:1 ratio.

Best for pasta dishes, gratins, and Italian-style casseroles, enhancing them with its subtly unique flavor.

2. Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk. It's well-loved for its tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture.

Because Feta has a stronger tanginess and is less hard than Romano, use a bit less than you would Romano—perhaps start with a 3:4 ratio. 

Best for salads, pasta dishes, or as a topping for pizzas, offering a Mediterranean twist.

3. Sharp Provolone

Sharp Provolone is an Italian cheese known for its piquant and savory flavor. It's made from cow's milk and has a similar texture to Romano but with a slightly creamier mouthfeel. 

Substitute Sharp Provolone in a 1:1 ratio for Romano cheese. It's versatile and lends itself well to a variety of dishes.

Best for lasagna, risotto, as a topping for soups, or even in your next grilled cheese sandwich to introduce a robust, new flavor.

Tips for Substituting Romano Cheese in Recipes

Substituting Romano cheese in your recipes can be a breeze with these helpful tips. Whether you're going dairy-free or just don't have Romano on hand, these suggestions will ensure your dish remains delicious and satisfying.

1. Consider the recipe’s purpose.

Before choosing a substitute, think about how Romano is used in the specific recipe. Is it meant to add saltiness and creaminess, or simply enhance other flavors?

This understanding will guide you toward selecting an appropriate alternative that complements the dish without overpowering its taste.

2. Adjust quantities accordingly.

Some substitutes may have stronger or milder flavors compared to Romano cheese. When swapping out cheeses, start with smaller amounts of the substitute and adjust as needed based on taste preferences.

3. Mix different types of cheeses.

If you have several cheese options available, try mixing them together. The resulting blend might provide a unique yet satisfying flavor profile similar to traditional Romano cheese.

4. Incorporate nutritional yeast into non-dairy alternatives.

Nutritional yeast adds umami-rich qualities reminiscent of Romano when mixed with cashews or other plant-based ingredients. This versatile ingredient can be sprinkled onto dishes or incorporated into sauces for a cheesy, savory touch.

5. Pay attention to grating and melting properties.

Some substitutes may not grate as easily or melt as smoothly as Romano cheese. In such cases, opt for alternatives like Parmesan or Grana Padano that have similar grating and melting characteristics.

Romano Cheese Substitute FAQs

From Traditional to Dairy-Free

The world of Romano cheese substitutes is vast and flavorful, encompassing both dairy and non-dairy alternatives to fit every palate and dietary need. Remember, cooking is an adventure—don't hesitate to experiment with these substitutes in your kitchen.

For more intriguing ingredient substitutes, delicious air fryer recipes, and handy air fryer tips and tricks, continue to explore our blog.

Let's journey together in transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences!

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