7 Locatelli Cheese Substitutes: Boost Your Bites

Locatelli Cheese is this amazing Italian cheese (a Pecorino-style sheep's milk cheese) that's been around for over a century.

Can't imagine our kitchens without Locatelli Cheese, right? It literally turns our meals from meh to amazing!

Ever had that oh-no moment at the store when you reach for Locatelli and the shelf is bare? Major bummer.

So, we've been scouting for cheeses that can live up to Locatelli's epicness. And guess what?

We've struck gold with a few that have that same sharp, nutty kick that jazzes up any meal.

We've got this list, right? It's like our secret recipe.

Saved our dinners more times than we can count.

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7 Easy Substitutes for Locatelli Cheese

The following cheese varieties all make great substitutes for Locatelli:

Substitute	Taste	Texture	Suitable Dishes
Parmigiano-Reggiano	Salty, nutty	Hard, crumbly	Pasta dishes, salads, risottos
Pecorino Romano	Sharp, tangy	Hard, crumbly	Pasta dishes, soups, salads
Grana Padano	Nutty, fruity	Hard, granular	Risottos, soups, grated over dishes
Asiago	Mild, nutty	Semi-hard	Pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups
Manchego	Nutty, buttery	Semi-hard	Tapas, sandwiches, cheese boards
Aged Gouda	Rich, caramelized	Hard, crumbly	Cheese plates, snacks, melted dishes
Sharp Cheddar	Tangy, sharp	Firm, crumbly	Mac and cheese, sandwiches, soups

1 - Parmigiano-Reggiano

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a top pick for swapping with Locatelli Cheese. It's also aged for a long time, just like Locatelli, giving it that distinct taste we all crave.

A little of this cheese goes a long way in recipes, thanks to its granular texture and umami-rich, nutty flavor. We've found it perfect for grating over pasta or improving salads.

Using Parmigiano-Reggiano is a breeze. Just use the same amount of it as you would Locatelli.

Our favorite quick recipe? Just boil some pasta, toss it with olive oil, and throw a good amount of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.

It's an easy, fail-safe meal every time.

2 - Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano grabs the spotlight as our next go-to. This cheese shares the sharp and salty flavors we love in Locatelli, being made from sheep's milk with a bold, briny profile.

It's sheep's milk cheese, setting it apart from the cow's milk base of Locatelli.

The age-old process of making Pecorino Romano locks in a bold taste. We usually use it in the same quantity as Locatelli to keep our dishes rich in flavor.

In our experiences, it melts beautifully over hot dishes.

If you're on the hunt for more options, check out chicken Romano side dish ideas to pair with your cheese-forward meals.

It's easy; just swap it one-for-one wherever you'd normally use Locatelli.

3 - Grana Padano

Grana Padano is another great substitute for Locatelli Cheese. This cheese hails from Northern Italy and is aged for a minimum of nine months, giving it a similar sharp taste to Locatelli.

Using Grana Padano in risottos and on top of creamy soups is common, and for substitutes see Grana Padano substitute suggestions.

It adds just the perfect amount of zing to these dishes, bringing a savory, slightly crystalline bite.

4 - Asiago

In terms of texture, Asiago is a close match to Locatelli Cheese. It has that same grainy and crumbly consistency that makes it perfect for grating over pasta dishes.

Like Locatelli, Asiago is made from cow's milk, giving it a similar flavor with a buttery, slightly sweet sharpness. We recommend using it as a topping on pizzas or in quiches for an extra punch of flavor.

This guide explores alternatives to Asiago cheese for culinary enthusiasts interested in experimenting with various cheesy textures and flavors, or learn more about Asiago cheese background and uses.

5 - Manchego

Manchego, a Spanish cheese, is known for its firm texture and rich flavor, made from sheep's milk.

It has a sweet, nutty taste that enhances our meals, offering a distinct yet similar flavor to Locatelli (made from Spanish Manchega sheep's milk with a firm paste and buttery finish). We love it shaved over salads or melted in sandwiches for an extra flavor boost.

Swapping Manchego for Locatelli one-to-one is seamless, improving dishes without losing flavor. It's great mixed into scrambled eggs for a rich, morning treat.

Exploring other cheeses like Manchego can spice up your meals. For new ideas, visit Manchego cheese substitutes for a twist in your dishes.

6 - Aged Gouda

Aged Gouda steps up as another solid pick. Its sharp and caramel-like sweetness sets it apart, often developed during long aging (12+ months).

This cheese gets better with time, much like a fine wine.

We often swap it in at a one-to-one ratio for Locatelli. Perfect for adding a pop to your pasta dishes.

A personal tip? Grate it over your favorite pasta with a drizzle of olive oil.

Simple yet delicious.

For those keen on mixing things up, aged Gouda shines bright. It melts beautifully, creating a silky texture in your dishes.

And if you're eager to broaden your cheese horizons even further, consider peeking at alternative cheeses to Gouda that can improve your meals.

7 - Sharp Cheddar

For those who want to try a cheese that is easily available and budget-friendly, sharp cheddar is a great substitute for Locatelli (a cow's milk cheese aged to develop tangy, sharp flavors). It has a similar sharpness and nutty flavor that can add an extra kick to your dishes.

Use it in the same quantity as Locatelli for best results, and pair it with Cheddar Bay Biscuit side dishes for comforting meals.

We also feature a guide on other cheeses that can be substituted for sharp cheddar if you're looking to explore more options.