Mozzarella cheese substitutes
Mozzarella cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Provolone
Same amount as the mozzarella cheese
Similar Italian cheese with good melting properties.
The best substitutes for mozzarella cheese are provolone, Monterey Jack, or other mild melting cheeses like fontina or gouda, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mozzarella cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provolonecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Monterey Jackcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Fontinacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Goudacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Cheddarcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | String cheesecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Provolone
different taste, similar texture
Similar Italian cheese with good melting properties.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, toppings, pizza
Similar melting properties, slightly different flavor.
Monterey Jack
similar taste and texture
Mild cheese with excellent melting properties.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, toppings, pizza
Similar melting properties, similar flavor.
Fontina
different taste, similar texture
Italian cheese with excellent melting properties.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, toppings, pizza
Similar melting properties, nutty flavor.
Gouda
different taste, similar texture
Dutch cheese with good melting properties.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, toppings, pizza
Similar melting properties, nutty flavor.
Cheddar
different taste, similar texture
Sharp cheese with good melting properties.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, toppings, pizza
Different flavor, similar melting properties.
String cheese
similar taste and texture
Similar cheese with stringy texture.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, toppings, snacking
Similar texture, similar flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use provolone instead of mozzarella cheese?
Yes, provolone is a good substitute for mozzarella cheese. It has similar melting properties and can be used in most recipes that call for mozzarella cheese.
What's the difference between mozzarella cheese and provolone?
Mozzarella cheese is softer and milder, while provolone is firmer and has a more pronounced flavor. Both have good melting properties.
Can I use Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack can work as a substitute, though it may have a slightly different flavor. It has similar melting properties and can be used in most recipes.
Why is mozzarella cheese so popular in pizza?
Mozzarella cheese is popular in pizza because it melts smoothly, has a mild flavor that complements other ingredients, and creates the classic stringy texture.
Tips for substituting mozzarella cheese
6 tips- Mozzarella cheese melts smoothly and evenly
- Mozzarella cheese pairs well with Italian and Mediterranean dishes
- Mozzarella cheese can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Mozzarella cheese works well in pizza and pasta dishes
- Mozzarella cheese can be used to make cheese sauce
- Store mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap