Feta cheese is renowned for its distinctive tangy flavor and crumbly texture. This Greek brined white cheese is derived from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk.
Regarded as healthier than many other types of cheeses, feta is also a low-calorie source of an abundance of vitamins and minerals.
If you’re looking to add a delicious twist to your recipes but haven’t got feta cheese at hand, or just want to try something different, look no further!
In today’s comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the top-notch ingredients that serve as perfect substitutes for Feta cheese.
Whether you’re a vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply want to explore new flavors, we’ve got you covered. Today, we will be looking at substitutes, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, cashew cheese, and halloumi.
Ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover creative alternatives? Let’s look at some amazing feat cheese alternatives that will elevate your dishes to new heights.
Continue reading to explore these substitutes in more detail!
| Substitute | Protein (per 100g) | Carbs (per 100g) | Fat (per 100g) | Calories (per 100g) | Substitution Ratio |
| Cottage cheese | 11g | 4.3g | 2.3g | 84 | 1:1 |
| Ricotta | 11.32g | 4.09g | 10.44g | 156 | 1:1 |
| Cashew Cheese | 3.3g | 6.7g | 3.5g | 70 | 1:1 |
| Roquefort | 22g | 2g | 31g | 369 | 1:1 |
| Goat Cheese | 1.4g | 0.4g | 2.1g | 26 | 1:1 |
| Halloumi | 16.7g | 1.3g | 19.7g | 253 | 1:1 |
| Queso Fresco | 11.99g | 5.41g | 8.33g | 145 | 1:1 |
| GorgonozolaCotija | 21.4g20g | 2.34g4g | 28.74g30g | 353366 | 1:11:1 |
| Almond cheese | 7g | 5.9g | 18g | 215 | 1:1 |
What Does Feta Cheese Taste Like?
Feta cheese is renowned for its distinct taste profile. It boasts a salty, tangy flavor that can be described as both savory and slightly acidic.
The cheese carries a rich, creamy undertone that balances its sharpness, resulting in a well-rounded taste.
As for feta cheese’s texture, it is crumbly and slightly grainy. This adds a pleasant feel to many dishes, such as salads. Some describe its taste as briny, reminiscent of the sea.
This may be due to the cheese being traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk.
Moreover, the cheese’s aging process also contributes to its flavor, with younger feta cheeses offering a milder taste.
On the other hand, aged versions develop a more robust and complex flavor profile that are enjoyed by those who love stranger cheeses.
Feta cheese delivers a unique and unforgettable taste experience, making it a beloved ingredient, especially in Mediterranean cuisines.
Feta Cheese Nutritional Value
Here are the nutritional values of 100 grams of feta cheese:
- Calories – 264
- Total fat – 21.28g
- Saturated fat – 14.946g
- Monounsaturated fat – 4.623g
- Polyunsaturated fat – 0.591g
- Carbs – 4.09g
- Protein – 14.21g
- Sugar – 4.09g
- Sodium – 1,116 mg
- Fiber – 0g
- Potassium – 62 mg
Substitutes
1. Cottage Cheese
If there was a winner for the best substitute for feta cheese, it would probably have to go to cottage cheese.
This excellent alternative to feta offers a similar texture but with a milder flavor.
It also boasts the advantages of being lower in sodium and fat content, resulting in a healthier substitute in various dishes.
Whether you’re preparing salads, pasta dishes, or even pizzas, cottage cheese can seamlessly replace feta on a one to one basis.
Its versatility makes it a fantastic substitute in various recipes while providing a nutritious twist to your culinary creations.
2. Ricotta
When looking for a food substitute, the first thing you’ll want to look for is something with a similar flavor profile.
This is where Ricotta steps in. Although Ricotta cheese offers a taste profile that closely resembles feta cheese, it does have a slightly higher moisture content.
Despite this difference, ricotta can serve as a perfect one to one substitute for feta in any recipe.
Not only does it provide a similar flavor, but it also presents the advantage of reduced sodium levels, like cottage cheese, and a subtly sweeter taste.
Whether you’re incorporating it into pasta dishes, salads, or any other feta-inspired creation, using ricotta as a substitute allows you to savor a delightful alternative with added benefits.
3. Cashew Cheese
Here’s one you may not have thought of – cashew cheese. This is a super delightful vegan alternative, offering a gentle and nutty flavor profile with rich undertones.
Its taste carries a satisfying depth that can be compared to feta cheese, making it an excellent substitute.
Furthermore, if you love the crumbly texture of feta cheese, you will adore the similar feel of cashew cheese. It practically mirrors its texture!
When seeking a replacement, cashew cheese serves as an excellent one to one substitute, making it an ideal choice for wraps, salads, sandwiches, and many other dishes.
Elevate your dishes with this vegan option and indulge in its delectable essence.
4. Roquefort
Not everyone likes blue cheese. It can be overly strong and pretty darn pungent. But, if you’re brave enough to dip into the sea of blue cheeses, then Roquefort is a great alternative for feta cheese you can try.
Roquefort sports a similar texture and flavor to feta, and you won’t have any issue finding it. This cheese is readily available in most specialty grocery stores.
Like all the best feta cheese substitutes, you can use Roquefort as you would feta cheese (a one to one ratio). This works in just about all recipes calling for feta, including pasta, pizzas, and salads.
5. Goat Cheese
Considering feta cheese can be made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk, it’s no surprise that goat cheese can act as a suitable, and tasty, replacement for it.
Goat cheese has a super soft texture and a tangy flavor, similar to feta.
There is also a crumbly type of goat cheese that has a closer resemblance to feta’s texture, which would work better in some recipes.
Goat cheese can be used as a one to one alternative for many dishes, such as pizzas, pasta, salads, and burgers.
6. Halloumi
Everyone loves Halloumi, right? Its mild and slightly sweet flavor profile may set it apart from the distinctive taste of feta, but it can act as a tasty substitute in many dishes.
It’s worth noting that this Greek cheese is not the best option if you’re looking for a like for like replacement in terms of texture.
Halloumi’s texture is not crumbly like feta, but can be cut up into smaller portions if required. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a feta replacement due to personal taste preferences, halloumi might just be the answer you’re looking for.
When it comes to melted and bubbly recipes like pasta, pizza, and casseroles, halloumi cheese shines. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for these dishes.
As a one to one substitute, halloumi can seamlessly replace feta, allowing you to enjoy its delightful qualities in your favorite recipes.
7. Queso Fresco
We are traveling from Greece to Mexico for this next feta cheese substitute. Queso Fresco boasts a similar texture to feta, but has a milder flavor.
This is probably down to the fact that it does not go through the same fermentation and aging process as feta cheese, resulting in a flavor that is not nearly as sharp or mature.
Although slightly different in terms of flavor, Queso Fresco is a good choice to replace feta in certain dishes, such as Greek wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
It can be substituted one to one and can soak up some additional flavors of other ingredients.
8. Gorgonzola
Aside from being fun to say, Gorgonzola is a remarkable blue cheese.
It can serve as a suitable alternative to feta but be warned, it possesses a stronger flavor but is reminiscent enough of feta to work well in some recipes and dishes.
In terms of texture, Gorgonzola is significantly smoother and creamier, but can be used in various dishes, such as pasta, salads, pasta, and even alongside fruit. We recommend trying it in soups and casserole, too.
With a one to one ratio, you can seamlessly incorporate Gorgonzola into your recipes, delighting in its distinct qualities.
9. Cotija
It’s time to head back to Mexico for this cheesy substitute. Cotija has a similar crumbly texture to feta, but its potent flavor is closer to Parmesan cheese.
Cotija is an excellent choice for toppings on tacos, salads, and burgers and can be used in a one to one ratio. Just keep in mind that it does not melt very well.
Therefore, if your recipe calls for gooey, bubbly cheese, we’d look elsewhere for another substitute. Luckily, we have plenty on this list!
10. Almond Cheese
If you liked the look of cashew cheese as a substitute for feta, then you will love almond cheese.
And, just like cashew cheese, almond cheese is an excellent substitute for feta. It offers a similar texture and nutty flavor, allowing for seamless integration in recipes.
Whether you use this cheese in sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizzas, or other dishes, almond cheese serves as a versatile substitute.
It is also a great vegan option, like cashew cheese, making it suitable for plant-based diets.
However, it’s essential to note that almond cheese may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies.
Therefore, always exercise caution and avoid it if you have such allergies
Popular Recipes That Call For Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a delectable ingredient that works well in a number of different recipes and dishes. From pasta to pizzas and burgers to casseroles, feta will always be a welcome addition.
Here are some insatiable recipes that call for feta cheese that you can try, even with the substitute above:
- Greek Salad – This classic Mediterranean dish combines fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers with feta cheese, olives, and a tangy dressing.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad – This is one beautiful and flavorful pasta salad that features a combination of cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing.
- Whipped Feta Dip – This salty and sharp dip rarely lasts long, as you can’t help yourself. This dip is typically thick and dreamy with a mix of feta cheese, sour cream, mayo, and olive oil, and can be served with vegetable sticks or toasted pita triangles.
- Greek-style Pizza – Here is a delicious pizza topped with tomato sauce, Kalamata olives, red onions, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. When baked to perfection, top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
In Summary
Whether you want to try something different from feta cheese or it is not available, you will find a suitable substitute above. For your next pasta, pizza, or salad, try out some of our alternatives above and you may find a new favorite.
