I’ll never forget the time I had to substitute Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce. I was hosting a dinner party for my friends and, of course, I was making my famous alfredo sauce. However, when I went to grab the Parmesan cheese from the fridge, I realized that I was all out!
I had to think quickly and substitute another cheese in its place. I ended up using Gruyere cheese, and it worked like a charm!
If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t worry! Here are seven of the best Parmesan cheese substitutes that you can use in Alfredo sauce:
Substitutes for Parmesan Cheese in Alfredo Sauce:
- Gruyere Cheese
- Piave
- Asiago Cheese
- Pecorino Romano
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Dry Jack
- Grana Padano
Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere cheese is a great alternative to Parmesan cheese in any recipe. It is made from cow’s milk and has a milder flavor, so it won’t overpower the other ingredients in your dish.
Gruyere cheese is also less salty than Parmesan, so it’s a great choice if you’re watching your sodium intake. Additionally, it contains less saturated fat and cholesterol.
Gruyere cheese has a higher melting point, so it will not break down as easily in the sauce. As a result, it is also less likely to cause allergies.
It is also easier to find and cheaper than Parmesan cheese. To substitute Gruyere cheese for Parmesan cheese, use a 1 to 1 ratio.
Piave
Another great alternative to parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce is Piave. Piave is a hard, aged cheese that has a nutty flavor.
Piave is an Italian cheese that is made from cow’s milk. Its sharp, nutty flavor pairs well with pasta and vegetables too. It is similar to Parmesan in taste and texture, but it is less crumbly, which implies that you can grate it more finely.
Piave cheese is a great substitute for Parmesan because it will not break down as easily, and it will still give your sauce a cheesy flavor.
To substitute Piave cheese for Parmesan in alfredo sauce, you should use a 1-to-1 ratio. Overall, Piave works well in any recipe that calls for Parmesan cheese, and it is a great way to add flavor to your sauce.
Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is a great substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce. It has a similar flavor, but it is less salty and has a creamier texture.
Just like Piave, Asiago cheese is also an Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. However, compared to Parmesan cheese, Asiago cheese is lower in fat and calories.
To substitute Asiago cheese for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce, use a ratio of 1-to-1.
You should use fresh Asiago cheese when substituting Asiago cheese for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce, as that will guarantee a richer flavor.
Pecorino Romano
Another great alternative to Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce is Pecorino Romano. This hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk has a salty taste and a sharp flavor.
Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese have a similar flavor profile, so they can be substituted in any recipe at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Additionally, Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese, so it must be grated before adding it to your sauce. It is also lower in fat and calories, making it a healthy alternative.
Because Pecorino Romano is saltier than Parmesan cheese, you may need to adjust the seasoning of your dish accordingly.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a good substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce. It has a mild flavor and a creamy texture.
Mozzarella cheese is an Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. Additionally, it is lower in fat and calories.
To substitute Mozzarella cheese for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce, use a ratio of 1-to-1. Also, bear in mind that with Mozzarella cheese in alfredo sauce, the sauce may be runnier than with Parmesan cheese.
However, using Mozzarella in alfredo sauce will give your sauce a creamier consistency.
Dry Jack
Dry Jack is an aged American cheese that can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly sweet taste.
Dry Jack is made from cow’s milk, and it is low in fat and calories. To substitute Dry Jack for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce, use a ratio of 1-to-1.
One thing to keep in mind when using Dry Jack in alfredo sauce is that you may want to add a little bit more because it is not as salty as Parmesan cheese.
Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a great substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce. It has a similar flavor and texture and can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
This alfredo sauce cheese substitute is made from cow’s milk, and it is a hard, Italian cheese. It has a nutty flavor with a slightly sweet taste. Additionally, it is also a good source of protein and calcium.
The main difference between Parmesan cheese and Grana Padano is that Grana Padano is made with skim milk. And that contributes to its lower fat content.
Grana Padano also works well in any recipe that calls for Parmesan cheese, such as macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, and chicken parmesan.
FAQ
What is Alfredo sauce?
Alfredo sauce is a white sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It is used as a dip or a pasta sauce.
Can Alfredo sauce be made without Parmesan Cheese?
Yes, you can make Alfredo sauce without Parmesan cheese. In its place, you can substitute Piave, Asiago, Mozzarella, or Grana Padano cheese.
What cheese is best with Alfredo sauce?
The best cheese for Alfredo sauce is Parmesan cheese. Therefore, Parmesan cheese is typically used when making Alfredo sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Alfredo sauce?
There are a few substitutes for heavy cream in Alfredo sauce. You can use milk, half-and-half, or even evaporated milk. Just bear in mind that the consistency of your sauce may be affected.
What are the best substitutes for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce?
Some of the best substitutes for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce are Piave, Asiago, and Pecorino Romano cheeses. All of these cheeses have a similar flavor to Parmesan cheese. However, they are lower in fat and calories, making them healthier options.
What is the best substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce if I am vegan?
If you are vegan, the best substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce is nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast has a similar flavor to Parmesan cheese, and it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it is low in fat and calories.
What is the difference between Parmesan and Piave cheeses?
Parmesan cheese is a cheese made in Italy from cow’s milk. It has a strong, sharp flavor and a hard texture. Piave cheese is also a cheese made in Italy from cow’s milk. However, it has a milder flavor and softer texture. Additionally, Piave cheese is lower in fat and calories than Parmesan.
How many calories are in Asiago cheese compared to Parmesan?
Asiago cheese has about half the amount of calories as Parmesan cheese. Additionally, Asiago is a good source of protein and calcium. However, Parmesan cheese is high in fat and sodium.
How do I substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese have a similar flavor profile, so you can substitute them in any recipe at a 1-to-1 ratio. Additionally, because Pecorino Romano is saltier than Parmesan, you may need to adjust the seasoning of your dish.
Can I use Mozzarella as a substitute for Parmesan?
Yes, Mozzarella is a good substitute for Parmesan cheese. It has a mild flavor and a creamy texture. Additionally, Mozzarella is lower in fat and calories than Parmesan.
Is Grana Padano a good substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Yes, Grana Padano is a good substitute for Parmesan cheese. It has a similar flavor and texture to Parmesan cheese. Additionally, Grana Padano is lower in fat and calories than Parmesan.
What is the difference between Grana Padano and Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano is made with skim milk, which contributes to its lower fat content. Additionally, Grana Padano has a nutty flavor and a slightly sweet taste. Parmesan cheese has a sharp, strong fruity-nutty flavor. It also has a higher fat content.
Conclusion
Alfredo sauce is a popular sauce made with Parmesan cheese. However, when you have run out of Parmesan or are looking to try something different, you can use many substitutes.
These include Piave, Asiago, Mozzarella, and Grana Padano cheeses, to mention but a few. All of these substitutes have a similar flavor to Parmesan cheese.
So, if you are looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce, then any of these would be a good option.