14 Excellent Grana Padano Cheese Substitutes

Grana Padano cheese substitutes are vegan, gluten-free, and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Grana Padano, a fruity and nutty Italian cheese, is a star ingredient in numerous gourmet delicacies and kitchen specials.

This versatile cow cheese hails from the picturesque Po valley and boasts a gritty texture with a sublime dairy scent.

However, what happens if you don’t have any Grana Padano at hand? There are several alternatives you can use in place of Grana Padano cheese. 

Nutritional Value Table

Grana Padano Cheese Substitutes

1. Asiago Cheese

Asiago is a crumbly, nutty-flavored Italian cheese derived from cow’s milk with a yellow-orange rind. Compared to Grana Padano, Asiago cheese has a stronger flavor and is more versatile.

Asiago cheese comes in two varieties: Asiago d’Allevo and Asiago Pressato. The most significant difference between Asiago Pressato and Asiago d’Allevo is their curing period.

Asiago Pressato is aged for less than two months, while Asiago d’Allevo is aged for at least four months. 

Although the two kinds of cheese taste almost similar, Asiago d’Allevo has a crumblier texture.

Aged Asiago cheese melts beautifully and can be grated over salads, soups, pasta dishes, sandwiches, pizza, and sauces. If you cannot find Grana Padano, any of these cheeses would be a perfect substitute.

Red, white, and sparkling wines go well with Asiago cheese, as do fruits and nuts. Aged Asiago is the cheese to choose if you prefer cheese with a stronger flavor.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Asiago cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e., one teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for one teaspoon Asiago cheese.

2. Pecorino Romano Cheese

Another Italian cheese that goes well in place of Grana Padano in pasta and rice is Pecorino Romano.

Made from sheep’s milk, Pecorino Romano is salty and hard, often used for grating over foods.

This Italian cheese boasts a solid texture with a piquant and sharp flavor. Pecorino romano is traditionally used in pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara.

The cheese Pecorino Romano is versatile and can be used in various recipes. Try using it in your favorite dishes in place of parmesan cheese. 

Additionally, it gives salads, pasta dishes, and pizzas a wonderful flavor. Pecorino Romano is widely available in most supermarkets, making it a popular choice.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grana Padano cheese with Pecorino Romano on a 1:1/3 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1/3 teaspoon Pecorino Romano.

3. Piave Cheese

Piave is an Italian cheese made with Bellino’s fresh, pasteurized cow’s milk, salt, and rennet.

Often referred to as Parmesan’s cousin, this cheese, aged for about a year, is named after the Piave River.

Piave is nutritious, gluten-free, and abundant in minerals like calcium. Because of this, your kids will love it too. 

This robust, firm cheese with a  nutty and umami flavor is the perfect substitute for Grana Padano cheese in soups and casseroles.

Enjoy Piave slices alone or pair them with wine, fruit, or nuts.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Piave cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Piave cheese.

4. Spanish Manchego Cheese

Spanish Manchego cheese is a classic Spanish cheese famed for its flavor and texture.

Produced in the quaint La Mancha region, Spanish Manchego cheese derives its delectable flavor from the thick and flavorful La Mancha sheep milk.

The Manchego cheese boasts a distinct nutty, acidic flavor and a firm, crumbly texture.

Manchego cheese is prepared by pasteurizing sheep milk with rennet to thicken it.  The curds are next divided into little pieces and drained. 

Finally, the curds are put into molds, squeezed, and left to age.

Manchego cheese is usually matured for at least four months, although it can even age up to two years. The cheese’s flavor is more potent the longer it is aged.

Spanish cuisine staples like paella and tortilla Espanola go well with manchego cheese.

For a beautiful twist on this traditional recipe, use Spanish Manchego cheese when you don’t have Grana Padano. You will enjoy the depth of flavor this creamy and nutty cheese will give your risotto.

Enjoy Manchego cheese on its own or with red, white, or rosé wines. Most Spanish cheesecakes use manchego cheese as their star ingredient.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Spanish Manchego cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Spanish Manchego cheese.

5. Parmesan Cheese

The lactose and gluten-free Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese is arguably one of the best Grana Padano substitutes. 

With a nutritional profile comparable to Grana Padano cheese and full of proteins, vitamin A, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, this cow milk cheese will serve you well in the kitchen.

Additionally, its sharp, delectable flavor and rugged texture make this cheese an apt substitute for Grana Padano.

The manufacturing procedure for Grana Padano and Parmesan cheese is the same, with Parmigiano-Reggiano boasting 35% more fat than ordinary cheese. 

Parmesan cheese goes well with dishes that require intense flavors, like pasta, roasted vegetables, and cured meat.

For the best results, add Parmigiano-Reggiano in the final stages of cooking to enhance flavors. 

Also, consider grating in creamy sauces, such as the delicious carbonara sauce recipe.

Can Grana Padano cheese be used for Parmesan in a carbonara recipe? Yes, you may quickly replace each of them with the other.

It’s important to note that Grana Padano cheese has a milder flavor than Parmesan cheese. 

So only substitute Parmesan for Grana Padano if you’re okay with a more intense flavor profile.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Parmesan cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese.

6. Reggianito Cheese

Reggianito is an Argentine cow milk cheese with an intense, salty flavor and a crumbly consistency. 

First made by Italian migrant workers in Argentina, this hard-grained cheese has since gained popularity due to its flavor and texture.

Although milder, Reggianito, with a silky and slightly rubbery texture and comparable flavor, is an apt Grana Padano substitute. 

Reggianito cheese is perfect for individuals who want great cheese without Grana Padano’s overpowering flavor. 

Use reggianito cheese in salads, sauces, pizza, macaroni, and lasagna dishes, or as a quick snack.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Reggiano cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Reggiano cheese.

7. Cashew Cheese

Look no further than the delectable Cashew cheese for a nutritious, satisfying, and flavorful Grana Padano vegan cheese substitute. 

As the name suggests, cashew cheese is a silky, tasty cheese made by soaking and blending cashews. 

With a salty and slightly nutty flavor, cashew cheese blends perfectly with numerous gourmet dishes. 

The best part about using cashew cheese is that its flavor profile closely mimics that of Grana Padano and thus perfectly fits in numerous Grana Padano dishes.

Cashew cheese also boasts a creamy texture, making it simple to incorporate into sauces, salad dressings, and dips. 

Substitute cashew cheese for the Grana Padano in your recipes to enjoy an out-of-this-world culinary experience.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Cashew cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Cashew cheese.

8. Gruyère Cheese

Another appropriate Grana Padano cheese substitute on our list is Gruyère cheese.

This rugged, yellow melting cheese from Switzerland is manufactured from cow’s milk and aged for at least six months.

Boasting a delectable mild nutty flavor and silky texture, Gruyère is the perfect Grana Padano substitute in different dishes like the open Italian sandwich, quiches, gratins, Gruyère pasta, and sausage and swiss chard lasagna.

The best part about Gruyère cheese is its mild flavor blends effortlessly with different ingredients without overpowering them, especially in baked delights.

When comparing Grana Padano with Gruyère, you’ll find that the latter has 413 calories per 100 grams, a little more than Grana Padan, so use Gruyère sparingly.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Gruyère cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Gruyère cheese.

9. Coconut Cheese

For a unique, flavorful, healthy Grana Padano alternative, consider coconut cheese. Coconut cheese is a creamy and tasty cheese made from coconut cream and cow’s milk.

Due to its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavors, coconut cheese is the perfect addition to burgers, sandwiches, and puddings.

Despite being sweeter than Grana Padano, seasoning and spices can help to subdue the flavor.

Additionally, coconut cheese is lactose, gluten, and vegan-free, which is excellent for people with allergies.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grano Padano cheese with Coconut Cheese on a 1:1/3 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1/3 teaspoon Coconut Cheese.

10. Soy Cheese

Here is another excellent Grana Padano cheese alternative worth your time.

Give soy cheese a shot if you’re looking for a tasty and straightforward vegan cheese substitute!

Soy cheese is the ideal substitute for Grana Padano because it is a dry, crumbly cheese frequently used for shaving or grating.

It is a fantastic vegan substitute for Grana Padano in rolls, sandwiches, and other foods.

Grana Padano is calorically denser than soy cheese, which has 248 calories per 100 grams, so don’t worry about overusing it.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grana Padano cheese with Soy Cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e., one teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for one teaspoon Gruyère cheese.

11. Dry Jack Cheese

Dry Jack cheese is a mild-tasting, white, semi-soft cheese typically used in quesadillas, pizza, and hamburgers.

With a flavor profile similar to Grana Padano, dry Jack cheese will seamlessly integrate with the other ingredients in your meals. 

Its stronger texture will also withstand cooking without melting into a gooey mess. Dry jack cheese is a worthy Grana Padano cheese substitute that won’t disappoint you.

Its stronger texture will also withstand cooking without melting into a gloppy mess. Therefore, dry jack cheese is a heartfelt substitute for Grana Padano that won’t disappoint you.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grana Padano cheese with Dry Jack Cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Dry Jack Cheese.

12. Nutritional yeast 

Nutritional yeast, although not technically a type of cheese, is still a viable  Grana Padano substitute.

Also known as nooch, nutritional yeast is a single-celled fungus with great flavors and excellent aromas.

Full of sugarcane and beet molasses, the nutty-flavored nutritional yeast will introduce a shot of flavor and texture to your meals.

This creamy, cheesy, and nutty-flavored fungus works great in various recipes, including dips, sauces, gravies, soups, and salad dressings.

Nutritional yeast is a health powerhouse containing essential amino acids, vitamins, and proteins.

The best thing about using nutritional yeast is that it’s perfect for people watching their salt intake due to its zero sodium quantities.

How To Substitute

Nutritional yeast may only be used as a substitute when it is sprinkled on top of dishes.

13. Cotija Cheese

Cotija is a famous Mexican artisan cheese named after the Cotija municipality in the Michoacan region.

This soft, crumbly cheese is made with cow’s milk and boasts a salty flavor, perfect for incorporating numerous gourmet cuisines.

As part of the production process, rock salt from the Colima coast is added to the curd, which adds an extra shot of flavor and nutrition to this cheese.

The texture of Padano is comparable to that of Cotija cheese.

Although cotija cheese boasts a similar texture to Grana Padano, it’s slightly more salty and spicy, but this doesn’t disqualify it as a suitable Grana Padano substitute.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grana Padano cheese with Cotija Cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Cotija Cheese.

14. Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese is a semi-hard cow cheese made in Northern Italy’s Valle d’Aosta region. 

With a thick, natural beige rind and excellent flavors, the Italian Fontina cheese is now a worldwide staple used by gourmet chefs and amateurs alike due to its interesting flavor profile and texture.

The smooth, creamy, buttery Cotija cheese contains 45% milk fat, which is excellent for cooking creamy kitchen delights. The texture of the cheese hardens as it gets older.

When it comes to fontina’s flavor, it is mild and nutty when it is not overly aged. Moreover, it has a tangy flavor that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Similar to aged Grana Padano, it does have a distinct odor. Therefore, if you want to use cheese with a milder flavor, this is a factor you should consider.

How To Substitute

Substitute Grana Padano cheese with Fontina Cheese on a 1:1 teaspoon ratio, i.e.,1 teaspoon Grana Padano cheese for 1 teaspoon Fontina Cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cheese Is Best, Grana Padano?

Grana Padano is known for its nutty, biting flavor. However, other people might prefer milder cheese. The choice of the ideal cheese is, in the end, entirely subjective.

Is Pecorino And Grana Padano The Same Thing?

Both Grana Padano and Pecorino are hard, dry cheeses. However, Grana Padano is made from cow’s milk, while Pecorino is made from sheep’s milk.

Can I Substitute Grana Padano For Pecorino?

Yes, you can use Grana Padano in place of Pecorino since it has a similar flavor to Pecorino. 

Is The Grana Padano Rind Edible?

The rind of Grana Padano is suitable for consumption. It is frequently used to improve the flavor of foods like soups and sauces.

However, some people could find the rind’s flavor to be bitter. You can peel the rind off if you prefer a less bitter taste.

14 Excellent Grana Padano Cheese Substitutes

Prep Time

10

minutes

Cooking Time

50

minutes

Total Time

1

hour 

Substituting Grana Padano for other cheeses is a simple way to elevate the taste of your favorite dishes

Ingredients

• Asiago Cheese

• Pecorino Romano Cheese

• Piave Cheese

• Spanish Manchego Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese

• Reggianito Cheese

• Cashew Cheese

• Gruyère Cheese

• Coconut Cheese

• Soy Cheese

• Dry Jack Cheese

• Nutritional Cheese

• Cotija Cheese

• Fontina Cheese

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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