Obsessed with Parmigiano Reggiano? Can't stop sprinkling it on everything from pasta to popcorn? Don’t worry, you're definitely not alone. Parmesan's unique, nutty flavour and crumbly texture make it a kitchen superstar—but it's not always the most accessible cheese to keep on hand (or the most wallet-friendly). Plus, if you're vegetarian or vegan, it might not tick all the right boxes.
The good news? There's a world of tasty alternatives out there that deliver just as much delicious flavour and mouth watering texture. Take your dishes to the next level with versatile dairy-based and vegan options that bring the same bold, salty flavours and creamy goodness back to the table.
Uncover budget-friendly swaps that save money without skimping on taste, and learn how to make your pastas, risottos, baked dishes and salads shine with the perfect Parmesan alternative.
4 dairy-based Parmesan substitutes
While nothing will replicate the original like for like, some cheeses come surprisingly close to capturing the rich, salty flavour and crumbly texture of Parmesan. Here are four delicious dairy-based substitutes that are versatile, easy to work with and bring their own little twist to the table.
1. Pecorino Romano
Made from sheep’s milk, Pecorino Romano is a hard Italian cheese that shares Parmesan’s crumbly texture but delivers a sharper, saltier flavour. Its intense profile makes it perfect for grating over pasta or adding to soups, but it’s best to start with half the amount your recipe needs to avoid overpowering the dish.
Nutritionally, Pecorino Romano is slightly higher in fat and salt than Parmesan, so it’s worth considering portion sizes. However, its richer flavour means you can use a lot less to achieve a whole lot of flavour.
2. Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a more subtle alternative for those who love Parmesan’s nutty undertones but prefer a milder taste. This Italian cheese is aged for at least nine months, resulting in a crumbly texture and savoury flavour that pairs beautifully with salads, pasta and risottos. Its slightly lower salt content also makes it a great option for those watching their sodium intake.
Produced using unpasteurised milk from free-range cows, Grana Padano is delicious and made with traditional care. It’s often more affordable than Parmesan, making it an ideal substitute for everyday cooking (or enjoying a cheeky solo nibble) without compromising quality.
3. Cheddar
Cheddar might not have quite the same strong, nutty notes as Parmesan, but it’s an easily accessible option that brings a rich, cheesy flavour of its own to your recipes. When finely grated, cheddar melts smoothly and works well in cooked dishes like pasta bakes, risotto or creamy soups, and its creamy texture and milder taste add a unique spin to traditional Parmesan dishes.
Higher in fat and calories compared to Parmesan, cheddar is also low-carb and protein-rich, making it a practical choice if you need a quick substitute that's easy to find in your local supermarket while being budget-friendly.
4. Lincolnshire Poacher
Made in the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Lincolnshire Poacher is a hidden gem for Parmesan lovers looking for something a little different and a little closer to home. A hard, mature, unpasteurised cow's milk cheese, this British substitute has a fruity, nutty flavour with a subtle sweetness.
Somewhere between a Swiss mountain cheese and a cheddar, this full-fat cheese is rich in calcium and protein but provides a distinctly local alternative that's fantastic for those who love to experiment in the kitchen.
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4 vegan and vegetarian substitutes
Whether it’s dietary needs, ethical choices or just a love for plant-based eats, there are plenty of reasons to swap out traditional Parmesan. But making the switch doesn’t mean your meals have to miss out on fantastic flavour. Plenty of clever dairy-free and vegetarian options deliver cheesy goodness while bringing something fresh and exciting to your recipes.
1. Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast, often affectionately called "nooch," is a popular vegan substitute for Parmesan thanks to its nutty, cheesy flavour. Made from heat-dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it's completely inactive, meaning it won't leaven bread but works wonders as a flavour enhancer.
Nutritional yeast is often mixed with ground almonds or walnuts, onion powder and salt to create a ready-to-sprinkle Parmesan alternative that is perfect for pasta, salads and popcorn.
Packed with nutrients, nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins, including B12, which isn't made by plants and is essential for vegans to supplement to avoid anaemia. Unlike Parmesan, nutritional yeast is also naturally low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those watching their intake but still wanting that comforting cheesy kick.
2. Dairy-free Parmesan
Dairy-free Parmesan has come a long way and now closely resembles the real thing in texture and appearance. Typically made from plant-based ingredients like soy, potato starch, rice protein or coconut oil, brands like Violife offer versions that come in hard wedges or grated form, making it easy to use in recipes.
Available in most local supermarkets, its savoury, tangy flavour works beautifully in pasta dishes, risotto and even grated on pizza.
Nutritionally, dairy-free Parmesan varies by brand but is often lower in saturated fat than traditional Parmesan. Some are even enriched with vitamins like B12 and D, providing a little extra health boost while catering to those avoiding dairy for ethical or health reasons.
3. Vegetarian hard cheeses
Traditional Parmesan isn’t suitable for vegetarians because it’s made using animal rennet, but there are hard cheeses available that use vegetarian-friendly alternatives.
These cheeses often have the same crumbly texture and savoury taste, making them just as good as the real deal and perfect for sprinkling over your go-to pasta dishes and salads. An easy and ethical choice for vegetarians who love their Italian recipes. Just make sure to look for labels that specifically state the cheese is vegetarian to ensure it fits your diet.
4. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs, also traditionally known as "poor man's Parmesan," are a money-saving way to add a satisfying crunch and flavour to dishes. Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt create a gremolata-style topping that can be sprinkled over pasta, baked vegetables, or casseroles.
In Southern Italian cuisine, "pangrattato" is a classic technique for bringing texture and visual interest to dishes without cheese. Breadcrumbs don't provide the same nutritional benefits as Parmesan, but they are a budget-friendly and flavourful substitute when you're in a pinch.
What are the cheaper alternatives to Parmesan?
Ideally, we’d all have a limitless budget to splurge on as much Parmigiano Reggiano as we want, but let’s face it—this luxurious cheese isn’t always the most budget-friendly option. Fortunately, there are some excellent substitutes that deliver a similar flavour at a fraction of the cost.
| Substitute | Price Range | Taste | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breadcrumbs | Lowest | Crunchy, neutral flavour | Pasta, casseroles and baked vegetables |
| Nutritional Yeast | Low | Nutty, cheesy and slightly tangy | Vegan pasta, salads and popcorn |
| Grana Padano | Moderate | Milder and sweeter than Parmesan, nutty | Pasta, risotto and soups |
| Pecorino Romano | Moderate—high | Sharp, tangy and salty | Grating over pasta, soups or salads |
Breadcrumbs
Known as “poor man’s Parmesan,” toasted breadcrumbs are an incredibly affordable way to add crunch to dishes like pasta bakes and casseroles. They won’t mimic the cheese’s flavour, but they deliver plenty of texture and look appetising sprinkled on your favourite meals.
Nutritional yeast
A vegan favourite, nutritional yeast gives dishes a nutty, cheesy flavour and is perfect for sprinkling over pasta or salads. It’s low-cost, nutrient-rich and adds a savoury note to plant-based dishes—what’s not to love?
Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a milder, slightly sweeter version of Parmesan that’s more wallet-friendly, widely available and perfect for grating over your favourite Italian dishes.
Pecorino Romano
For a bold, tangy alternative, Pecorino Romano is a standout option. Its sharp, salty flavour compliments pasta and soups, and because it’s more intense, you can use less—meaning you save even more.
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Which Parmesan substitute is best for specific dishes?
While there is no shortage of Parmesan substitutes, not all of them will work with every dish. The trick is choosing the one that brings out the best in your meal, adding just the right flavour, texture, and a whole lot of delicious, cheesy goodness.
Pasta
For pasta dishes, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano are top choices. Grana Padano’s similar mild, nutty flavour and crumbly texture make it an excellent all-around substitute that quickly melts into creamy sauces or can be used as a grated topping.
If you’re after something a bit stronger flavour-wise, Pecorino Romano’s bold, tangy notes are perfect for dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara. Vegan pasta lovers can turn to nutritional yeast for a savoury, cheesy hit instead.
Salads
In salads, substitutes like Grana Padano or dairy-free Parmesan can be shaved or crumbled over greens to add richness without overwhelming the other flavours. For a lighter option, nutritional yeast provides a nutty flavour that complements fresh, crisp ingredients.
If you’re after crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or a gremolata-style topping made with parsley, garlic and lemon zest work wonders for adding texture.
Baking
Baking demands a substitute that melts well and holds up to high temperatures. Cheddar is an easily accessible and affordable option for pasta bakes, savoury tarts or gratins.
Grana Padano also works beautifully in baked dishes, offering a savoury depth without overpowering other flavours. For vegan bakes, nutritional yeast combined with ground almonds is a great topping option to create a golden, cheesy crust.
What is the best substitute for Parmesan cheese?
The best substitute for Parmesan cheese depends on your dish, dietary needs and, of course, flavour preferences.
Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano are delicious, go-to stand-ins for traditional recipes, providing similar textures and savoury flavours at a more budget-friendly price. Diary free? Vegan cooks can rely on nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty kick or dairy-free Parmesan for a convenient, versatile alternative for plant-based cooking.
With so many alternatives out there, it’s easier than ever to find an option that lets you whip up delicious meals that your taste buds (and your family and friends) will love, all without breaking the bank. And if you don't have the time to experiment in the kitchen, Frive has you covered.
From creamy pasta bakes to vibrant salads, our flavour-packed meal plans include delicious Parmesan substitutes like nutritional yeast and Grana Padano—perfect for anyone skipping Parmesan due to dietary needs or simply looking for a tasty alternative.
Check out our chef-made freshly prepped meal plans that make healthy eating a breeze, or explore our blog for more food inspiration.
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FAQs
Can I use Cheddar instead of Parmesan in risotto?
You can use cheddar instead of Parmesan in a risotto—it melts well, making it a practical option for a rich and cheesy meal. However, cheddar will create a creamier texture and a milder flavour than Parmesan, and it's best to choose a mature or sharp cheddar for a closer match.
Can I replace Parmesan with mozzarella?
Mozzarella has a mild, creamy flavour and a soft, stretchy texture, meaning it doesn't make a good direct substitute for Parmesan. While it works well for melting in baked dishes, it won't replicate Parmesan's crumbly texture or famous savoury, nutty taste. Instead, combine mozzarella with a pinch of nutritional yeast or a hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for a more enhanced flavour.
What is a British alternative to Parmesan?
Lincolnshire Poacher is a fantastic British alternative to Parmesan thanks to its hard texture and fruity, nutty flavour which gives it a unique twist. A hard, mature, unpasteurised cow's milk cheese, this versatile local substitute is delicious when grated on pasta, used for cheese on toast or added to cauliflower cheese.
