This is a comprehensive guide to some great substitutes for Kefalotyri cheese in your recipes.
So, let’s get right into it.
Best Kefalotyri Cheese Substitutes
The Best Kefalotyri Cheese Substitutes are- Romano Cheese, Parmesan, Halloumi, Graviera Cheese, Kasseri Cheese, Pecorino Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aged Gruyere, and Nutritional Yeast.
They are discussed in detail here-
1. Romano Cheese
Romano is the ideal substitute for Kefalotyri cheese in most recipes.
It is similar to Kefalotyri in terms of being a hard cheese with a sharp and nutty flavor with notes of spice and tanginess.
It goes well with meat dishes and pasta or pizza recipes.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Kefalotyri with equal measures of Romano cheese in most recipes. But keep in mind that Romano isn’t a great cheese to use for saganaki or grilling because it is harder and doesn’t melt quite as well.
2. Parmesan Cheese
Much like Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese is a nutty and salty cheese packed with flavor with a hard texture.
It melts wonderfully and pairs well with meat and veggies like Kefalotyri.
It is a great substitute for Kefalotyri in the Moussaka recipe or such bakes. Parmesan is also easier to find than Kefalotyri at stores near you.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Kefalotyri with the same amount of Parmesan cheese in most recipes. They are especially great for pasta and baking recipes or grating over dishes.
Here is a moussaka recipe with Parmesan cheese instead of Kefalotyri cheese –
3. Halloumi Cheese
Another Greek cheese that you can use to replace Kefalotyri in most recipes is Halloumi. It is salty and rich in flavor like Kefalotyri but creamier.
It is a perfect cheese for grilling and you can use it to make Saganaki or fried cheese, unlike others mentioned before.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Kefalotyri with a 1:1 ratio of Haloumi cheese in most recipes because of their shared flavor profile and texture. Since Kefalotyri is saltier, you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Check out this Saganaki recipe with Halloumi cheese to try when you can’t get your hands on Kefalotyri –
4. Graviera Cheese
Graviera is yet another nutty and salty cheese that works well as a grilling and grating cheese instead of Kefalotyri.
As it ages it gets spicier which makes it more like Kefalotyri in flavor.
It is perfect for almost any Kefalotyri recipe including Saganaki or with pasta or gratins.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Graviera in equal measures instead of Kefalotyri in all recipes. But keep in mind that the less mature Graviera will be less salty, so you might want to adjust the seasoning for the right flavors.
Here is a Saganaki recipe with Graviera cheese instead of a Kefalotyri recipe –
5. Kasseri Cheese
Another Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk, Kasseri is a nutty and salty cheese with notes of sweetness.
It works perfectly well as a substitute in most Kefalotyri cheese recipes, like saganaki or moussaka.
It is perfect melting cheese and milder in flavor if you are looking for a less pungent alternative.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Kefalotyri with equal amounts of Kasseri cheese but keep in mind that Kasseri is softer and more buttery than Kefalotyri cheese.
6. Pecorino Cheese
A version of the Romano cheese, Pecorino is a great pick if you are looking for a spicy and more accessible substitute for the Kefalotyri recipe.
Its savory flavor profile makes it ideal for meat and veggie dishes, pasta, and grating over dishes.
How to Substitute?
Although you might not be able to fry or grill the Pecorino cheese as well as Kefalotyri, you can use it in a 1:1 ratio substitution in most cooking recipes.
7. Parmigiano Reggiano
Another hard, nutty, and salty cheese, that goes well on top of dishes instead of Kefalotyri.
It might not be a great cheese to grill because it will melt too quickly, but pasta and bakes are perfect recipes to switch with Parmigiano Reggiano.
How to Substitute?
Much like Parmesan, you can replace Kefalotyri with equal measures of Parmigiano Reggiano. But keep in mind that there will be flavor differences in the recipe, though it will be just as tasty.
8. Aged Gruyere
Gruyere cheese melts wonderfully and its nutty and rich flavor makes it a great substitute for Kefalotyri in bakes or meat-based recipes.
The older and more mature Gruyere is closer in terms of texture and flavor as it gets harder and tangier.
How to Substitute?
You can use more or less the same amount of aged Gruyere as Kefalotyri in your recipes. Keep in mind that depending on how aged the Gruyere cheese is, there will be differences in the texture and flavor of the final dish.
9. Nutritional Yeast
For vegans and lactose intolerant readers, here nutritional yeast is the best alternative to Kefalotyri, in terms of flavor.
You can sprinkle them or make a paste with a nut base and use that with your Greek veggie recipes, like spanakopita.
But you won’t be able to use them in grills or saganaki recipes.
How to Substitute?
You would half as much nutritional yeast as cheese in your recipes to get the flavors right. You could sprinkle them over your dish and add more as you see fit.
Is Kefalotyri the Same as Halloumi?
Though both Kefalotyri and Halloumi cheese are made from goat milk or sheep milk and share a similar taste profile they are not the same cheese. They differ slightly in terms of how it is produced and also texture.
While Halloumi is a softer and creamier cheese, Kefalotyri is harder and saltier in comparison. Despite these differences, you can use these Greek cheeses as substitutes for each other in a wide range of recipes.
Bottom Line
I hope this quick guide helped you find the right substitute for Kefalotyri in your recipes.
Do share some substitutes or cooking tips of your own!
Feel free to share this article with your family and friends who love cheesy Greek recipes.