Feta cheese substitutes
Feta cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cotija cheese
Same amount as the feta cheese
Similar crumbly cheese with different flavor.
The best substitutes for feta cheese are cotija cheese, queso fresco, or other crumbly cheeses like ricotta salata or goat cheese, depending on the use.
Feta does two jobs at once that most cheeses only do one of: it is very salty and it is genuinely sour, so it seasons a salad and cuts through the oil the way a squeeze of lemon would, while staying in soft crumbles that never melt away.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Fat & richnesssecondary
- Acidsecondary
- Saltprimary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of feta cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cotija cheesecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Queso frescocooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Ricotta salatacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Goat cheesecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Parmesancooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Cottage cheesecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Cotija cheese
different taste, similar texture
Similar crumbly cheese with different flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Salt
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Queso fresco
different taste, similar texture
Similar crumbly cheese with different flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Salt — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Ricotta salata
different taste, similar texture
Similar crumbly cheese with different flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Salt
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Goat cheese
different taste, similar texture
Similar soft cheese with different flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Acid
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Misses
- Salt — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Parmesan
different taste, similar texture
Similar hard cheese with different flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Salt
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Cottage cheese
different taste, similar texture
Similar soft cheese with different flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Salt — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Questions
7 questionsCan I use cotija cheese instead of feta cheese?
Yes, cotija cheese is a good substitute for feta cheese. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes that call for feta cheese.
What's the difference between feta cheese and cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is Greek crumbly cheese with salty, tangy flavor, while cotija cheese is Mexican crumbly cheese with different flavor. Both have similar texture and can be used interchangeably.
Can I use queso fresco instead of feta cheese?
Yes, queso fresco can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is feta cheese so popular in Greek cooking?
Feta cheese is popular in Greek cooking because it adds salty, tangy flavor that complements the ingredients and cooking styles of Greek cuisine.
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta cheese?
Yes, goat cheese is a good substitute for feta cheese, but it's creamier and has a different texture.
What's the difference between feta cheese and goat cheese?
Feta cheese is crumbly and salty, while goat cheese is creamier and has a more tangy flavor.
Can I use feta cheese in non-Greek dishes?
Yes, feta cheese can be used in various dishes, but it will add a distinctive salty, tangy flavor.
Tips for substituting feta cheese
10 tips- Feta cheese adds salty, tangy flavor to dishes
- Feta cheese can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Feta cheese pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Feta cheese works well in baking and desserts
- Feta cheese can be used to make salads and toppings
- Store feta cheese in the refrigerator
- Feta cheese is salty and tangy, good for Greek and Mediterranean dishes
- It's commonly used in salads, pasta, and pizza
- Feta cheese crumbles easily and adds texture to dishes
- It pairs well with olives, tomatoes, and olive oil