Goat cheese substitutes
Goat cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Feta cheese
Same amount as the goat cheese
Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk with tangy, salty flavor. Closest substitute for goat cheese.
The best substitutes for goat cheese are feta cheese, ricotta cheese, or cream cheese depending on the use.
- The tweak —
- Crumble directly over dishes or mix into recipes. Soak in water briefly to reduce saltiness if needed.
- Best for —
- salads
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of goat cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feta cheesesalads | Same amount |
| 2 | Ricotta cheesespreads | Same amount |
| 3 | Cream cheesespreads | Same amount |
| 4 | Boursin cheesespreads | Same amount |
| 5 | Vegan goat cheesevegan recipes | Same amount |
| 6 | Mascarpone cheesedesserts | Same amount |
Feta cheese
tangy, salty
Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk with tangy, salty flavor. Closest substitute for goat cheese.
- Best for
- salads, Mediterranean dishes, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, appetizers
- Texture
- crumbly, creamy
- Prep
- Crumble directly over dishes or mix into recipes. Soak in water briefly to reduce saltiness if needed.
More salty than goat cheese but similar tangy flavor. Crumble well and has similar texture when fresh.
Ricotta cheese
mild, slightly sweet
Italian fresh cheese with mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture. Good for spreads and fillings.
- Best for
- spreads, fillings, pasta dishes, dips, baking, desserts
- Texture
- creamy, grainy
- Prep
- Use directly as a spread or mix into recipes. Can be whipped for lighter texture.
Milder flavor than goat cheese but similar creamy texture. Works well when you need the creaminess without the tang.
Cream cheese
mild, creamy
Soft, mild cheese with creamy texture. Good substitute when you need the spreadable consistency.
- Best for
- spreads, dips, frostings, baking, bagels, appetizers
- Texture
- smooth, spreadable
- Prep
- Use directly as a spread. For tanginess, mix with a little lemon juice or vinegar.
Much milder than goat cheese but similar creamy texture. Add lemon juice or vinegar for tanginess.
Boursin cheese
creamy with herbs and garlic
French soft cheese with herbs and garlic. Similar creamy texture with added flavor complexity.
- Best for
- spreads, crackers, appetizers, pasta, when you want herb flavor
- Texture
- smooth, spreadable
- Prep
- Use directly as a spread or mix into recipes. Let come to room temperature for best texture.
More expensive but has similar creamy texture. The herbs and garlic add complexity to dishes.
Vegan goat cheese
tangy, similar to goat cheese
Plant-based alternative made from nuts or coconut with tangy flavor similar to goat cheese.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, dairy-free diets, spreads, salads, when you need dairy-free option
- Texture
- varies by brand
- Prep
- Let come to room temperature for best texture.
Quality varies by brand. Look for brands that specifically mimic goat cheese flavor and texture.
Mascarpone cheese
rich, buttery
Italian cream cheese with rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture. Good for desserts and spreads.
- Best for
- desserts, spreads, pasta, when you need rich, creamy texture, tiramisu
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Use directly as a spread or mix into recipes. Can be whipped for lighter texture.
Much richer and less tangy than goat cheese but similar creamy texture. More expensive option.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between goat cheese and feta cheese?
Both are tangy, but feta is more salty and crumbly, while goat cheese is creamier and less salty. Feta is often made from sheep's milk, while goat cheese is made from goat's milk.
Can I use goat cheese in baking?
Yes! Goat cheese works well in both sweet and savory baked goods. It can be crumbled into breads, used in cheesecakes, or baked into tarts.
Is goat cheese healthier than regular cheese?
Goat cheese is often easier to digest and lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese. It's also rich in protein and calcium, but the nutritional content varies by type.
How do I store goat cheese to keep it fresh?
Wrap goat cheese in parchment paper or wax paper, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last 1-2 weeks when properly stored.
Tips for substituting goat cheese
10 tips- Goat cheese has a distinctive tangy flavor that's hard to replicate exactly
- For salads, feta cheese is the closest substitute with similar tangy flavor
- For spreads and dips, cream cheese works well but add lemon juice for tanginess
- Goat cheese pairs well with honey, nuts, and fresh herbs
- Store goat cheese wrapped in parchment paper in the refrigerator
- Let goat cheese come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture
- Goat cheese can be crumbled, spread, or melted depending on the recipe
- It works well in both savory and sweet applications
- For vegan options, look for nut-based alternatives that specifically mimic goat cheese
- Goat cheese is naturally lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese