Last Updated on November 5, 2022 by Aaron
Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese that is used in many Greek dishes. If you can’t find Kefalotyri for your recipes, there are many other substitutes that you can use to give you a similar taste.
For example, cheeses like parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Kefalograviera, and Graviera are all popular choices to replace it. These cheeses have a similar flavor profile and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for Kefalotyri.
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The Best Substitutes
Top of the list, we have Kefalograviera and Graviera, however, they are not easy to find. They are not as popular outside of Greece. So, if you can find them in your local grocery store or specialty shop they make a fantastic substitution for Kefalotyri cheese. I discussed more differences in Kefalotyri vs. Kefalograviera.
They are salty too so be sure to taste the dish often as you cook it. They are most commonly used in Greek recipes like pastitsio and moussaka.
Not only do they have a similar flavor profile but they also have a high melting point, which makes them a good substitute for Kefalotyri cheese that is called for fried and grilled dishes such as souvlaki and saganaki.
Pecorino Romano
Kefalotyri is a sheep/goat’s milk cheese. Pecorino Romano is a type of hard Italian cheese that is also made from sheep’s milk. It has a salty, pungent flavor and a slightly brittle texture. Pecorino is a popular substitute for Kefalotyri, as it has a similar flavor profile.
Parmesan
Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) is a type of hard Italian cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It’s aged for long enough to give a signature fruity nutty taste. In addition, it has a salty and tangy flavor that is quite good for a replacement.
Other substitutes for Kefalotyri
Kasseri and gruyere are also good substitutes. Kasseri is a PDO Greek cheese that has a similar flavor profile and texture to Kefalotyri. Locals love to use it for Kefalotyri. Gruyere, on the other hand, is more of an Alpine-style hard cheese from Switzerland. It’s commonly used in French cuisine but also makes for a great substitute if you can’t find any Kefalograviera or Graviera.
Vegan substitutes
If you are looking for vegan substitutes, there are many options to choose from. Nutritional yeast is one of the most popular choices as it has a cheesy, umami flavor. You can also use store-bought vegan cheese or make your own vegan cheese – just do a quick Google search you’ll see a lot of tutorials out there.
Vegans may use vegan-based dairy products such as soy milk or coconut milk instead of animal milk when making dishes. There are also vegan-friendly versions of Parmesan, Romano, and Pecorino cheeses that you can find online as well.
Vegan Kefalotyri Dish
There is a classic Greek dish called Pastitsio (baked pasta with ground meat and cheese sauce), a stable food in Greece. Kefalotyri is often uses in making its sauce. You can learn how to make the vegetarian or the vegan version of Pastitsio in this article by a Greek vegan lady – using the potatoes and almonds to substitute the kefalotyri sauce.
It’s important to taste your dish often when cooking it to ensure that the flavors are balanced. If not, you can make small adjustments until it is perfect for your palate. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect substitutes for Kefalotyri cheese in no time.
