Get ready to fall in love with Pecorino Romano, a hard cheese that’s often misunderstood as being similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano. While they may share some similarities, Pecorino Romano is actually made exclusively from sheep’s milk, giving it a distinctively sharp and tangy flavor profile. This unique taste makes it the perfect addition to a wide range of dishes, from pasta and polenta to vegetable-based recipes and even sweet treats like cakes and shortbread.
With its almost white appearance and spicy kick, Pecorino Romano is sure to elevate your culinary creations. We’ve curated 15 incredible Pecorino Romano recipes for you to try, featuring a variety of dishes that showcase the cheese’s versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s a Pecorino Romano recipe out there waiting for you. So go ahead and get creative with this delicious and underrated cheese – we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Best Pecorino Romano Recipes
Cacio E Pepe
The Pecorino Romano enthusiast’s culinary journey wouldn’t be complete without the quintessential Cacio e Pepe dish. This rich and savory pasta recipe has earned its place in the hearts of many who adore the distinctive flavors of Pecorino Romano. To temper the boldness of this cheesy delight, a simple yet satisfying garlic bread serves as the perfect accompaniment. Pair it with a crisp glass of white or fruity red Italian wine for an intimate dining experience that’s sure to impress.
The essential ingredients include whole black peppercorns, Pecorino Romano, spaghetti, and pasta water – a harmonious blend that results in a truly unforgettable culinary encounter.
Meatless Baked Ziti With Ricotta & Mozzarella
Experience the rich flavors of Italy without breaking a sweat with this Meatless Baked Ziti recipe. The combination of tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and tangy Pecorino Romano creates a delightful culinary experience that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
The magic happens in just three simple steps: mix the ingredients together, layer them in a baking dish, and let the oven do its magic.
With minimal effort required, you’ll be impressing your guests with this delicious Meatless Baked Ziti without sacrificing any of the authentic Italian flavors.
The harmony between the mild ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Pecorino Romano is a testament to the power of simplicity. By combining just five ingredients – ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano, and Italian seasoning – you’ll be treated to a dish that’s as satisfying as it is effortless to prepare.
Chicken With Pecorino Cream Sauce
While pasta dishes are certainly satisfying, they’re not the only option for a filling meal. A protein-packed alternative is just as effective at hitting the spot.
This dish takes chicken breasts to the next level by incorporating the rich flavors of Pecorino Cream Sauce. The creamy sauce is perfectly balanced by the freshness of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, resulting in a harmonious blend of tastes that’s sure to please.
To make this recipe, you’ll need chicken breasts, chicken broth, dried oregano, half-and-half, and garlic cloves. With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delectable and satisfying meal.
Cauliflower Cake With Pecorino Romano & Sweet Basil
Imagine indulging in a sweet treat that’s surprisingly healthy – a vegetable cake that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. This innovative dish features cauliflower as its main ingredient, combined with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a hint of Pecorino Romano for added depth of flavor. The result is a low-carb option that perfectly captures the essence of a moist, cake-like texture.
Italian Stuffed Peppers
Transforming leftover ground beef into a delectable meal is easier than you think. Consider stuffing bell peppers with a mix of rice, herbs, cheese, and the ground beef itself. To add an extra layer of flavor, incorporate marinara sauce into the equation. The result will be a visually appealing dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients: ground chuck, low-sodium beef stock, garlic cloves, olive oil, and crushed red pepper.
Parmesan Garlic Lamb Chops
Indulge in the rich flavors of this lamb chop dish, where garlic, sharp Pecorino Romano, and fresh tangy lemon zest harmonize to create a culinary symphony. The combination is nothing short of delightful, with each bite a masterclass in balancing bold flavors. To craft this masterpiece, you’ll need just a few key ingredients: tender lamb chops, savory seasoned bread crumbs, fragrant mint lemon couscous, a pinch of ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of fine sea salt.
Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad With Artichoke Hearts
Experience the ultimate culinary delight with this delectable salad that harmoniously blends flavors. The star of the show is Pecorino Romano cheese, which takes on a new dimension when combined with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, fragrant herbs, and a sprinkle of crushed pepper flakes. This symphony of strong flavors perfectly complements the artichoke hearts and pasta, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The carefully curated ingredients include Casarecce pasta, shallots, extra virgin olive oil, toasted pine nuts, and a squeeze of lemon juice, all coming together to create a truly mouthwatering experience.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Elevate your meal game with a twist on traditional polenta. This creamy dish is infused with flavor, making it the perfect base for a satisfying supper. The crowning glory? A generous sprinkling of Pecorino Romano, adding a tangy and salty depth to each bite. Take it to the next level by pairing it with your go-to air fryer chicken recipe – the combination is sure to please.
To bring this comforting meal together, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: polenta, water, unsalted butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and kosher salt.
Focaccia Studded With Salami & Pecorino Romano Cheese
Freshly baked Focaccia is a delight, but what if we could elevate it even further? The combination of Salami and Pecorino Romano is a game-changer, adding depth and complexity to this already-appealing flatbread. Next time you take on the task of baking your own Focaccia, consider upgrading with these two Italian staples.
The ingredients remain largely the same – all-purpose unbleached flour, instant active dry yeast, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, and warm water – but the addition of Salami and Pecorino Romano takes this simple pleasure to a new level.
Pecorino Romano & Parmesan Asparagus Tarts
Indulge in the delightful contrast of vibrant green asparagus against a tender, flaky pastry backdrop – a sensory experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. To satisfy those cravings, why not take on making this stunning asparagus tart yourself? Despite requiring just 45 minutes of preparation time, the harmonious blend of flavors and textures will have you wondering if it took hours to create.
The recipe is surprisingly straightforward, calling for a mere handful of ingredients: Puff pastry, rich butter, creamy milk, wholesome flour, and a drizzle of olive oil – the perfect combination to elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Poached Cod With Orzo, Ramps & Pecorino Romano Broth
For those craving a fish-based meal, we have an impressive option that’s sure to satisfy. The star of the show is our Poached Cod dish, which is perfectly paired with a flavorful orzo filling infused with the pungent aroma of ramps and the tangy zest of Pecorino Romano. This hearty and mouthwatering combination is ideal for serving to guests on a special occasion like Sunday lunch.
To prepare this delightful meal, you’ll need: dry orzo, chicken stock, lemon, shallot, salt, and pepper.
Chargrilled Oysters
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chargrilled Oysters, where aesthetics and taste harmoniously converge. These delectable morsels bring together a medley of tantalizing ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, parsley, butter, lemon juice, and of course, succulent oysters. The union of garlic, cheese, and lemon infuses each bite with an explosion of flavor that will leave seafood enthusiasts craving more.
Broccoli Pizza With Provolone, Mozzarella & Pecorino Romano
Transform mealtime into an adventure for your kids by serving up a deliciously unexpected twist on a classic favorite. Instead of simply offering steamed broccoli as a side dish, why not try incorporating it into a tasty pizza creation? The combination of tender broccoli florets, melted cheese, and savory pepperoni is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
And don’t worry about the ingredients – just use unsalted butter, flour, milk, garlic cloves, and yeast to bring this unique dish to life.
Everything Parmesan-Pecorino Savory Shortbread
Imagine the unexpected union between a classic shortbread and an everything bagel – a match made in heaven! This savory cookie is a game-changer. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s hard to stop at just one. The combination of Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
To bring this delightful treat to life, you’ll need whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, cayenne pepper, and everything bagel seasoning.
Cacio E Pepe Churros
In a surprising twist, let’s bring the culinary journey full circle by introducing another Cacio e Pepe-inspired dish that may raise some eyebrows – churros! Yes, you read that right. This savory take on the classic Spanish treat is perfect for serving to guests who can’t resist dipping their food in cheese. To make this unique fusion come together, you’ll need a mix of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a blend of parmesan, Monterey jack, and pecorino romano cheeses.
The bottom line
Pecorino Romano’s unique flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient that can elevate dishes across various meal occasions. Whether serving up a satisfying brunch, a hearty dinner, or indulging in a mid-day snack, this Italian cheese adds a delightful twist to any culinary creation.