Out of Goat cheese, one case
Goat cheese substitute for cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Feta cheese
Same amount as the goat cheese
The best goat cheese substitutes for cooking are feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese. Use 1:1 ratio and choose based on the cooking method - feta for tangy flavor, ricotta for creamy texture, cream cheese for sauces.
- The tweak —
- Crumble with fingers or fork. Add at the end of cooking for best results. Soak in water 10-15 minutes if too salty.
- Best for —
- pasta dishes
One casethe full goat cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of goat cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feta cheesepasta dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Ricotta cheesepasta fillings | Same amount |
| 3 | Cream cheesesauces | Same amount |
| 4 | Mozzarella cheesepizza | Same amount |
| 5 | Boursin cheesesauces | Same amount |
Feta cheese
tangy, salty, similar to goat cheese
Greek cheese with tangy, salty flavor that works excellently in cooked dishes. Maintains texture and adds authentic Mediterranean flavor
- Best for
- pasta dishes, pizza, Mediterranean cooking, sauces, stuffed vegetables, grain dishes, when you want tangy flavor
- Texture
- crumbly, becomes creamy when melted
- Prep
- Crumble with fingers or fork. Add at the end of cooking for best results. Soak in water 10-15 minutes if too salty.
More salty than goat cheese but similar tangy flavor. Crumble well before adding. Add at the end of cooking to prevent over-salting.
Ricotta cheese
mild, slightly sweet
Italian fresh cheese with mild, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture that works well in many cooked dishes
- Best for
- pasta fillings, lasagna, stuffed shells, sauces, dips, when you want creamy texture, Italian cooking
- Texture
- creamy, grainy
- Prep
- Drain in cheesecloth for 30 minutes if too wet. Can be whipped for lighter texture.
Milder flavor than goat cheese but excellent creamy texture. May need to drain excess liquid. Works well in fillings and sauces.
Cream cheese
mild, neutral
Soft, spreadable cheese with mild flavor that melts well and creates creamy sauces and dips
- Best for
- sauces, dips, pasta sauces, stuffed pastries, when you need smooth texture, when you want neutral flavor
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Soften at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat until smooth before adding to hot dishes.
More neutral flavor than goat cheese but excellent for sauces and dips. Soften at room temperature before using. Melts smoothly.
Mozzarella cheese
mild, neutral
Mild, stretchy cheese that melts well and provides good texture in cooked dishes
- Best for
- pizza, pasta dishes, when you want melting properties, Italian cooking, when you want mild flavor
- Texture
- stretchy, melts well
- Prep
- Shred or tear into pieces. Add to hot dishes for melting. Use fresh mozzarella for best results.
Much milder than goat cheese but excellent melting properties. Best for dishes where you want cheese to melt and stretch.
Boursin cheese
rich, herbed, complex
French soft cheese with herbs that provides rich, creamy texture and complex flavor
- Best for
- sauces, dips, spreads, when you want herbed flavor, French cooking, elegant dishes
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Soften at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat until smooth before adding to dishes.
More expensive but provides rich, herbed flavor. Works well in sauces and dips. Soften at room temperature before using.
How it behaves in this recipe
For cooking, you need a cheese that can withstand heat, provides good flavor, and works well with other ingredients. The best substitutes maintain the tangy, slightly acidic flavor that goat cheese provides while offering good cooking properties.
Tips for substituting goat cheese
6 tips- For pasta dishes, feta adds authentic Mediterranean flavor and crumbles beautifully over hot pasta
- When making sauces, add cheese at the end and stir gently to prevent curdling
- For pizza, crumble cheese over the top after baking for best texture and flavor
- If using a saltier cheese like feta, taste your dish before adding additional salt
- For creamy sauces, soften cream cheese at room temperature before adding to hot liquids
- Store leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Notes on goat cheese
- Use a combination of ricotta and feta for balanced texture and flavor
- Try crumbled halloumi for a salty, firm texture that holds up well in cooking
- Use nutritional yeast for adding cheesy flavor to vegan dishes
Questions
5 questionsCan I use goat cheese substitutes in pasta sauces?
Yes, ricotta works best for creamy pasta sauces, while feta is good for adding tangy flavor to tomato-based sauces. Add cheese at the end of cooking and stir gently.
What's the best substitute for goat cheese on pizza?
Feta cheese is the best substitute for goat cheese on pizza. It has similar tangy flavor and crumbles well. Add it after baking for best texture, or add it before baking if you want it to melt slightly.
How do I prevent cheese from curdling in hot sauces?
Add cheese at the end of cooking and stir gently. For cream cheese, soften it at room temperature first. For other cheeses, add them gradually while stirring constantly over low heat.
Can I use vegan cheese as a substitute for goat cheese in cooking?
Yes, there are several vegan options that work well in cooking. Look for vegan feta or cream cheese alternatives that melt well. Some brands like Miyoko's and Kite Hill make excellent cooking-friendly vegan cheeses.
What's the difference between using feta and ricotta in cooked dishes?
Feta adds tangy, salty flavor and crumbles well, while ricotta provides creamy texture and mild flavor. Choose feta when you want flavor impact, ricotta when you want creamy texture.