12 Pecorino Cheese Substitutes To Try At Home

Pecorino cheese is a classic Italian cheese that lends flavor to many Mediterranean dishes. However, Pecorino is a high-fat and very salty cheese that usually isn’t accessible to those who have dietary restrictions (such as pregnant women).

Pecorino cheese substitutes can be tricky, but the answer is usually to choose a cheese with a similar body, texture, and taste. Some cheeses that may have similarities in density and flavor are aged Gouda and Manchego. 

We’ve put together this list of the best substitutes so that you don’t have to settle for just any old cheese.

Nutritional Value Table

1. Cheddar Cheese

Great for melting into your favorite dishes, cheddar is one of the more popular pecorino cheese substitutes. It can be used in several different recipes that call for Pecorino.

Cheddar cheese is available in white and yellow forms, so feel free to experiment with either one.

Cheddar Cheese is a delicious type of cheese produced from cow’s milk that can be used with other ingredients to create various dishes.

It belongs to the group known as hard cheeses, which are difficult to process because they demand more labor than soft cheeses like brie, Gouda, crottin de chèvre, etc.

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of cheddar cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

2. Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese offers a creamy texture and great flavor, just like Pecorino! It is often served on pizza or melted with pasta dishes.

Provolone cheese is a type of Italian cheese. It is made from the milk of cows, goats, water buffaloes, and salt. The milk then undergoes a natural aging process which can last more than six months.

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of goat milk cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

3. Feta Cheese

Feta has a similar texture and flavor to Pecorino, with an added tang that isn’t always present in other cheeses such as cheddar or provolone. Just make sure the Feta you choose is the crumbly, salty type and not the cream-filled variety.

The two main types of Feta are semi-hard Feta, which is usually made from sheep milk, and the soft type, which is usually made from cow milk or by mixing the two types.

When adequately drained for about six hours in salt brine, it will become a wet paste that melts under your tongue when eaten.

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of feta cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

4. Gouda Cheese

Gouda is another popular choice because it’s creamy, mild-tasting, and melts well. That makes it great for dishes like grilled cheese, quesadillas, and pizza!

How To Make

Follow this recipe to make your own Gouda.

Ingredients: Butter, Cream Cheese, Salt, Garlic Powder, Mustard Powder, and Ground Black Pepper

• In a pot on low heat, slowly melt butter with cream cheese. Stir continuously until smooth. Add salt (to taste), garlic powder (to taste), mustard powder (to taste), and ground black pepper (to taste). Stir until blended well.

• Add grated Gouda cheese and continue to stir until blended.

• Transfer the cheese mixture to a pre-greased, decorative dish and chill for several hours. The best part about this recipe is when topping the Gouda with portions of bacon bits and chives! Serve on a hoagie roll or crackers!

• Enjoy your homemade Gouda!

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of gouda cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

RELATED: The Best 6 Manchego Cheese Substitutes

5. Monterey Jack Cheese

This type of cheese has a mild flavor that enhances the other flavors of dishes, such as fajitas, nachos, and burritos. Monterey jack cheese is used for many dishes and can be used differently depending on the type of dish you are cooking.

It is an excellent choice for a creamy alternative with a slightly sweet buttery taste that is often used in dishes such as quesadillas, burgers, and other sandwiches.

It’s available in white or yellow form, but both will work in recipes that call for Pecorino.

How To Substitute

1/2 cup of Monterey jack cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

6. Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a cheese that has at least one large, thin layer of white mold. The flavor is mild, and the texture is easy to bite into.

This hard cheese is an excellent substitute for Pecorino but can be used for recipes that call for mozzarella or gruyere. Swiss cheese is often used as a pizza topping because it melts wonderfully and tastes delicious when melted!

How To Substitute

1/2 cup of Swiss cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

7. Gorgonzola Cheese

This type of blue cheese is also referred to as “gorgonzola Picante,” which translates to “sharp” or “peppery”. It has a slightly sharp taste and is usually eaten on bread.

Gorgonzola cheese is the strongest, most intense flavor in the entire category of cheese substitutes. It’s best used in rich and decadent recipes, such as quiche and enchiladas.

How To Substitute

Using Gorgonzola cheese in place of Pecorino is a natural choice, but if you’re looking for more substitution, you can use 1/4 cup of Gorgonzola for one cup of Pecorino.

8. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a fresh cow’s milk cheese that originated in Italy. It has a soft, elastic consistency when it is young and can be eaten with crackers or used as an ingredient in salads.

Mozzarella cheese is often used in recipes that call for pecorinos, such as pizza and lasagna. It’s also great melted on top of your favorite dishes like sandwiches or burgers!

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

RELATED: The 7 Best Velveeta Cheese Substitutes

9. Asiago Cheese

If you’re looking for a rich, nutty-tasting cheese to serve on your next dish, Asiago is the one for you.

The smooth and slightly tangy taste of this hard Italian cheese is made with sheep milk and sheep’s milk or cow’s milk or an equal mixture.

Another strong-flavored cheese, Asiago, is typically grated over pasta or salads. It’s thinner and sharper than Pecorino and has a nutty flavor that is great in dishes like quiche or over beef and vegetables.

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of asiago cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

10. Romano Cheese

Romano cheese can be used in portions of pasta to make a sandwich or on its own as an appetizer with some bread and fruit. It is also a common ingredient for dishes like lasagna or eggplant parmesan.

Romano cheese has a blend of salty and sharp flavors; it’s often added to Italian recipes to give dishes an extra zing. Romano works well in casseroles and on top of salads and pizzas.

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of Romano cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

11. Roquefort Cheese

This is a very potent, sharp cheese that’s an excellent substitute for Pecorino, but it also pairs well with milder cheeses such as mozzarella or asiago. Roquefort also makes a great addition to chicken salads or is mixed into pasta.

How To Make

• All you need is some fresh sheep’s milk, rock salt, and iced water. First, get the milk from a local dairy (preferably Shepherd’s Farmhouse) or allow the kids to make yogurt for this step. Then take about 3 pounds of unsalted granulated sugar and place it in a cheesecloth bag with the 3 pounds of sheep’s milk.
• For 24 hours, let it sit at room temperature while constantly stirring it to prevent clumps. Then wash the bag of sugar in a water/salt solution.
• After it dries, put it back into the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for another 24 hours while constantly stirring.
• Once finished, put it into cheesecloth and hang it over a sink or bucket or even just your sink drain while letting it drain for another 24 hours. At this point, the cheese is ready to eat.

How To Substitute

1/3 cup of Roquefort cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

12. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is one of the most versatile cheeses you can use. It’s often used in several recipes that call for Pecorino, but it also pairs well with small pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and more!

How To Substitute

More cheeses can be used as substitutes for Pecorino.

Making Parmesan cheese involves three main steps: making the curd from milk-fed cows’ milk (or water buffalo’s milk), adding salt to the curds, and aging it for at least 12 months.

Preparation Guide: [To Make By Hand, In A Large Bowl]

• Pour the cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium heat. The cream should begin to simmer and bubble immediately.
• Once the cream is about to boil, remove it from the heat and whisk in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Immediately add in the grated cheese and stir until melted.
• Place a colander into a large bowl and line the bottom of it with thick cheesecloth or paper towels. Spoon the mixture into the colander and press down on it with your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Cover loosely with another large bowl that is filled with warm water (about 100 degrees). Allow the cheese to sit for about 10-12 hours or even a day or two. The longer you leave it out, the drier (and stronger) it will get.
• Transfer cheese to a container and roll in parchment paper until all sides are covered. The parchment paper is a way to prevent moisture from seeping into your cheese and molding it (which will happen if you don’t do this). Chill in the refrigerator. It will last up to three weeks!

How To Substitute

1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese can be substituted for 1 cup of Pecorino.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Difference Between Pecorino Cheese And Romano?

Romano is the most popular substitute for Parmesan, which is why it is also called “Parmigiano-Reggiano”. They can be used interchangeably; however, their taste and texture differ.

Romano tends to be drier than Pecorino and has more of a tangier flavor. It contains about 5 extra milligrams of calcium per ounce.

Gelato bases are made from eggs, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Chocolate, vanilla, or sweet orange flavors are added to the base after they have been chilled while remaining stable overnight.

What Are The Best Substitutes For Pecorino Cheese?

The best substitutes for Pecorino cheese will depend on your recipe (what you are using it in?).

Mozzarella and Feta are some of the most common types of cheeses that people will usually substitute for a healthy amount of Pecorino. Cream cheese is also an option that can work depending on your recipe.

For baking, mascarpone or ricotta cheese is often used to replace Pecorino. Sour cream can also be used as a substitute for this type of hard Italian Cheese that many enjoy in salads and pasta dishes.

What Is The Difference Between Ricotta, Cottage Cheese, And Curd?

Ricotta is a fresh cheese made with whole milk. It has a much lighter texture than many other pieces of cheese.

Cottage cheese, which refers to cow’s milk or goat’s milk, is also unsalted fresh cheese with smaller pieces and a slightly gelatinous texture. Curd is an aged cheese containing less moisture than ricotta or cottage cheese.

12 Pecorino Cheese Substitutes To Try At Home

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Pecorino Cheese Substitute are made from the Italian sheep’s milk cheese that is traditionally used to top pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• Cheddar Cheese

• Provolone Cheese

• Feta Cheese

• Gouda Cheese

• Monterey Jack Cheese

• Swiss Cheese

• Gorgonzola Cheese

• Mozzarella Cheese

• Asiago Cheese

• Romano Cheese

• Roquefort Cheese

• Parmesan 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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