Dairy, Cheese | Gluten Free Keto

Romano Cheese

Ovis aries (Pecorino), Bos taurus Allergens: Milk
Romano Cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sheep's milk (Pecorino), Cow's milk, Goat's milk

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, pungent Italian cheese, typically made from sheep's milk (Pecorino Romano), often grated over pasta.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, Pungent, Sharp, Umami, Tangy
TextureHard, Gritty (when grated), Crumbly
AromaPungent, Sheepy (Pecorino), Nutty, Buttery
AcidityMed

Technical Metrics

Aging Period

Minimum 5 months (table) / 8 months (grating)

Milk Source (Pecorino)

Sheep's Milk

PDO Designation

Pecorino Romano (Protected Designation of Origin)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp grated
Calories387 kcal
Total Fat28.0 g
Saturated Fat19.1 g
Trans Fat1.1 g
Cholesterol92 mg
Protein31.8 g
Total Carbohydrate1.7 g
Dietary Fiber0.0 g
Total Sugars0.0 g
Calcium940 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium80 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a flavor boost, add a Parmesan or Romano rind to simmering soups or sauces; remove before serving.

Substitutions

Best Match

Parmesan Cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano)

1:1

Similar hard, grating texture and umami flavor, but milder and less salty/pungent.

Asiago Cheese (aged)

1:1

Hard, salty, and nutty flavor, good for grating, slightly less sharp than Romano.

Grana Padano

1:1

Similar to Parmesan, but often slightly milder and less granular, good all-purpose grating cheese.

Nutritional Yeast (vegan)

1:1 (for flavor)

For a dairy-free, savory, umami flavor. Lacks texture and melt properties.

Buying Guide

Look for "Pecorino Romano DOP" for authentic sheep's milk variety. Buy wedges and grate fresh.

Flavor Pairings

Pasta dishes soups salads roasted vegetables pestos focaccia.

Recipes Using Romano Cheese

Easy Salads Greens Time To Make

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Recreate the magic of Olive Garden's famous salad at home! This recipe delivers an authentic, restaurant-quality taste experience with a simple, step-by-step guide. Make enough creamy Italian dressing to perfectly coat a large bowl of fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and zesty toppings. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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Cuisine Low In Something Easy Cuisine

5 Minute Spaghetti Sauce

Craving authentic Italian flavor without the wait? This 5-Minute Speedy Spaghetti Sauce, passed down from an Italian police officer, is your secret weapon for weeknight dinners! Quick, easy, and bursting with deliciousness, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over your favorite pasta and get ready to impress your family with a taste of Italy in under 15 minutes!

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North American Dietary Time To Make Low In Something

Acini Di Pepe With Zucchini And Peppers

This vibrant summer pasta salad is a delightful adaptation of a Fine Cooking Light recipe. Bursting with fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and herbs, this light yet satisfying side dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. The tiny acini di pepe pasta cooks quickly, making this recipe incredibly efficient.

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European Course Meat Cuisine

Adriana's Pasta Pie

Prepare for a culinary revelation! This Adriana's Pasta Pie recipe, straight from the legendary St. Louis Italian hilltop restaurant, is a game-changer. Get ready for a rich, meaty crust and a decadent pasta filling that will leave you craving more. This recipe makes extra delicious sauce, perfect for future meals. Plus, it's freezer-friendly! Bake it partially, freeze it, and bake it later for ultimate convenience. Featured on FoodTV.com (with slight variations), this is a must-try for pasta lovers.

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Dinner Party Preparation Oven Seafood

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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Dietary American Southwestern United States Easy

Angry Chicken

Spice up your life with this fiery yet flavorful Angry Chicken recipe! Inspired by a friend's hilarious recipe name, this dish delivers a surprising kick of Cajun spice that's surprisingly balanced and delicious. Don't be intimidated—the heat is manageable, leaving you with a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements juicy grilled chicken and earthy mushrooms. Serve over pasta or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for some flavor!

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Asparagus Low In Something Dietary Preparation

Asparagus Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

A crowd-pleasing recipe for savory Asparagus Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms! These elegant, earthy mushrooms are packed with a flavorful breadcrumb and asparagus stuffing. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a sophisticated side dish. Easily customizable to your taste – a little breadcrumb goes a long way!

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Dietary Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains Main Dish

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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Preparation Oven Spring Meat

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Course Pasta Rice And Grains Side Dishes

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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5 Ingredients Or Less High Calcium 5 Ingredients Or Less 3 Steps Or Less

Baked Macaroni Pie With Cottage Cheese

Craving macaroni and cheese but watching your waistline? This lighter take on the classic, inspired by a Bostonian Italian cookbook, is a delicious compromise! Our "Low-Calorie Pastiere" recipe uses eggs to create a creamy, pie-like texture, cutting down on calories without sacrificing flavor. Get ready for a surprisingly delightful and guilt-free baked pasta experience.

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Manicotti Preparation Weeknight Number Of Servings

Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu

Experience a flavor explosion with this Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu! Our rich and flavorful meat sauce, subtly complements the creamy ricotta filling and perfectly cooked manicotti pasta. This recipe generously provides extra sauce – perfect for serving alongside extra pasta or enjoying delicious leftovers. Get ready for a comforting Italian classic that's both impressive and easy to make!

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Main Ingredient Course One Dish Meal 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce

This classic Baked Manicotti recipe, inspired by a vintage women's magazine, has been a family favorite for generations! Enjoy tender manicotti shells overflowing with a rich meat and cheese filling, smothered in a luscious tomato sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Double the recipe (as I do!) and freeze half for a future meal. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a bold red wine for a truly unforgettable Italian feast.

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Cuisine Dietary Main Dish European

Baked Pasta E Fagioli

This comforting Baked Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a surprising source (a friend with questionable housekeeping skills!), this one-dish wonder is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Featuring a rich tomato sauce, hearty beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's a simple yet satisfying meal. Serve with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

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Meat Beef Sausage Course European

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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60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Vegetarian Preparation

Barley Risotto

This hearty and flavorful barley risotto is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted vegetables! A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional rice risotto, perfect alongside a roast chicken or as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Easily doubled for a crowd, this recipe is packed with flavor and sure to become a weeknight favorite. #barleyrisotto #vegetarianrecipe #roastedvegetables #easyrecipe #comfortfood

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30 Minutes Or Less European Occasion Time To Make

Basil Garlic Toast

Elevate your dinner with this vibrant Basil Garlic Toast! A delicious twist on classic garlic bread, this recipe uses fresh basil for a burst of summer flavor. Perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or grilled meats, this easy-to-make toast is sure to impress. Get ready for golden-brown perfection in just 22 minutes!

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Time To Make North American Summer Preparation

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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