Locatelli Cheese is this amazing Italian cheese that’s been around for over a century. It’s got this sharp, tangy, and nutty flavor that’s just perfect for adding a kick to toppings, dressings, and sauces.
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.
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 stands as 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. We’ve found it perfect for grating over pasta or adding depth to 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. 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 these cool cheese substitutes to shake up your meals. We usually just sprinkle it on top of hot pasta dishes. 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.
It’s also made from cow’s milk, so it has that same tangy and nutty flavor profile. We love using Grana Padano in risottos and on top of creamy soups. It adds just the perfect amount of zing to these dishes.
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 profile. 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.
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. We love it shaved over salads or melted in sandwiches for an extra flavor boost.
Swapping Manchego for Locatelli one-to-one is seamless, enhancing 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. 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 elevate 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. It has a similar sharpness and nutty flavor that can add an extra kick to your dishes.
It’s also readily available in most grocery stores and often less expensive than other options mentioned on this list. Use it in the same quantity as Locatelli for best results.
We also feature a guide on other cheeses that can be substituted for sharp cheddar if you’re looking to explore more options.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.