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Are you making a recipe that calls for feta cheese? Don’t have any, or maybe you’re cooking for someone who is dairy free. Whatever it is, you will be able to find a good substitute for feta cheese on this list.

feta cheese substitutes

Feta cheese is a highly popular cheese. It is made from sheep or goat’s milk and has a crumbly texture and tangy taste.  This cheese is of Greek origin and is used in a wide variety of dishes including greek salads, pastas and even fruit dishes like mango chutney.

But what if you’re trying out a new recipe only to find out you don’t have any feta cheese available? What can be used as a substitute for feta cheese?

The good news is that feta cheese can be substituted with other ingredients through fairly simple conversion ratios. You can use other cheese types like cottage cheese, queso fresco, halloumi, mizithra, and ricotta as good feta cheese alternatives. 

If you want to explore more ways of substituting feta cheese and perhaps indulge in making dishes that you previously thought were not possible without it, keep reading this article. 

Options to substitute for Feta Cheese

The alternatives for feta cheese are similar in texture, but the taste of the cheese will vary and may not be as strong. However, you can still use these as substitutes for your feta recipes.

Cottage cheese

cottage cheese as a sub for feta cheese

This one is fairly similar, just a little milder in taste and slightly lower in terms of fat. It can be considered a healthier alternative for feta cheese, and may provide similar results. Cottage cheese is also a less salty substitute for feta cheese if this is something you’re looking for. Cottage cheese will work great as a 1-to-1 replacement for feta cheese in pasta, pizzas, and even salads.

Goat cheese

goat cheese as a sub for feta cheese

Goat cheese is more similar to feta in terms of taste and the texture can also be similar in some cases. In fact, crumbled goat cheese can be hard to differentiate from feta cheese. Goat cheese can be used as a 1-to-1 substitute for feta cheese in pasta, burgers, and salads.

Queso Fresco

Queso Fresco to replace feta cheese

This cheese is of Mexican origin; it does not go through the same process of fermentation and aging that feta does. Therefore, it has a milder taste and can be better suited to some people. Queso fresco can make a good alternative for feta cheese when used in a 1-to-1 ratio for feta in dishes such as burgers, salads, and wraps.

Halloumi cheese

Halloumi cheese

Halloumi cheese is sweeter when compared to feta cheese and varies in terms of texture as well. So, if you plan to omit feta cheese because you don’t agree with the taste, this option is the one you should consider. Halloumi is great for recipes that require melted cheese such as pizza and burgers. Use halloumi cheese as a 1-to-1 replacement for feta cheese.

Roquefort cheese

Roquefort cheese

This blue cheese variant is similar to feta in terms of texture and taste and can be used to replace feta cheese in cases where it is not available. This cheese works especially well for salads. You can use roquefort to replace feta cheese in just about any recipe with a ratio of 1 to 1.

Mizithra cheese

This cheese is made from goat and sheep milk. It cuts out some of the tanginess of feta and gives a milder flavor. You can try this cheese for making salads and puff pastries. You can use mizithra cheese to replace feta cheese in just about any recipe with a ratio of 1 to 1

Cotija cheese

Cotija cheese as a sub for feta

Cotija cheese is another Mexican cheese with a texture similar to feta and slightly different flavors. Cotija can be used as a good feta cheese substitution in recipes like salads and tacos at a 1 to 1 conversion ratio. Cotija cheese does not melt well and would not fare well for recipes that require the cheese to be bubbly and melty.

Ricotta cheese

Ricotta cheese as a replacement for feta

Ricotta cheese is quite similar to feta in terms of taste but ricotta comes with a higher moisture content and less sodium. Therefore, ricotta cheese is the perfect low sodium substitute for feta cheese. Regardless of this small difference, ricotta cheese is the best substitute for feta cheese and can be used as a 1-to-1 substitute in any dish. Also, if this is useful to you, read more about how to substitute ricotta here.

Dairy-free and vegan alternatives for feta cheese

Tofu

Tofu feta cheese (1)

This has a similar texture if you are able to prepare the tofu the correct way. The taste can also be similar if you know what you’re doing. The conversion ratio can vary depending on the sort of flavor and texture you’re going for. Learn how to use tofu instead of feta by making this vegan feta cheese with tofu recipe.

Cashew cheese

This one is also similar in terms of texture with a mild and nutty taste. Use it as a 1-to-1 alternative for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Learn how to use cashew instead of feta cheese by checking out this vegan feta made with cashews here.

Related Questions

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

There are many ways that you can substitute for feta cheese in a recipe including cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, goat cheese, Queso fresco, Halloumi cheese and more.

What is a vegan substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re vegan, you can use either a vegan feta cheese made with cashews or a vegan feta cheese made with tofu as a good replacement for actual feta cheese.

Final thoughts

The feta cheese substitutes mentioned above should be enough to convince you that there are many types of ingredients that  allow you to replace feta because you don’t like the flavor or if you simply don’t have any. 

More useful cheese substitutes

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