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The 17 Best Substitutes For Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world.

Its creamy, tangy, and salty flavor makes it a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and more.

But what if you don’t have feta cheese on hand?

Don’t worry!

There are plenty of alternative ingredients that can give your recipes the same delicious flavor as feta cheese.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 17 of my favorite substitutes for feta cheese so that you can still enjoy all your favorite dishes without having to buy feta cheese.

From ricotta salata to goat cheese, these options will help you create delicious meals with ease.

So let’s get started!

What is Feta Cheese?

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a type of brined curd cheese that originated in Greece.

It has a salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture that makes it an ideal ingredient for salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.

Feta is made with sheep’s milk or goat’s milk, which gives it its distinctive taste and aroma.

The cheese is aged in brine for several weeks (or months) to develop its unique flavor profile.

During this process, the salt also acts as a preservative so the cheese can be stored at room temperature without spoiling.

The color of feta varies from white to light yellow depending on the aging process and animal used to make it – older feta tends to be darker in hue than younger varieties.

Feta comes in many shapes, including blocks, cubes, logs or slices; all have a soft yet slightly chewy texture when eaten fresh.

When cooked or baked into dishes like tarts or quiches Feta adds creaminess and robust flavour making it popular among cooks around the world!

The 17 Best Substitutes For Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a flavorful, crumbly cheese that can be used in salads, sandwiches and more.

If you don’t have feta on hand, here are 17 substitutes to consider:

1 – Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy Italian cheese made from the whey of cow’s milk.

It has a mild flavor with subtle notes of sweetness and saltiness.

Ricotta can be used as an alternative to feta in many recipes as it has a similar texture and mild taste.

For example, ricotta makes an excellent substitute for feta in spanakopita or Greek spinach pie – simply mix together ricotta, eggs, spinach, herbs, and spices before baking into a delicious pastry.

You can also use ricotta to make lasagna or cannelloni by layering it between sheets of pasta along with your favorite sauce and vegetables.

Or try using it to top pizzas instead of mozzarella for an extra creamy finish!

2 – Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a versatile and mild-tasting cheese that can be used in place of feta.

It has a creamy texture with small curds, making it an ideal substitute for crumbled feta in salads or as a topping on pizzas.

Cottage cheese also works well as an ingredient in dips and spreads, adding creaminess without the strong flavor of feta.

It’s also lower in fat than feta, so it can be used to lighten up recipes like lasagna or quiche.

For example, you could use cottage cheese instead of feta when making Greek-style stuffed tomatoes or spanakopita (spinach pie).

You could even make your own version of traditional Greek salad by replacing the feta with cottage cheese!

3 – Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco cheese

Queso Blanco is a creamy, mild-tasting cheese that originated in Mexico.

It has a crumbly texture and salty flavor, making it an ideal replacement for feta cheese in salads, tacos, quesadillas, and more.

This white cheese can be used to top off dishes like nachos or enchiladas with its tangy taste and creamy texture.

It also melts well when added to soups or casseroles.

Queso Blanco is great for making Mexican-style dishes such as chilaquiles or queso fundido with mushrooms and peppers.

It’s also perfect for creating a classic Greek salad by adding olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, oregano and olive oil.

For an easy lunch option try topping whole wheat toast with Queso Blanco slices and fresh tomatoes – the perfect balance of flavors!

4 – Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi

Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, brined cheese made from sheep’s and/or goat’s milk.

It has a salty flavor and chewy texture that makes it ideal for grilling or frying.

Halloumi can be used as an alternative to feta cheese in recipes due to its similar tangy taste and crumbly consistency.

The cheese is also great for adding richness to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pizzas.

It pairs well with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers and can be served alongside grilled meats such as lamb chops or pork tenderloin.

For a delicious summertime meal, try making halloumi skewers with cherry tomatoes and olives – simply thread the ingredients onto wooden skewers then brush them with olive oil before cooking on the grill until golden brown!

5 – Goat Cheese

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a creamy, tangy alternative to feta that can be used in many of the same recipes.

It has a milder flavor than feta and a softer texture that makes it ideal for spreading on toast or crumbling over salads.

Goat cheese pairs especially well with sweet flavors like honey, figs, and apricots.

It also complements herbs like oregano and thyme.

For a delicious summer salad, try combining arugula with roasted tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese.

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an extra zing of flavor!

Or whip up some savory tartlets by layering puff pastry dough with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs and crumbled goat cheese before baking them in the oven until golden brown.

No matter how you choose to use it, goat cheese is sure to add an interesting twist to your favorite dishes!

6 – Roquefort

Roquefort

Roquefort is a French blue cheese made from sheep’s milk that has a distinctively pungent flavor.

It has an intense and salty taste with notes of butter, pepper, and even mushrooms.

The texture is crumbly yet creamy, making it perfect for crumbling over salads or melting into sauces.

When substituting Roquefort for feta cheese in recipes, you may need to adjust the amount used as it can be quite strong.

For example, try adding Roquefort to a spinach salad with walnuts and pears or using it in place of feta in your favorite Greek-style pasta dish.

It also makes a great topping on pizza or flatbreads!

7 – Mizithra

Mizithra is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk.

It has a salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture that makes it ideal for salads and other dishes.

Mizithra can be used as an alternative to feta in recipes like spanakopita, tzatziki dip, and Greek salad.

It can also be sprinkled over pasta dishes or served with olives and crackers as part of an appetizer platter.

Unlike feta, Mizithra has a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with honey-based dressings or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Additionally, its creamy texture melts easily into sauces without becoming too greasy.

8 – Cotija

Cotija

Cotija is a Mexican cheese that’s made from cow’s milk and has a salty, crumbly texture.

It has a sharp, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness that makes it an ideal substitute for feta cheese in salads or tacos.

The cheese can be grated over dishes like enchiladas or used to top nachos and burritos.

It also works great as part of a topping for baked potatoes or roasted vegetables.

For the perfect Cotija-based dish, try making queso fundido – it’s a delicious melty dip made with chorizo sausage, peppers, onions, and cilantro mixed in with melted Cotija cheese.

You can also use Cotija to make homemade guacamole – simply mash avocados together with diced tomatoes, jalapenos, lime juice and salt before crumbling the cheese on top.

9 – Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a type of Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk.

It has a strong, sharp flavor and creamy texture that makes it an ideal substitute for feta cheese in many dishes.

The cheese is aged for up to three months, giving it its characteristic pungent aroma and distinctively salty taste.

Gorgonzola can be used in salads, pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches for added flavor.

It also melts well when heated, making it perfect for adding to sauces or topping off baked dishes like lasagna or macaroni and cheese.

For a delicious appetizer or side dish, try pairing Gorgonzola with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

The combination of the savory flavors will bring out the best in both ingredients!

10 – Sharp Cheddar

Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar is a hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor that can be used in place of feta cheese.

It has a creamy texture and can range from mild to extra-sharp in taste.

Sharp cheddar works well crumbled into salads, stirred into soups or sauces, melted over nachos or tacos, and grated atop pizza or macaroni and cheese.

It also makes an excellent addition to omelets and quiches for added flavor.

For an ideal recipe using sharp cheddar as a replacement for feta cheese, try making a Mediterranean-style flatbread with roasted vegetables, olives, tomatoes, spinach leaves, garlic oil and plenty of freshly grated sharp cheddar.

11 – Mozzarella

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese made from cow’s milk.

It has a mild, milky flavor and a soft, elastic texture that makes it ideal for melting.

When substituting mozzarella for feta cheese, you can expect a milder flavor and creamier texture.

Mozzarella also melts more easily than feta, so it works well in dishes like lasagna or pizza where melted cheese is desired.

Mozzarella can also be used to make creamy salads or sandwiches, such as caprese salad with tomatoes and basil, or Italian-style paninis with prosciutto and roasted peppers.

It adds richness to baked pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese or eggplant parmesan.

And of course, it’s always delicious when served on its own with some fresh herbs and olive oil!

12 – Panela cheese

Panela cheese

Panela cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk.

It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and creamy texture that makes it ideal for melting into dishes or crumbling over salads.

Its mildness means it can be used in place of feta cheese when making recipes like quesadillas, tacos, or enchiladas.

It also works great as a topping on pizza and can be crumbled into salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Panela cheese is also perfect for making dips like queso fundido – simply melt the cheese with chilies and serve with warm tortilla chips.

13 – Tofu

Tofu is a great alternative to feta cheese for those looking for a plant-based option.

It has a mild flavor and creamy texture that makes it perfect for absorbing the flavors of whatever dish you’re making.

Tofu can be crumbled or cubed and added to salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more.

For an easy vegan feta substitute, try marinating firm tofu in olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, lemon juice and salt.

This will give it a tangy flavor similar to feta cheese.

You can also use this marinated tofu as the base for vegan spanakopita or Greek salad recipes.

For something heartier, try crumbling extra-firm tofu into chili or lasagna instead of using traditional ground beef.

14 – Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is a delicious vegan alternative to feta cheese.

It’s made from ground cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices that are blended together until creamy and smooth.

Cashew cheese has a mild flavor with nutty undertones, making it the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, or pizzas.

It can also be used in place of cream cheese for dips or spreads.

For those looking to add an extra layer of flavor to their dishes, try adding some herbs like oregano or basil into your cashew cheese mixture before blending.

This will give it a more complex taste that pairs well with many different types of food.

Recipes where Cashew Cheese would be ideal include:

  • Vegan Feta Salad with Olives & Tomatoes
  • Baked Potato Wedges with Cashew Cheese Dip
  • Roasted Vegetable Pizza with Cashew Cheese
  • Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Cashew Cheese.

15 – Almond Cheese

Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to feta that is made from almonds, nutritional yeast, and other seasonings.

It has a creamy texture with a nutty flavor and can be used as an ingredient in salads or sandwiches, or served as part of an appetizer platter.

Almond cheese is also ideal for baking recipes like quiches or tarts where you would normally use feta.

To make almond cheese at home, simply blend together soaked almonds with garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and nutritional yeast until it forms a thick paste.

Then spread the mixture onto parchment paper-lined trays and bake in the oven until it’s golden brown.

Once cooled, you can crumble the almond cheese into small chunks for use in your favorite dishes!

16 – Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It can be used to replace feta cheese in recipes such as salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, and casseroles.

Nutritional yeast adds a savory depth of flavor to any dish without the saltiness or tanginess of feta cheese.

When using nutritional yeast as a replacement for feta cheese it’s important to remember that it won’t have the same texture so you may want to add some nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Some great recipes where nutritional yeast would work well include vegan macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables with garlic-herb sauce, creamy vegan spinach dip with artichokes and tomatoes, or quinoa stuffed peppers.

17 – Homemade Vegan Feta

Homemade vegan feta cheese is a great way to enjoy the salty and tangy flavor of traditional feta without using dairy.

This vegan alternative is made with firm tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.

The end result has a crumbly texture that mimics the real thing.

It can be used in salads or as a topping for pizzas and pastas. It also makes an excellent addition to sandwiches or wraps.

For recipes where you would normally use feta cheese, try replacing it with homemade vegan feta instead! It’s sure to add delicious flavor while still being plant-based.

FAQ

What’s a good non-dairy substitute for feta cheese?

A great non-dairy substitute for feta cheese is vegan tofu feta. It’s made from firm tofu, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs and spices to give it the same taste as regular feta cheese. You can also try vegan cashew cheese or nutritional yeast flakes to get that tart, salty flavor without the dairy.

What’s a good substitute for feta cheese in TikTok pasta?

If you don’t have feta cheese on hand, a good substitute for TikTok pasta is ricotta salata. This Italian cheese has a salty and slightly tangy flavor that complements the creamy pasta sauce nicely. You can also use grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese as substitutes for feta.

Can I substitute mozzarella cheese for feta?

Feta and mozzarella are both types of cheese, but they don’t have the same flavor profile. Mozzarella is milder in taste, while feta has a more salty and tangy flavor. You can substitute mozzarella for feta in some recipes, however it won’t give the same flavor as using feta would.

Can I substitute feta for Parmesan?

In some dishes, feta can be substituted for Parmesan. Feta has a sharper and more pungent taste than Parmesan, so it is best used in dishes where the cheese will be crumbled or mixed in with other ingredients. However, if you want a dish to have the same flavor as when using Parmesan, then it’s best to stick with that cheese.

Can you substitute cream cheese for feta?

No, you cannot substitute cream cheese for feta. Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made from cow’s milk while feta is a brined and crumbled curd cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk. The two cheeses have different textures and flavors that make them inedible substitutes for one another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

But if you don’t have feta cheese on hand, there are plenty of other options that can be used as a suitable substitute.

The best substitutes for feta cheese are ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, queso blanco, halloumi cheese, goat cheese, Roquefort, mizithra, cotija, gorgonzola, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, panela cheese, tofu, cashew cheese, almond cheese, nutritional yeast, and homemade vegan feta.

Each of these substitutes has a unique flavor and texture that can be used to add an interesting twist to your dishes.

So, if you’re ever in a pinch and need a substitute for feta cheese, reach for one of these options and you won’t be disappointed.

Feta Cheese

The 17 Best Substitutes For Feta Cheese

What if you're trying to make a dish, but you don't have any feta cheese on hand? Fear not! In this article, I'm going to share the 17 best substitutes for feta cheese. I'll provide helpful information about each substitute, such as taste, texture, and how to use it in recipes. Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just don't have feta cheese, you'll find the perfect substitute for your dish here.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Cheese, Substitutes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 361 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Queso Blanco
  • Halloumi Cheese
  • Goat Cheese
  • Roquefort
  • Mizithra
  • Cotija
  • Gorgonzola
  • Sharp Cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Panela cheese
  • Tofu
  • Cashew Cheese
  • Almond Cheese
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Homemade Vegan Feta

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.