Skip to Content

5 BEST Parmesan Cheese Substitutes for Alfredo Sauce

Are you looking for an alternative to Parmesan cheese that’ll still give you the ultimate creamy Alfredo sauce?

You may not believe it, but there are actually several dairy and vegan-friendly substitutes out there that can do just that!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss five premium Parmesan cheese alternatives — each bringing their own unique taste and texture to your culinary masterpiece.

We understand the confusion of trying to find a perfect match; therefore, we have put together detailed descriptions including helpful information about how these options pack flavor into every single bite.

Our in-depth post will be sure to make your cooking journey easier no matter who is around your dinner table!

In this guide, we’ll look at five tasty substitutes for parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce so you can still enjoy one of your favorites.

What’s Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is an aged variety of cheese primarily used as a fine grating cheese in the Italian cuisine.

It is named after the producing regions in Northern Italy: Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna and Mantova.

Due to its strong flavor and hard texture it has become a favorite for chefs all around the world.

Aged between 12-18 months Parmesan Cheese has a very strong flavor and should be used sparingly as it can quickly dominate any dish or sauce.

Parmesan cheese is also a form of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese with strict regulations regarding its production techniques, ensuring only cheeses made from unpasteurised cow’s milk following regulated recipes can use this name.

Can You Actually Make Alfredo Sauce without Parmesan Cheese?

Many of us enjoy a delicious Alfredo sauce, whether served over noodles or as the centerpiece for a romantic dinner.

But what if you’re looking to make Alfredo sauce without parmesan cheese? Are there any good substitutes available?

As it turns out, there are several options for making Alfredo sauce without parmesan cheese.

These alternatives can provide flavorful and creamy sauces without the need for the often expensive Italian cheese.

Here are five of the best substitutes for Parmesan in Alfredo sauce:

5 BEST Parmesan Cheese Substitutes to Make Alfredo Sauce

1 – Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is a popular alternative to Parmesan cheese for Alfredo sauce.

It has a creamy, buttery taste and its flavor deepens during the cooking process.

Additionally, its flavor has nutty and nutmeg-like undertones.

It’s best used when melted over dishes like pasta, vegetables, or potatoes.

It can also be used as an alternative grating cheese in salads or sandwiches.

However, it’s advisable to use Gruyere cheese in recipes that require the cheese to be cooked slowly so the flavors can come alive.

2 – Piave Cheese

Piave cheese is hard and creamy, similar to Parmesan cheese.

It has a unique texture and taste that resembles both Parmigiano-Reggiano and Asiago.

Piave cheese is aged for several months to develop its full flavor, so it’s not as strong as Parmesan.

However, it still offers a sharpness that complements the creaminess of an Alfredo sauce.

You can find Piave cheese at most Italian grocery stores or specialty shops.

3 – Asiago Cheese

Asiago cheese has a fantastic flavor — nutty and slightly fruity — that pairs well with garlic and cream.

It’s a great substitute for Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce, as it has a slightly more pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of the cream.

However, since Asiago is a harder cheese and takes longer to melt, it should be grated or shredded before you add it to your sauce.

If possible, try adding it while the sauce is warm so that it melts easier.

You can also add some milk or an additional tablespoon of butter to aid in melting the cheese evenly.

4 – Pecorino Romano Cheese

Pecorino Romano cheese is a well-known Italian hard cheese made from sheep’s milk.

It’s also one of the best substitutes for Parmesan in Alfredo sauce.

Pecorino Romano has a slightly stronger flavor than Parmesan and may overpower the delicate taste of Alfredo sauce, but it can still be used as an effective replacement.

To use Pecorino Romano, you will need to grate it into tiny pieces so that it melts properly into the Alfredo sauce.

It has a salty flavor so you may want to use less salt when adding this cheese to your dish.

5 – Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a great substitute for Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce.

It has a mild flavor and light, creamy texture that make it an excellent alternative when Parmesan isn’t available.

To get the best results, try to find a high-quality mozzarella that’s made from whole milk, as this will make for a creamier and richer Alfredo sauce.

For extra richness and creaminess, you can also mix the mozzarella with cream cheese or ricotta cheese before adding them to your sauce.

This combination of cheeses can add great flavor and texture to your Alfredo sauce without taking away from the classic Italian flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the flavor of Parmesan cheese is hard to replace in Alfredo sauce, it is absolutely possible to find a suitable replacement.

Whether it’s a vegan or vegetarian substitute made with dairy-free ingredients, an Italian-style cheese like Asiago or Grana Padano, or a more widely available alternative like Romano cheese, there’s something for everyone.

The important thing is that you choose a substitute that appeals to your taste.

Enjoy your Alfredo sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for an Alfredo sauce?

The best type of cheese for an Alfredo sauce is Parmesan cheese.

It has a strong flavor and a sharp, salty taste that helps to give Alfredo sauce its unique flavor.

Are there any good substitutes for Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce?

Yes, there are several good substitutes for Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce.

Some of the best substitutes are Asiago cheese, Romano cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Gouda cheese.

How do I add the cheese to Alfredo sauce?

The best way to add cheese to Alfredo sauce is to grate it and then stir it into the sauce.

This will help to give the sauce an even flavor and a creamy texture.

5 BEST Parmesan Cheese Substitutes to Make 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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!