Best Pecorino Cheese of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Pecorino cheese is a traditional Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a hard, crumbly texture and a tangy, salty flavor that is perfect for grating over pasta dishes or enjoying on its own. Pecorino cheese comes in a variety of styles, including Pecorino Romano, which is aged for at least eight months and has a sharp, nutty flavor, and Pecorino Toscano, which is aged for three to four months and has a milder, creamier taste. This versatile cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed around the world for its unique flavor and texture.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Frank and Sal - Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano By the Pound Cover #TOP 1
Frank and Sal - Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano By the Pound
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pecorino Romano Italian Cheese by Alma Gourmet Cover #TOP 2
Pecorino Romano Italian Cheese by Alma Gourmet
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Frank and Sal Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese 2 lb Cover #TOP 3
Frank and Sal Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese 2 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Pecorino Cheese

#TOP 1

Frank and Sal - Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano By the Pound

S-PL-9363
1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Frank and Sal - Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano By the Pound Cover
Frank and Sal - Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano By the Pound. Italian Import (1 Pound)

Get your hands on Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano, a premium Italian import hand cut from the wheel to order. The cheese is shipped in a reusable insulated cooler with frozen non-toxic gel packs, making it ideal for shipping to warmer climates. Priority shipping ensures that your cheese arrives in optimal condition. Enjoy the best cheese for just pennies more than generic alternatives.

What We Like
Premium quality Genuine Locatelli Pecorino Romano
Hand cut from the wheel to order
Shipped in a reusable insulated cooler with frozen non-toxic gel packs
Ideal for shipping to warmer climates
Priority shipping ensures optimal condition upon arrival
#TOP 2

Pecorino Romano Italian Cheese by Alma Gourmet

3 Pound (Pack of 1)
Pecorino Romano Italian Cheese by Alma Gourmet Cover
Italian Pecorino Romano Cheese D.O.P. - Gambero Rosso Award Winning Cheese - Awarded Best Pecorino Romano D.O.P. in Italy - Alma Gourmet - 2lb to 2.5lb Approximately

Experience the most famous Italian cheese outside of Italy - Pecorino Romano by Alma Gourmet. Aged for 18 months and weighing approximately 2.5lbs, this cheese is one of the most ancient types of cheese. It is shipped with ice packs to ensure the highest standards of quality control and is D.O.P. protected. Sourced from Agro-Romano, Italy, this cheese is a must-try for cheese enthusiasts.

What We Like
Aged for 18 months
D.O.P. protected
High standards of quality control
Ships with ice packs
Most famous Italian cheese outside of Italy
#TOP 3

Frank and Sal Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese 2 lb

Frank and Sal Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese 2 lb Cover
Genuine Pecorino Romano Locatelli Cheese 2 lb

The Frank and Sal Locatelli Cheese offers you an authentic taste of Italy by using 100% sheep's milk, giving your dishes a rich and traditional flavor. The generous 2-pound wedge means you'll have plenty of cheese on hand, perfect for cooking, grating, or snacking without needing to restock often. Locatelli is a well-known and trusted brand, so you can feel confident in the quality and heritage behind every bite. This cheese is a great choice if you want to bring genuine Italian flavor and tradition to your kitchen with ease and reliability.

What We Like
Authentic Italian flavor
100% sheep's milk
Large 2-pound wedge
Trusted brand quality
#TOP 4

Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, 1lb

1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, 1lb Cover
Locatelli Pecorino Romano, 1 Pound

Locatelli Romano Cheese is a top-quality Pecorino cheese hand-crafted from pure sheep's milk. Known for its superior taste and texture, this cheese is a must-have for cheese lovers. Locatelli Pecorino Romano stands out as one of the finest choices available in the market. Its unique production process ensures a rich and authentic flavor that enhances various dishes. The cheese's brand, Locatelli, guarantees premium quality and satisfaction for your culinary creations.

What We Like
Hand-crafted from sheep's milk
Superior taste and texture
Considered one of the finest
#TOP 5

Sanniti Pecorino Romano 3 lb Wedge Cheese

Pack of 1
Sanniti Pecorino Romano 3 lb Wedge Cheese Cover
Sanniti Pecorino Romano Cheese – 3 lb Wedge | Authentic Imported Italian Sheep’s Milk Cheese, Aged & Boldly Flavorful

The Sanniti Pecorino Romano Cheese is an authentic Italian cheese made entirely from sheep's milk, following a time-honored tradition. Its rich, sharp, and salty flavor comes from careful aging, giving your dishes a bold taste boost. This cheese is incredibly versatile, making it easy for you to grate over pasta, risotto, or salads, or simply enjoy it on a cheese board. The large 3-pound wedge size is perfect if you love cooking at home or entertaining guests, providing plenty of this delicious cheese for all your culinary needs.

What We Like
Authentic Italian origin
Sharp, bold flavor
Versatile for many dishes
Large 3-pound size
#TOP 6

Sifor Ragusano DOP Sicilian Cheese 5 lbs

5 Lbs
Sifor Ragusano DOP Sicilian Cheese 5 lbs Cover
Ragusano Dop - Imported From Italy - Sicily - App/ 5 Lbs

The Sifor Ragusano DOP Cheese is an authentic Italian cheese from Sicily, made using traditional methods in the Ragusa and Syracuse provinces. This guarantees you a genuine regional flavor that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen. The cheese comes in a large 5-pound piece, ideal for those who want a generous amount for grating, slicing, or serving at the table. Its firm texture makes it easy to cut cleanly and grate finely, perfect for enhancing your dishes. Whether you’re making classic cacio e pepe, baked pasta, or using it in antipasto boards, this cheese adds rich, savory flavor to your meals.

What We Like
Authentic Italian origin
Large 5-pound size
Firm texture for slicing
Great for grating
#TOP 7

EMILIA FOOD LOVE Extra Aged Pecorino Cheese 4 lbs

whole cheese wheel
EMILIA FOOD LOVE Extra Aged Pecorino Cheese 4 lbs Cover
Extra Aged Pecorino from Reggio Emilia Appenines 4 lbs - 1.8kg - EMILIA FOOD LOVE Selected with love in Italy (Extra Aged, whole cheese wheel)

The EMILIA FOOD LOVE Aged Pecorino is a rich and flavorful cheese made from whole sheep's milk, aged between 12 and 24 months to develop a golden color and a floury texture. This cheese is perfect if you enjoy bold, intense flavors that stand out on their own or paired with snacks like dried fruits, nuts, or sweet jams. It offers a unique taste experience that reflects the diverse tradition of Pecorino cheeses across Italy, allowing you to enjoy a classic Italian specialty in your own home. Its carefully aged quality ensures a memorable aperitivo or meal addition.

What We Like
Long aging process
Strong, intense flavor
Versatile pairing options
Authentic Italian heritage
#TOP 8

DeRoma Italian Pecorino Romano Cheese D.O.P.

2.2 pounds
DeRoma Italian Pecorino Romano Cheese D.O.P. Cover
Italian Pecorino Romano Cheese D.O.P. - DeRoma Agri-in - 2lb to 2.5lb Approximately

DeRoma Pecorino Romano Cheese offers an authentic taste of Italy with its bold and spicy flavor, perfect for adding a rich touch to your meals. Aged for 24 months, it develops a firm, crumbly texture that grates easily, making it ideal for sprinkling over pasta or salads. Its distinctive tangy and slightly salty taste adds depth to many dishes, enhancing your cooking experience. Versatile in the kitchen, this cheese works well grated in sauces or served in chunks on cheese boards, giving you a flavorful and convenient ingredient to elevate your culinary creations.

What We Like
Authentic Italian flavor
24-month aging
Firm, crumbly texture
Versatile for cooking
#TOP 9

EMILIA FOOD LOVE Cave-aged Tuscan Pecorino Cheese

EMILIA FOOD LOVE Cave-aged Tuscan Pecorino Cheese Cover
EMILIA FOOD LOVE Cave-aged Pecorino 3.3 lb (1.5kg) - Made in Italy (Tuscany) - Tuscan Pecorino

The EMILIA Cave-aged Pecorino offers a unique taste experience thanks to its careful aging process in a volcanic tuff cave for 60 to 90 days. This natural method helps develop a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with fresh or dried fruits and charcuterie, making your snacks or meals more enjoyable. Sourced directly from Tuscany, Italy, this cheese brings you authentic quality and a connection to the region's traditional cheese-making. Its magical taste and artisanal heritage make it a great choice for those who appreciate genuine, flavorful cheeses that enhance simple dishes like toasted bread.

What We Like
Authentic Tuscan origin
Cave-aged for rich flavor
Pairs well with fruits and charcuterie
Traditional volcanic tuff cave aging
High-quality artisanal production
#TOP 10

IEATWORLD Pecorino Calabrese Sheep's Milk Cheese Wheel

3 lb Wheel
IEATWORLD Pecorino Calabrese Sheep's Milk Cheese Wheel Cover
IEATWORLD Pecorino Calabrese – Aged Italian Sheep’s Milk Cheese Wheel, Approx. 3 lb (1.36 kg), Product of Italy

The IEATWORLD Pecorino Cheese is an authentic Italian cheese made using traditional methods, giving you a genuine taste of Italy. This cheese is naturally aged, which helps develop a firm texture and a rich, bold flavor, perfect whether you're slicing it for a snack or grating it over your favorite dishes. Made entirely from pasteurized sheep’s milk, it offers a sharp and salty taste that Pecorino fans will appreciate. Its versatility means you can easily add it to pasta, salads, pizzas, or enjoy it simply with bread and olive oil, making your meals more flavorful and enjoyable.

What We Like
Authentic Italian production
Rich, bold flavor
100% sheep’s milk
Versatile culinary use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is pecorino cheese the same as Parmesan?

No, pecorino cheese and Parmesan are not the same. While both are aged, salty hard cheeses, the main difference lies in the milk used. Pecorino is made from sheep's milk, while Parmesan is made from cow's milk.

2. What do you eat pecorino cheese with?

Pecorino cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, or toasted bread. It has a slightly sharp taste that can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other flavors. Pecorino Romano, for example, is versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as pasta, soups, sauces, salads, risottos, and pizza.

3. Does Pecorino melt like Parmesan?

Pecorino cheese has a higher melting point compared to Parmesan, so it generally stays firm even when added while cooking. While both cheeses are hard and can be shredded into delicate flakes, Parmesan melts better than Pecorino.

4. Can you eat pecorino cheese by itself?

Yes, fresh pecorino cheese can be enjoyed by itself with a slice of fresh bread or as an appetizer with cold cuts. Aged pecorino is commonly used grated or flaked as an ingredient to enhance the flavor of many traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, soups, sauces, salads, risottos, and pizza.

5. What does pecorino cheese taste like?

Pecorino cheese, particularly Pecorino Romano, has a hard, salty taste with a more grassy and earthy flavor compared to Parmesan. While it may seem similar to Parmesan at first glance, the use of sheep's milk gives pecorino a distinct and unique taste.

6. Which cheese is saltier, Parmesan or pecorino?

Pecorino Romano, made from sheep's milk, is generally saltier and stronger tasting than Parmesan. The use of sheep's milk, which has a more bitter taste compared to cow's milk, contributes to the saltier flavor of Pecorino Romano.

7. Is pecorino good for spaghetti?

Yes, pecorino cheese is commonly used in traditional Italian dishes, including spaghetti. It is a key ingredient in classic recipes like spaghetti with pancetta and pecorino cheese, which is considered an ancestor of pasta sauce 'all'amatriciana'.

8. How do Italians eat pecorino?

Italians enjoy pecorino cheese in various ways. Fresh pecorino can be served on its own with bread or as an appetizer with cold cuts. Aged pecorino is often used grated or flaked to enhance the flavor of traditional Italian dishes like pasta, soups, sauces, salads, risottos, and pizza.

Editor's Notes

During our pecorino cheese research, we found 24 pecorino cheese products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,435 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pecorino cheese list. We found that most customers choose pecorino cheese with an average price of $44.78.

The pecorino cheese are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pecorino cheese, including Frank and Sal Italian Market, Alma Gourmet, Locatelli, Sanniti, Sifor. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 583 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!