Skip to main content

Why Parmesan isn’t the cheese you should put on your pasta

It may be time to rethink your finishing cheese for your pasta dishes

Mauro Pezzotta/Shutterstock

We know that we say this about a lot of dishes, but truly — is there anything better than a big, rich, steaming bowl of cheesy pasta? Give us your bucatini, your ravioli, your fettuccini Alfredo. We’ll take it all. Just always, always, top it with a generous grating of cheese. But which cheese? Of course, in this country, we’ve gotten very used to that finishing cheese being salty, nutty, delicious Parmesan. And while that’s certainly a very adequate choice — is it the best choice? We say no. If you ask us, Pecorino Romano is the superior alternative.

Recommended Videos

What’s the difference between Parmesan cheese and Pecorino Romano?

The two cheeses undoubtedly have their similarities. Both are hard, aged, salty Italian cheeses. The main difference between the two is that Parmesan is a cow’s milk cheese, and Pecorino is a sheep’s. And while both cheeses are aged, the differences in aging time are significant. Parmesan can be aged anywhere between one and three years, while the more youthful Pecorino is generally only aged a few months.

Parmesan cheese
Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock

What are the best uses for Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan is deservedly popular for its delightful salty nuttiness and mellow ability to blend with any number of dishes. It’s beautiful in the dishes after which it is named, such as chicken or eggplant parmesan. Parmesan is also a wonderful filler for meatballs and it adds richness to soups and sauces. But overall, Parmesan does far better in a supporting role than that of the main star.

Pecorino Romano
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What are the best uses for Pecorino Romano?

Pecorino, however, gets the winning trophy from us. While it’s clearly the less appreciated cheese here, you just can’t argue its obvious superiority. Its gorgeous creaminess adds a texture component that one doesn’t get from Parmesan. It also hits with a signature tang, making it beautiful on its own, or adding depth to simple dishes, such as lighter pastas or gratins. That tangy creaminess is just impossible to compete with.

It’s also worth noting that Pecorino is a delight to enjoy by itself with a glass of wine. You could enjoy Parmesan this way, but it doesn’t work as well as a table cheese as Pecorino does.

Pasta on white plate with cheese on top
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can you use the two interchangeably?

You can. But that doesn’t mean you should. Generally, a recipe will take these differences into account before printing, so if you want to enjoy a dish the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, it’s best to stick with what’s called for, such as Locatelli cheese (Pecorino Romano).

Another thing to consider, apart from the flavor and texture differences we’ve already mentioned, is that Pecorino tends to taste quite a bit saltier than Parmesan. So if you do end up swapping one for the other, keep salt content in mind and adjust your seasonings accordingly, tasting your dish as you go.

Lindsay Parrill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Lindsay is a graduate of California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, San Francisco, from where she holds a degree in…
Should you add turmeric to your coffee?
It's not as far-fetched as it sounds
Turmeric

Turmeric is one of my favorite spices. It is known for its bright orange color and earthy, slightly bitter taste. When I think of turmeric, I think of delicious Indian cuisine, as it is a primary component of curry powder. Knowing this, the concept of turmeric coffee is challenging for me to wrap my brain around. Coffee and turmeric don't seem to make sense.

Why would you add a bitter spice to your coffee? The answer is in the health benefits, which make adding turmeric to your coffee sound farfetched. When you consider the popularity of turmeric tea, turmeric coffee sounds less extreme. Should you add turmeric to your coffee? Here's what to know.
Should you add turmeric to your coffee?

Read more
If you aren’t drinking Chattanooga Whiskey, you should start with this new release
Chattanooga Whiskey is launching a new blend of solera-ageed whiskeys
Chattanooga Whiskey

If you aren’t already drinking Chattanooga Whiskey, what are you waiting for? This innovative distillery in Tennessee has crafted memorable, award-winning expressions since the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery opened in 2012. If you’re ready to dip your toe into the world of Chattanooga Whiskey, we suggest trying with its newest release.
Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 13th Anniversary Blend

Curated every year by the company’s founder, Tim Piersant, this new whiskey release is a blend of three solera-aged whiskeys. The first whiskey included is 1816 (23% of the blend), the smallest of the brand’s solera barrels. This high-rye bourbon is matured between four and six years and is known for its wood and spice flavors.

Read more
Does cold brew coffee have more caffeine? Why it might be giving you the jitters
Comparing caffeine in cold brew to other types of coffee
Cold brew coffee

One of the best things about cold brew coffee is its smoothness. The smooth taste and low acidity make cold brew coffee too easy to slurp down if I'm not paying close attention. Though cold brew coffee is both delicious and refreshing, it's also reasonably high in caffeine which can hit you quickly if you're casually sipping on cold brew without considering the caffeine content.

If you've ever gotten carried away and enjoyed your cold brew a little too much, you may have faced the coffee jitters (I know I have), leading you to wonder just how much caffeine is in cold brew coffee. It's been great to see so many coffee companies emerging with decaf cold brew options I can enjoy without feeling so restless. But does cold brew coffee have more caffeine than your average cup of hot coffee? Or, more caffeine than iced coffee? Let's explore.
Does cold brew have more caffeine?

Read more