The best Locatelli cheese substitutes are Parmesan, Grana Padano, Asiago, Spanish Manchego, Piave, nutritional yeast, Iberico, Ossau Iraty, and Pecorino Romano.
When I wanted to try out a new pasta recipe that required Locatelli cheese, I faced a problem. I couldn’t find the cheese in my local grocery store, so I had to find a replacement. I chose Pecorino Romano, and I was delighted by its rich and tangy flavor, similar to Locatelli’s unique taste. This substitution saved my recipe and introduced me to a delicious alternative I now regularly use in my kitchen.
In this article, I’ll share the substitutes for Locatelli cheese I’ve found work best when I can’t get my hands on the real thing.
Key Takeaways
- Pecorino Romano is the closest match, since Locatelli is itself a brand of Pecorino Romano.
- Parmesan and Grana Padano work well when you want a milder, less salty result and can swap in at the same amount.
- Spanish Manchego and Iberico bring a richer, fattier flavor that’s great for pasta and meat dishes.
- Nutritional yeast mixed with a nut-based paste is the best vegan-friendly stand-in.
Table of Contents
Best Locatelli Cheese Substitute
1. Parmesan Cheese
When I needed Locatelli Pecorino Romano for a recipe, I found Parmesan cheese to be a reliable alternative. Locatelli can be hard to find, but Parmesan has a similar nutty flavor and melts well.
Parmesan runs slightly less salty, but you can swap it in at the same amount with a small adjustment to the salt and seasoning to balance the flavors. The recipe stays true to its original taste and still delivers a great result.
2. Grana Padano Cheese
Grana Padano has a buttery, nutty profile that fits into almost any recipe calling for Locatelli. It leans sweeter and lacks Locatelli’s distinct kick, but it makes up for that with how well it melts.
Use equal amounts of Grana Padano in place of Locatelli to keep the texture and flavor close, then adjust the seasoning slightly if you want more of that sharp kick back.
3. Asiago Cheese
Asiago is another solid option, and it replicates the nutty, creamy essence of Locatelli well. It starts out mild and grows sharper as it ages, and it’s great on pizza, pasta, or salads.
Use equal amounts of Asiago to keep recipe proportions intact. Go for an aged Asiago if you want a flavor closer to Locatelli’s sharper, saltier bite.
4. Spanish Manchego Cheese
Spanish Manchego brings a rich flavor and a salty aftertaste that works great in pasta dishes or meat preparations. It melts well and pairs with both sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout substitute.
Swap Spanish Manchego for Locatelli Pecorino Romano at a 1:1 ratio. There may be slight flavor differences, but the result holds up well.
5. Piave Cheese
Piave is similar to Parmesan but with sweeter notes. It matures into a grating-friendly hardness and melts with a creamy texture, making it versatile in almost any recipe.
Swap Locatelli for Piave in equal amounts and adjust the seasoning slightly. The sweeter notes give your dish a unique twist.
6. Nutritional Yeast
For vegan cooking, a combination of nutritional yeast and a nut-based paste makes a great Locatelli substitute. It’s easy to put together and easy to adjust to the consistency and flavor you’re after.
Use about half the amount of nutritional yeast compared to the cheese called for in the original recipe, then adjust to taste. This vegan-friendly option lets you enjoy the cheesy flavor in plant-based dishes without the actual cheese.
7. Iberico Cheese
Iberico cheese is rich and buttery, a luxurious option for grilling, cooking, or eating on its own. That richness makes it an excellent substitute for Locatelli in a lot of recipes.
It’s a fatty cheese, so moderation matters. Like Spanish Manchego, you can swap Locatelli for Iberico in equal amounts in most recipes, and the bold flavor will carry the dish.
8. Ossau Iraty Cheese
Ossau Iraty has a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly oily texture that works well as a Locatelli substitute. It’s just as good in cooking as it is as a salad topping, and it holds its own on a cheese board with fruit or wine.
Substitute it for Locatelli in equal amounts. There may be slight flavor differences, but it works well across a range of dishes.
9. Pecorino Romano Cheese
Pecorino Romano is the closest substitute you’ll find, since Locatelli is itself a brand of Pecorino Romano. The texture and flavor are nearly identical, with only minor differences.
Replace Locatelli with a 1:1 ratio of Pecorino Romano in any recipe, and the flavors and textures blend seamlessly. It’s a reliable stand-in for just about any dish that calls for Locatelli.
My Take
Pecorino Romano is my go-to when I can’t find Locatelli, since it’s basically the same cheese under a different label. But depending on what you’re cooking and what’s in your fridge, any of these nine options gets you a great result. Give one a try next time your grocery store is out of Locatelli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Locatelli Cheese the Same as Pecorino Romano?
Yes, Locatelli cheese is a type of Pecorino Romano. Locatelli Pecorino Romano is a specific brand of this cheese, distinguished by its high quality and traditional production methods. Pecorino Romano is a more general term for a type of Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk, and Locatelli is a well-known brand that produces this specific variety of Pecorino Romano.
Is Locatelli Cheese the Same as Parmesan?
No, Locatelli cheese is not the same as Parmesan. While both are types of hard, aged Italian cheeses, they have distinct characteristics. Locatelli is a specific brand of Pecorino Romano, made from sheep’s milk, and known for its tangy flavor. Parmesan, on the other hand, is a type of cheese made from cow’s milk and has a nuttier taste. They differ in terms of milk source, flavor profiles, and production methods, making them distinct varieties of Italian cheeses.
Is Locatelli Cheese a Hard Cheese?
Yes, Locatelli cheese is a hard cheese. It falls into the category of Pecorino Romano, which is a firm and aged Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. The hardness of Locatelli cheese is a result of its extended aging process, contributing to its characteristic texture and flavor.
Does Locatelli Cheese Need to be Refrigerated?
Yes, Locatelli cheese needs to be refrigerated. Locatelli Pecorino Romano should be stored in the refrigerator like most cheeses to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. Refrigeration helps slow down the aging process, preserving the texture and flavor of the cheese. It is advisable to keep Locatelli cheese in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to protect it from moisture and odors in the fridge.
Cynthia Odenu-Odenu is the founder of Cyanne Eats. A registered nurse with a passion for food, she brings the same attention to detail from her professional life into the kitchen. From chain restaurant rankings to grocery finds and easy recipes, Cynthia covers it all and helps everyday food lovers eat better and spend smarter.