This is a comprehensive guide on all possible substitutes for Locatelli Pecorino Romano cheese you can use in all kinds of recipes.
I have compiled this guide after thorough research of notes and reviews left by home cooks and chefs from around the world.
So, let’s dive right in.
Best Locatelli Cheese Substitutes
The Best Locatelli Cheese Substitutes are- Parmesan, Asiago, Grana Padano, Spanish Manchego, Piave Cheese, Nutritional Yeast, Iberico Cheese, Ossau Iraty Cheese, and Romano Cheese.
They are discussed in detail here-
1. Parmesan Cheese
Although it may be hard to find a Locatelli Pecorino Romano block of cheese, you can easily get your hands on Parmesan cheese which offers the same nutty flavor and melty goodness.
Parmesan may be less salty in comparison, but the recipe will work the same way after substitution.
How to Substitute?
Use the same measure of Parmesan cheese as Locatelli Pecorino Romano is asked for in the recipe. Adjust the salt and seasoning to get the perfect flavor and you are good to go.
Here is a quick and simple meatball recipe to try when you don’t have Locatelli cheese to work with –
2. Asiago Cheese
Much like parmesan cheese, Asiago offers a nutty and creamy flavor that replaces Locatelli cheese quite well.
Young Asiago cheese can be on the milder side of flavors, and as it ages, it gets sharper. It is the perfect cheese for pizza, pasta, or salad recipes.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Locatelli cheese with equal measures of Asiago cheese. Aged Asiago is best to get the right flavors as it is sharper and saltier.
Check out this Asiago meatball recipe by “allyskitchen” on YouTube to try as an alternative to Locatelli cheese meatballs –
3. Grana Padano Cheese
Grana Padano is a great buttery and nutty cheese that you can use to replace Locatelli in any recipe.
Though it is on the sweet side and lacks the same kick as Locatelli Pecorino Romano, it is just as delicious and melty, hence making it a good substitute.
How to Substitute?
Due to the similar textures and flavors, you can substitute Locatelli Pecorino Romano with Grana Padano in equal measures. If you adjust the seasoning a little, you can get the desired kick as well.
4. Spanish Manchego Cheese
Rich and flavorful, with a salty aftertaste, Spanish Manchego is a good substitute for Locatelli, whether you are making pasta or cooking meat.
It melts incredibly well, and you can pair it with both sweet and savory flavors.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Spanish Manchego for Locatelli pecorino Romano in a 1:1 ratio and the recipe should work just fine. Though there may be some slight flavor differences the result should be yummy.
Here is a Manchego skillet dip recipe that you can give a shot when you don’t have Locatelli cheese to work with –
5. Piave Cheese
Piave is much like Parmesan cheese but with sweeter notes of flavor.
Once mature it is hard enough to grate over dishes and also melts wonderfully with a creamy texture.
You can use it as an alternative to Locatelli in almost any recipe.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Locatelli cheese with equal measures of Piave cheese. Some tweaking of the seasoning in the recipe should give you the perfect results in flavor.
6. Nutritional Yeast
For vegans who would love to enjoy some of the cheesy recipes, Nutritional yeast with a nut-based paste is the best way to substitute Locatelli cheese in your recipes.
Not only is it super easy to make, but you can also tweak the recipe to get the consistency and flavor you are looking for.
How to Substitute?
Usually, you will require half the amount of nutritional yeast to the amount of cheese added to the recipe. So, you can start small and add more as you go, depending on your preference.
Here is a Cacio e Pepe pasta recipe with nutritional yeast to try instead of a Locatelli cheese-based recipe –
7. Iberico Cheese
Iberico is a rich buttery and oily cheese that is perfect for grilling or cooking with just as it is great for eating on its own.
Its rich flavors make it a great substitute for Locatelli cheese in cooking recipes. But keep in mind that it is quite a fatty cheese.
How to Substitute?
Much like Spanish Manchego, you can replace the Locatelli with equal measures of Iberico cheese in most recipes.
8. Ossau Iraty Cheese
Ossau Iraty is a rich and nutty flavored cheese that you can replace Locatelli with. It is slightly oily in texture.
While it is great to cook with and top over salads, it is especially great when placed on a cheese board and had with fruits or wine.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Locatelli with equal portions of Ossau Iraty cheese in most recipes. There might be slight flavor changes but the overall recipe should turn out good.
9. Romano Cheese
Locatelli Pecorino Romano is a version of the Romano cheese, so, if you could get your hands on Romano cheese instead, you can use it as a perfect substitute in all recipes.
The texture and flavor should be more or less similar except for minor differences.
How to Substitute?
You can replace Locatelli cheese with a 1:1 ratio of Romano cheese substitute. The flavors and textures will blend perfectly well, no matter the recipe.
Is Locatelli Cheese the Same as Pecorino Romano?
Locatelli is a specific brand of Pecorino Romano cheese that is quite popular in Italy. The Locatelli brand offers great flavor and texture, and it is perfect for cooking or grating over dishes. It also works well on a cheese platter.
Locatelli Pecorino Romano is sharp and salty with the right spicy kick that makes it perfect for pesto or pasta recipes like Caio e Pepe.
Bottom Line
I hope this article has given you some great substitutes for Locatelli Pecorino Romano cheese for your recipes.
If you have any alternatives of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and family who love cheese!