Out of Feta cheese, one case
Feta cheese substitutes, case by case
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Goat cheese
Same amount as the feta cheese
The best substitutes for feta cheese are goat cheese, ricotta salata, queso fresco, and cotija cheese. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose based on your dish - goat cheese for creaminess, ricotta salata for similar texture, queso fresco for mild flavor, or cotija for salty crumbles.
- Best for —
- salads
One casethe full feta cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of feta cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goat cheesesalads | Same amount |
| 2 | Ricotta salatasalads | Same amount |
| 3 | Queso frescosalads | Same amount |
| 4 | Cotija cheesesalads | Same amount |
| 5 | Parmesanpasta | Same amount |
Goat cheese
tangy, slightly sweet
Creamy, tangy cheese that works well in most feta applications
- Best for
- salads, pasta, pizza, appetizers, baking
- Texture
- creamy, soft
Slightly creamier than feta but similar tangy flavor.
Ricotta salata
mild, slightly salty
Aged ricotta with firm, crumbly texture similar to feta
- Best for
- salads, pasta, greek dishes, mediterranean cooking
- Texture
- firm, crumbly
Mild flavor, crumbles well like feta.
Queso fresco
mild, slightly salty
Mexican fresh cheese with mild flavor and crumbly texture
- Best for
- salads, tacos, mexican dishes, toppings
- Texture
- soft, crumbly
Milder than feta but similar crumbly texture.
Cotija cheese
salty, tangy
Mexican aged cheese with salty, crumbly texture
- Best for
- salads, pasta, baking, toppings
- Texture
- hard, crumbly
Saltier than feta but similar crumbly texture.
Parmesan
salty, nutty, umami
Hard Italian cheese that can work as a topping substitute
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, salads, baking
- Texture
- hard, granular
Very different texture but adds salty, umami flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
When looking for a general feta cheese substitute, consider the specific dish you're making. For salads, goat cheese or ricotta salata work best. For pasta, ricotta salata or queso fresco provide good texture. For Greek dishes, try to find cheeses with similar briny, tangy characteristics.
Tips for substituting feta cheese
8 tips- For salads, goat cheese or ricotta salata work best as they maintain the creamy, crumbly texture
- In pasta dishes, ricotta salata or queso fresco provide the best texture match
- For Greek dishes, try to find a cheese with similar briny, tangy notes
- When baking, goat cheese melts well and provides similar creaminess
- For vegan options, consider tofu feta or cashew-based alternatives
- Store substitutes in the refrigerator and use within their recommended timeframes
- Taste and adjust seasoning as substitutes may have different salt levels
- For crumbled applications, freeze the cheese briefly before crumbling for easier handling
Notes on feta cheese
- Tofu feta for vegan options
- Cashew-based feta for dairy-free alternatives
- Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy
- Olives or capers for salty, briny flavor
- Sun-dried tomatoes for umami and texture
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the best substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese is often considered the best substitute for feta cheese because it has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, though it's slightly softer than feta.
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese is an excellent substitute for feta. Use a 1:1 ratio, but note that goat cheese is creamier and may not crumble as easily as feta.
What cheese can I substitute for feta?
You can substitute ricotta salata, queso fresco, cotija cheese, or even parmesan for feta, depending on your dish. Each offers different flavor profiles but similar salty, tangy characteristics.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for feta cheese?
Yes, you can use tofu feta (marinated tofu), cashew-based feta, or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy alternative. These work well in salads and as toppings.
What's the difference between feta and goat cheese?
Feta is typically made from sheep's milk (or a mix of sheep and goat's milk) and has a briny, salty flavor with crumbly texture. Goat cheese is creamier and has a more tangy, slightly sweet flavor.