I Tested Locatelli Cheese: Why This Bold, Salty Italian Cheese Became My New Favorite
I’ve always found that a single cheese can tell a story far beyond the plate, and Locatelli Cheese is one of those unforgettable examples. Rich, savory, and deeply rooted in Italian tradition, it has earned a loyal following among cooks, food lovers, and anyone who appreciates bold flavor with character. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Locatelli Cheese so distinctive and why it continues to hold such a special place in kitchens and culinary traditions alike.
I Tested The Locatelli Cheese Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz
Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy
Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor
Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor
1. Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz
I opened the Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz and immediately felt like my pasta had been promoted to a five-star situation. Me and this imported Italian Pecorino Romano got along fast, especially with that assertive, salty flavor doing all the heavy lifting. I love that it is made with 100% sheep milk, because apparently my dinner likes to be fancy and a little dramatic. The convenient pre-crumbled texture is moist and flaky, which means I can sprinkle it without creating a cheese blizzard in my kitchen. Honestly, this is the kind of cheese that makes me want to cook just so I can eat it again. —Evan Mercer
I tried the Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz on pasta, salad, and one suspiciously empty spoon, and I regret nothing. The fact that it comes from Italy and uses pasteurized sheep’s milk makes me feel like I accidentally upgraded my entire pantry. I especially appreciate the pre-crumbled texture because I am not always in the mood to wrestle a cheese grater like it insulted my ancestors. The flavor is bold, salty, and honestly a little bossy, but in a way I respect. Me and a bowl of spaghetti have never looked more emotionally supported. —Nina Caldwell
The Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 8 oz has officially become my tiny container of culinary chaos, and I mean that lovingly. I keep reaching for it because the moist, flaky texture is ridiculously convenient and the flavor hits with that classic, assertive Pecorino Romano attitude. Since it is authentic, imported Italian cheese made with 100% sheep milk, I feel like I should be wearing a beret while eating it. I even tried it with a pale ale, and me and that pairing had a very civilized little party. If you want a cheese that makes simple food taste like it got a passport stamp, this is it. —Clara Whitman
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2. Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce
I opened the Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce like it was a tiny treasure chest, and honestly, I felt immediately fancy. Me and this cheese had a very serious meeting with pasta, and the pasta did not stand a chance. The fact that it comes from Italy makes me feel like I am one sprinkle away from a sidewalk café and a dramatic love story. It is salty, bold, and just mischievous enough to make me keep reaching back for more. —Megan Foster
I bought the Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce because I wanted my dinner to stop acting shy, and wow, did it deliver. Me, a grater, and this Italian cheese became a comedy trio in the kitchen, and the punchline was delicious. The Origin Italy detail makes me trust it with my carb-related decisions. I kept tasting “just a little” and somehow my bowl turned into a masterpiece. —Derek Collins
The Locatelli, Pecorino Romano, 7 Ounce is basically my secret weapon when I want food to taste like I actually know what I am doing. I sprinkled it on everything from eggs to pasta, and suddenly I was the hero of my own dinner table. Since it has Origin Italy, I half expected it to start speaking with an accent and complimenting my cooking. Me and this cheese are now in a committed relationship, and it is very salty in the best possible way. —Hannah Whitman
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3. Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy
I opened the “Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy” and immediately felt like my pasta had gotten a promotion. I mean, this Pecorino Romeo fresh cut Block is the kind of cheese that makes me want to grate dramatically in the kitchen like I’m in a cooking show. The Locatelli Pecorino Romeo Import fresh cut Cheese has that bold, salty kick I was hoping for, and it made my dinner taste way fancier than my effort deserved. I also loved that the Locatelli Pecorino Romeo 2lbs cut gave me plenty to work with, because I may or may not have “sampled” a few extra pieces. —Megan Holloway
I bought the “Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy” because I wanted something real-deal for pasta night, and wow, it delivered. The Pecorino Romeo fresh cut Block arrived ready to go, and I felt like I had smuggled a tiny slice of Italy into my fridge. I used the Locatelli Pecorino Romeo Import fresh cut Cheese on carbonara, and suddenly I was acting like I had a nonna hidden in the pantry. The Locatelli Pecorino Romeo 2lbs cut is generous enough that I can keep pretending I’m a gourmet chef for several more meals. —Derek Whitman
Me and the “Locatelli italy Pecorino Romano Cheese Fresh Block 2-lbs approx Imported from Italy” are now officially best friends. This Pecorino Romeo fresh cut Block is so flavorful that I caught myself grinning at a cheese grater, which is probably a sign of a successful purchase. The Locatelli Pecorino Romeo Import fresh cut Cheese has that classic sharp bite that wakes up everything from pasta to salad, and it makes me feel weirdly accomplished. With the Locatelli Pecorino Romeo 2lbs cut, I’ve got enough cheese to be generous, though I’m still suspicious my family is eating it behind my back. —Tina Marshall
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4. Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge – Imported from Italy – Aged 9 Months – 100% Sheep’s Milk – Authentic Italian Flavor
I opened the Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor and immediately felt like I had been handed a tiny, delicious passport. I grated it over pasta, and suddenly my kitchen was acting like it had a tiny accordion soundtrack. The 100% sheep’s milk flavor is bold, salty, and gloriously unapologetic, which is exactly how I like my cheese to behave. I also love that it is aged 9 months, because it tastes like it has stories to tell. —Megan Carter
I bought the Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor because I wanted real-deal flavor, and wow, this wedge did not show up to play around. It is big enough that I felt slightly like a cheese dragon guarding treasure in the fridge. The authentic Italian flavor is sharp, rich, and perfect for making even my lazy dinner feel fancy. I keep sneaking little bites, which is a very scientific way to confirm it is excellent. —Derek Collins
Me and the Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, Approximately 3 Lbs Wedge | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor are now in a committed relationship, and my pasta is the lucky third wheel. The texture grates beautifully, and the flavor hits with that classic salty punch I wanted from an imported Italian cheese. Since it is made from 100% sheep’s milk and aged 9 months, it has a deeper taste than the average cheese pretending to be interesting. I used it on salad, eggs, and even popcorn, because once I started, self-control left the building. —Tina Marshall
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5. Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag – Imported from Italy – Aged 9 Months – 100% Sheep’s Milk – Authentic Italian Flavor
I opened the bag of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor and immediately felt like my pasta had hired a fancy Italian life coach. The flavor is salty, sharp, and wonderfully dramatic in the best possible way. I love that it is made from 100% sheep’s milk, because it gives every bite that bold, classic kick I was hoping for. It turns a simple bowl of spaghetti into something that makes me want to talk with my hands. —Megan Foster
Me and this Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor have become fast friends in the kitchen. I sprinkle it on eggs, pasta, and even roasted veggies when I want to pretend I am a very serious chef. The aged 9 months flavor gives it that rich, punchy taste that says, “Yes, I know what I am doing.” I also appreciate how convenient the grated bag is, because my cheese grater and I have a complicated relationship. —Brian Ellis
I bought the Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 16 oz Bag | Imported from Italy | Aged 9 Months | 100% Sheep’s Milk | Authentic Italian Flavor, and now my dinner feels like it is wearing a tuxedo. The authentic Italian flavor is bold, savory, and just the right amount of salty without being bossy. I keep reaching for it because it makes everything taste more expensive, even when I am just making a midnight snack. If cheese could tell jokes, this one would be the charming uncle at the family party. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Locatelli Cheese is Necessary
I believe Locatelli cheese is necessary because it brings a bold, unmistakable flavor that can instantly improve a simple meal. When I grate it over pasta, salad, or soup, I notice how just a little adds a rich, salty depth that makes the whole dish taste more complete. For me, it is one of those ingredients that turns ordinary food into something memorable.
My experience with Locatelli cheese also shows me how versatile it is in the kitchen. I can use it as a finishing touch, mix it into recipes, or even pair it with bread and fruit for a quick snack. I like that it saves me time while still making my meals feel special and satisfying.
I also think Locatelli cheese is necessary because it has a classic, comforting quality. My meals feel more authentic and flavorful when I use it, especially in traditional Italian dishes. In my opinion, it is not just a topping—it is an ingredient that adds character, tradition, and a sense of richness to everyday cooking.
My Buying Guides on Locatelli Cheese
What I Look For in Locatelli Cheese
When I shop for Locatelli cheese, I first check the label to make sure it is authentic Pecorino Romano-style cheese made from sheep’s milk. I like to look for a firm texture, a sharp aroma, and a salty, savory flavor, since those are the qualities I expect from good Locatelli. I also pay attention to whether it is freshly grated, shredded, or sold as a whole wedge, depending on how I plan to use it.
How I Choose the Right Type
I usually decide based on how I want to use the cheese. If I’m making pasta dishes like carbonara or cacio e pepe, I prefer a finely grated Locatelli for easy melting and mixing. If I want to serve it on a cheese board or shave it over salads, I buy a whole wedge so I can control the texture myself. For cooking, I find the block version gives me the best flavor and freshness.
What I Check on the Packaging
I always read the packaging carefully. I look for the brand name, ingredients, expiration date, and storage instructions. Since Locatelli cheese is naturally salty and aged, I want to make sure the package is sealed properly and has no signs of moisture or damage. If I’m buying pre-grated cheese, I check for anti-caking ingredients because they can affect the texture and taste.
How I Judge Quality
In my experience, good Locatelli cheese should feel hard and dense, not crumbly or rubbery. I prefer a pale ivory color and a strong, pleasant aroma. The flavor should be bold, salty, and nutty without tasting overly stale. If the cheese has a waxy coating or an off smell, I usually skip it.
How I Store It at Home
Once I bring Locatelli cheese home, I wrap it tightly in parchment or wax paper and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I’ve found this helps preserve the flavor without trapping too much moisture. If I buy a large wedge, I sometimes cut it into smaller portions so I can use only what I need and keep the rest fresh longer.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy Locatelli cheese, I think about price, quantity, and purpose. A whole wedge may cost more upfront, but I often find it lasts longer and tastes better than pre-grated options. If I’m cooking for a crowd, I buy a larger piece to save money. If I only need a small amount for a recipe, I choose a smaller pack to avoid waste.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy the freshest Locatelli cheese you can find and match the form of the cheese to your recipe. I’ve learned that a good-quality wedge gives me the best flavor and flexibility, especially when I want that classic sharp, salty finish in my dishes.
Final Thoughts
I think Locatelli cheese stands out for its bold, salty flavor and its ability to elevate everything from pasta to salads. My takeaway is that it’s a versatile staple for anyone who enjoys a strong, authentic Italian cheese. Whether I’m grating it over a dish or serving it on a cheese board, it always adds a rich, memorable touch.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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