Skip to Content

Enhance Recipes: 5 BEST Substitutes for Parmesan Cheese

Do you love Alfredo sauce but struggle to find a way to make it without Parmesan cheese? You’re not alone.

Whether due to dietary restrictions or simply a desire for something different, many of us are looking for substitutes for Parmesan cheese in our Alfredo sauce.

Here, we’ll explore the top five alternatives to Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce and show how you can still enjoy the classic flavor.

Can You Actually Make Alfredo Sauce without Parmesan Cheese?

can you actually make alfredo sauce without parmesan cheese

For those looking to spice up their dinners with some flavorful Alfredo sauce without using parmesan cheese, the answer is a resounding yes.

With the proper ingredients, you can create a delicious yet dairy-free version of this classic sauce.

To make it dairy-free, start by substituting butter for plant-based types such as coconut or olive oil.

It’s also possible to use vegan margarine if you don’t mind the change in taste.

For richer flavor, try adding garlic and onion powder to your Alfredo sauce mixture before cooking.

You can finish off your dish by substituting nutritional yeast flakes for parmesan cheese; it adds an amazing cheesy flavor and will make your final product smell like authentic Italian cooking.

Enjoy your dairy-free Alfredo sauce over pasta, vegetables, or fish dishes – you won’t regret it.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Parmesan Cheese in Alfredo Sauce

If you’re looking for an alternative to parmesan cheese in your Alfredo sauce, there are plenty of great options for substitutes that will still deliver a delicious and creamy sauce.

Whether you’re looking for something with a similar flavor and texture, or are avoiding parmesan cheese for dietary reasons, here are five of the best substitute ingredients you can use to make a delicious Alfredo sauce.

1 – Gruyere Cheese

gruyere cheese

Gruyere cheese is a hard yellow cheese that has a fruity and slightly salty taste.

It melts easily, making it a great choice for creamy dishes like alfredo sauce.

While it doesn’t have the same tangy flavor that you get with Parmesan cheese, its mellow flavor works well as a substitute if you don’t have Parmesan on hand.

To make Alfredo sauce with Gruyere cheese, just shred or grate the cheese and add it to your sauce while heating.

Stir constantly until the Gruyere melts into your alfredo sauce.

2 – Piave Cheese

piave cheese

Piave cheese is an Italian cow’s milk cheese that has a firm, crumbly texture.

Its flavor is sharp and slightly salty, with notes of caramel and nuts.

It shares many of the qualities you’d expect from Parmesan cheese, but it lacks the strong umami taste.

It does, however, have a pleasant nuttiness to it that adds layers of flavor to your Alfredo sauce.

It can be difficult to come by outside of specialty stores or Italian markets, but if you can find it, this substitute will make a delicious (and vegetarian-friendly) Alfredo sauce.

3 – Asiago Cheese

asiago cheese

Asiago Cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk.

It is sweet and nutty in flavor, with a slightly sharp taste that varies from mild to sharp depending on how long it has matured.

Asiago can be used as an alternative for Parmesan for Alfredo sauce because of its distinctive flavor—although it doesn’t melt as easily, it does add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.

To use Asiago cheese in Alfredo sauce, start by grating the cheese so you can get nice small pieces that will melt quickly and evenly when heated.

To get the desired creamy texture, mix it well with butter or cream before adding to your other Alfredo ingredients.

Use 1/2 cup of Asiago cheese for every cup of Parmesan cheese called for in your Alfredo recipe.

4 – Pecorino Romano Cheese

pecorino romano cheese

Pecorino Romano cheese is a strong, salty cheese that pairs well with Alfredo sauce.

It is the most popular substitute for Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauces because it has a similar flavor profile — sharp and salty.

Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for traditional Parmesan cheese, and is made from sheep’s milk instead of cow’s milk.

The intense flavor of Pecorino Romano isn’t as buttery as Parmesan, but it adds a great depth of flavor to any recipe — including Alfredo sauce.

If you’d like your Alfredo sauce to have more depth, increase the amount of Pecorino Romano you use in the recipe.

5 – Mozzarella Cheese

mozzarella cheese 1

Mozzarella cheese is one of the mildest cheese alternatives for parmesan, and it yields a creamy and tasty Alfredo sauce.

To make this Alfredo sauce, you will need:

  • 2 cups of heavy cream.
  • 4 tablespoons of butter.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  • 1 ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

To make the Alfredo sauce, heat up a pan over medium heat.

Then add in the butter and cream and whisk until they are combined.

As they become hot, add in pepper to taste.

Once the mixture is hot, lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese until it melts into the cream mixture completely.

Stir continuously to ensure that no lumps form while adding in the cheese.

Once all lumps are gone, you’re done.

Enjoy your tasty Alfredo sauce without Parmesan.

substitutes for parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce

The 5 Best Substitutes for Parmesan Cheese in Alfredo Sauce

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 – Gruyere Cheese
  • 2 – Piave Cheese
  • 3 – Asiago Cheese
  • 4 – Pecorino Romano Cheese
  • 5 – Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

About The Author

Sharing is caring!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating