Out of Goat cheese, one case
Feta cheese substitute for goat cheese
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Feta cheese (Greek)
Same amount as the goat cheese
Feta cheese is an excellent substitute for goat cheese with a 1:1 ratio. It provides similar tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture, making it good for salads, Mediterranean dishes, and most recipes calling for goat cheese.
- The tweak —
- Crumble with fingers or fork. Soak in cold water 10-15 minutes to reduce saltiness if too salty.
- Best for —
- salads
One casethe full goat cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of goat cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feta cheese (Greek)salads | Same amount |
| 2 | French fetaspreads | Same amount |
| 3 | Bulgarian fetaMediterranean dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Feta in brinespreads | Same amount |
Feta cheese (Greek)
tangy, salty, similar to goat cheese
Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk with tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture that closely matches goat cheese
- Best for
- salads, Mediterranean dishes, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, appetizers, quiches, frittatas
- Texture
- crumbly, creamy when fresh
- Prep
- Crumble with fingers or fork. Soak in cold water 10-15 minutes to reduce saltiness if too salty.
More salty than goat cheese but similar tangy flavor. Soak in water briefly to reduce saltiness if needed. Crumble well for best texture.
French feta
mild, tangy, less salty
Milder, creamier version of feta that's closer to goat cheese in flavor and texture
- Best for
- spreads, dips, when you want milder flavor, Mediterranean cooking, appetizers
- Texture
- creamy, crumbly
- Prep
- No need to soak. Crumble or spread as needed.
Less salty than Greek feta, closer to goat cheese flavor. More expensive but worth it for authentic taste.
Bulgarian feta
tangy, complex, rich
Rich, tangy feta with complex flavor that works well as a goat cheese substitute
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, pasta, when you want complex flavor, cooking applications
- Texture
- firm, crumbly
- Prep
- Crumble for salads or grate for cooking.
More complex flavor than regular feta. Good for cooking where you want depth of flavor.
Feta in brine
mild, tangy, less salty
Fresh feta stored in brine that's creamier and less salty than dry feta
- Best for
- spreads, dips, when you want creamy texture, Mediterranean dishes
- Texture
- creamy, soft
- Prep
- Rinse briefly under cold water. Pat dry.
Creamier texture than dry feta. Rinse briefly to remove excess brine. Best for spreads and dips.
How it behaves in this recipe
Feta cheese is an excellent substitute for goat cheese because it shares similar tangy, salty characteristics and crumbly texture. It works particularly well in Mediterranean dishes, salads, and recipes where you want that distinctive tangy flavor.
Tips for substituting goat cheese
6 tips- For salads, crumble feta with your fingers for the best texture and distribution
- If feta is too salty, soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry
- For spreads, mash feta with a fork and add a little olive oil for creaminess
- When cooking with feta, add it at the end to prevent it from becoming too salty
- For pizza, crumble feta over the top after baking for best results
- Store feta in its brine in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Notes on goat cheese
- Use ricotta cheese for a milder, creamier substitute
- Try cream cheese with herbs for spreads and dips
- Use queso fresco for a similar crumbly texture with milder flavor
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute feta for goat cheese in any recipe?
Yes, feta works as a substitute for goat cheese in most recipes, including salads, pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes. The main difference is that feta is saltier, so you may want to reduce other salt in the recipe.
Is feta cheese healthier than goat cheese?
Both cheeses have similar nutritional profiles. Feta is slightly higher in sodium, while goat cheese has more fat. Both are good sources of protein and calcium. Choose based on your dietary needs and taste preferences.
How do I make feta less salty when substituting for goat cheese?
Soak feta in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry. You can also rinse it briefly under running water. For cooking, add feta at the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too salty.
Can I use feta in baking recipes that call for goat cheese?
Yes, feta works well in baking recipes like quiches, frittatas, and savory tarts. It may be slightly saltier, so consider reducing other salty ingredients in the recipe.
What's the difference between Greek feta and other types of feta?
Greek feta is typically saltier and tangier, while French feta is milder and creamier. Bulgarian feta has a more complex flavor. Choose based on your taste preference and the specific recipe.