Romano Cheese

Ovis aries (if Pecorino Romano) / Bos taurus (if Vaccino Romano) Cheese, Dairy

Romano Cheese Cheese, Dairy

At a Glance

  • Category Cheese, Dairy

The Forktionary Angle

"The ancient Roman legacy: a powerfully piquant, granular cheese that elevates savory dishes with its assertive, salty bite."

Definition

A hard, salty, and sharp Italian cheese, primarily made from sheep's milk (Pecorino Romano), often used for grating over dishes.

Aging Period Minimum 5 months (table) / 8 months (grating)
Milk Source (Pecorino) Sheep's Milk
PDO Designation Pecorino Romano (Protected Designation of Origin)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Romano Cheese are:

Pungent salty sharp tangy umami

Chef’s Secret

When grating Romano, use the finest side of the grater for a cloud-like texture that melts beautifully into hot dishes without clumping.

Best Substitutes

Parmesan Cheese

for grating, milder
Ratio 1:1

Asiago

for grating, less sharp
Ratio 1:1

Grana Padano

for grating, similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for "Pecorino Romano DOP" for authentic sheep's milk cheese. Purchase wedges rather than pre-grated for freshness.

Recipes Using Romano Cheese

Dietary Main Ingredient Low In Something Dietary

Avocado Eggs Benedict

Elevate your brunch game with this vibrant twist on Eggs Benedict! Creamy avocado slices and a decadent three-cheese sauce perfectly complement perfectly poached eggs and crispy Canadian bacon on toasted English muffins. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

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Dinner Party Shrimp North American Beginner Cook

Alfredo Shrimp Tilapia

Indulge in this delectable twist on a New Orleans classic! Flaky tilapia fillets are baked to perfection, then generously topped with creamy Alfredo sauce, succulent sautéed shrimp, and vibrant red bell peppers. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans!

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Chicken Lunch Time To Make Presentation

Baked Chicken Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

A hearty and flavorful recipe featuring juicy chicken and savory portabella mushrooms. These elegant stuffed mushrooms make a perfect appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe, bursting with Italian herbs and melted mozzarella cheese!

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Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains Lasagna Main Ingredient

8 Cheese Meat Lasagna

Indulge in this decadent 8 Cheese Meat Lasagna! This flavor explosion combines savory meat (sausage, beef, or meatless!), eight incredible cheeses, and a rich tomato sauce for a truly unforgettable dish. Perfect for family gatherings or a special night in, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress. Serve with crusty garlic bread and your favorite wine for a complete culinary experience. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Chicken Thighs Legs Main Dish Dietary Chicken Thighs Legs

Bea's Breaded Chicken

Craving crispy, juicy chicken that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This weeknight favorite boasts perfectly golden-brown, crunchy skin – your family will be begging for seconds. My husband's absolute go-to recipe, it's easy to make and delivers incredible flavor. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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Chicken Breasts Italian Time To Make Poultry

Alotizzip Chicken Romano

Escape the ordinary with Alotizzip Chicken Romano! This vibrant pasta dish bursts with sharp, unforgettable flavors. Tender chicken and creamy Romano cheese dance with perfectly cooked pasta in a symphony of taste. Customize it to your liking – add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses for a truly personalized culinary experience. A quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal!

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Equipment Equipment Lasagna Preparation

Authentic Italian Crock Pot Lasagna

This irresistible Crock-Pot lasagna recipe, passed down through generations of my Italian family, delivers rich, savory flavors with surprising ease. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this slow-cooked masterpiece requires minimal effort for maximum taste. Enjoy tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and a vibrant meat sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe is easily adaptable to larger gatherings, and can even be prepped a day in advance for ultimate convenience!

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Dinner Party Main Ingredient Occasion Preparation

Antoine's Soupe A L Oignon Gratine

Indulge in Antoine's irresistible Gratinated Onion Soup! This luxurious recipe features four decadent cheeses, caramelized onions, and perfectly toasted bread for an unforgettable culinary experience. A classic French comfort food, elevated to perfection. Get ready to savor every delicious bite!

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Appetizers Time To Make Dietary Spreads

You Like Cheese Garlic Bread Spread

This incredible cheesy garlic bread spread is a must-have for any fridge! Originally shared on a canning list, this recipe is unbelievably easy to make and lasts up to 2 months in the fridge. Prepare to be amazed by the rich, savory flavor that takes your garlic bread to the next level. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick weeknight treat!

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One Dish Meal Pasta Rice And Grains Dinner Party 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Rigatoni With Four Cheeses

This decadent Baked Rigatoni with Four Cheeses is a family-friendly twist on Giada De Laurentiis's famous Farmer's Pasta! Creamy four-cheese sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and crispy breadcrumbs create a dish that's both comforting and impressive. Easily adaptable and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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Beef Main Dish Beginner Cook Cuisine

Baked Rigatoni Sausage Tuscan Style

A hearty and flavorful twist on classic baked pasta! This Tuscan-inspired recipe features savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, all baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Romano cheese. Inspired by a classic Italian cooking show (possibly Ciao Italia!), this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality taste in under an hour. The cannellini beans add a delightful creaminess and heartiness that elevates this dish to the next level. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Cuisine Beginner Cook Asian Preparation

Asian Style Chicken Broccoli And Ziti

Craving a flavorful twist on classic chicken broccoli ziti? This Asian-inspired recipe delivers! Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor (the longest step!), then quickly steam broccoli, cook ziti, and combine. Perfect for meal prepping – cook the components ahead and enjoy a delicious, ready-in-minutes dinner anytime. A delightful blend of savory and sweet, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Holiday Event Main Ingredient

Baked Mashed Potatoes

A cheesy, decadent twist on classic mashed potatoes! This hearty casserole, inspired by a PBS telethon cooking show, is loaded with creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, savory hard salami, and plenty of butter. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, it's the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Main Ingredient Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Main Ingredient

Baked Fettuccine

This crowd-pleasing Baked Fettuccine recipe is a guaranteed potluck hit! Inspired by a friend's recipe, this creamy, cheesy casserole is unbelievably easy to make and pairs perfectly with your favorite fried chicken. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Time To Make

Baked Ranch Chops With Sour Cream Ranch Sauce

Juicy, flavorful pork chops baked to perfection and smothered in a creamy, homemade ranch sauce! This unexpectedly delicious recipe is a simple weeknight dinner that's sure to impress. Pair it with oven-roasted corn on the cob and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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4 Hours Or Less Broil Side Dishes Occasion

Angela's Grilled Vegetable Salad

This grilled vegetable salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by my sister's amazing BBQ creation, this recipe is bursting with flavor and customizable to your favorite veggies. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light yet satisfying weeknight meal. Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste – get ready for a delicious explosion of grilled goodness!

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Time To Make Grilling Dinner Party Chicken

Basil Grilled Chicken With Tomato Basil Butter

This award-winning recipe, originally from the "Red White & Blue Ribbon 2004" cookbook, will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven! Molly Pardo's 2nd-place winner at the Gold Kist Farms contest is a juicy, flavorful grilled chicken masterpiece. The chicken marinates in a fragrant blend of basil, garlic, and Romano cheese, then grills to perfection. Finally, it's topped with melted mozzarella and a vibrant tomato basil butter for an unforgettable taste experience. Prepare to impress! (Marinating time: at least 4 hours)

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Poultry Chicken Occasion Seasonal

Baked Chicken And Wine

A comforting and flavorful baked chicken recipe, inspired by a family favorite! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust, then baked to perfection and finished with a rich white wine sauce infused with oregano and onions. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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