Substitute for Goats Cheese
15 Best Substitutes For Goat Cheese in 2024
Its soft and creamy texture and distinct flavor make aged goat cheese on the top of everyone’s go-to exotic cheese. Also, its versatility means that you can make special several recipes that you can serve during the holidays or large family gatherings. Above everything else, goat cheese is always the perfect pair to vegetables or salad. But what do you usually do when it is not available? As such, we have made the list of the 15 best substitutes for goat cheese that you use as an alternative in your recipe.
Pasta and cheese are often served as a pair, but can you substitute pasta for egg noodles?
Substitutes for Mozzarella Cheese and Quinoa are also resources on our Food Substiton Resource Page.
What are the 15 Best Replacements for Goat Cheese
1. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a native product from America which has been around since the early 19th century. It is a type of fresh cheese and is considered one of the oldest cheeses in existence. Its consistency is similar to cream cheese but with a slightly firmer texture. The taste is also very mild and goes well with any food. It is made through a process of curdling milk by adding acidity.
Why is it a good substitute?
Cottage cheese is a popular alternative for goat cheese because it has a similar texture and taste. The only difference between them is that cottage cheese is slightly more watery than goat cheese. This means that if you want to add some creaminess to the dish, then cottage cheese will work well. You can also blend this in a food processor to make it smoother in the dish. Use this in dishes like salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta, and even desserts.
2. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is made out of cow’s milk. It is considered to be a type of processed cheese that comes in different flavors and even shapes. It is often used as a spreadable ingredient in many recipes, especially pastries. It contains fewer calories compared to other types of cheese.
Why is it a good substitute?
This is a great substitution for goat cheese because it is just as easy to find in stores and groceries. Plus, it tastes really good in most dishes. However, there are certain things that you should keep in mind before using it. First of all, it is quite high in fat content. Second, it does not melt easily, so you may need to heat it first. Third, it tends to separate into two layers after being reheated and refrigerated. To prevent this, put it back into the refrigerator immediately after opening. Last but not least, you might want to add Greek yogurt to achieve a closer flavor of goat cheese.
3. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is another type of cheese that is often used as a replacement for goat cheese. It is made from the whey leftover after making cheese. It is rich in protein and calcium. It has low-fat content, making it healthy for you. When you buy ricotta cheese, look at where it was produced. It is likely to be high quality if it comes from Italy because it is made from aged sheep’s milk. If it comes from Greece, then it is probably made from cows’ milk. In either case, it is definitely worth trying.
Why is this a good substitute?
It is a good substitute for goat cheese because they have a similar texture and taste, but they differ in nutritional value. Ricotta cheese is much higher in protein than goat cheese, while the latter is richer in fats. Thus, it makes sense to choose ricotta if you are into healthy options. This versatile cheese can be mixed in savory dish and desserts. Just squeeze a little lemon or plain yogurt to add a tangy flavor similar to goat cheese.
4. Manchego Cheese
Manchego cheese is commonly found in Spain and Portugal. It is a semi-soft cheese that is usually served on bread. It is made from aged ewe’s milk and has a strong aroma and taste. This is one of the best goat cheese substitute because it is usually aged for about six months before being sold. Also, it is an excellent source of vitamin B12, protein, and calcium.
Why is this a good substitute?
You can use this cheese as a replacement for goat cheese in your favorite dishes. Its mild flavor goes well with tomatoes, peppers, olives, mushrooms, and garlic. You can also mix it with eggs, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes. It is also perfect for adding to dips, spreads, and sauces.
5. Mascarpone
Another best goat cheese substitute is the Mascarpone. It is a kind of cheese that originates in Lombardy, Italy. It is made from cream and sweetened curdled milk. Making mascarpone includes heating the milk until the mixture is cooled down and stirred continuously until it thickens. Afterward, the mixture is strained through a cheesecloth, poured off, and the remaining cheese is stored in glass containers.
Why is it a good substitute?
The consistency is smooth and creamy, which makes it similar to goat cheese and is suitable for spreading onto toast, biscuits, cakes, and pasta. It is also delicious when baked in pies and tarts. The key thing to remember here is that mascarpone is very high in sugar. Therefore, it is important to reduce its amount by half or even more as you prefer.
6. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a common substitute for goat cheese. It is a soft cheese that has a blue color due to the presence of blue mold powder. It is usually made from cow’s milk and contains a lot of salt. However, it is not recommended for those who want to avoid excessive sodium intake.
Why is it a good substitute?
Its moldy and odd appearance does not mean that it is not edible. When you pair it with your dried fruits and nuts on the cheese board, you will realize it has a creamier texture than goat cheese. Aged blue cheese is less creamy; hence you will easily know how long it has been processed. On the other side, the older the blue cheese gets, the more it produces a strong flavor and odor.
7. Queso Añejo
Queso Añejo means old cheese or aged cheese in Spanish. It is a firm, white cheese in various flavors, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gouda. It also works as a great substitute because it is made from pasteurized cow’s milk and has a rich and cheesy taste, making it a great alternative to goat cheese.
Why is it a good substitute?
Queso Añejo is a common goat cheese substitute often used as a topping for pizza and pasta. This cheese has a crumbly texture and can be used fresh or dried. It has a salty and lighter flavor than goat cheese, which can also be mixed in stews and soups.
8. Fromage Blanc – closest
Fromage Blanc is the closest and most excellent substitute for goat cheese. It is a French cheese that originated in Normandy. It is made from raw cow’s milk that has been cultured using rennet enzymes. Moreover, it is then aged at room temperature for about 3 months before being packaged. If you are looking for a cheese that looks like goat cheese but tastes better than it, try Fromage blanc.
Why is it a good substitute?
It is a kind of white cheese with a milder and smoother texture than goat cheese, hence it is perfect for baking and cooking. You can use it on bread, pastries, and salads because it is spreadable and has a soft texture. It is also available in different varieties, including garlic, chives, and herbs.
9. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is the best pick if you want to have a close texture and taste of goat cheese. Feta cheese originated in Greece, where it was originally known as feta. It is a Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk and is commonly served as an appetizer, and is also one of the oldest cheeses in the world.
Why is it a good substitute?
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that melts well and is easy to spread. Its tanginess and sharpness make it a great addition to salads and sandwiches. This type of cheese alternative is also a popular ingredient in dips and spreads. The crumbly texture on this cheese goes well with salad dishes, too.
10. Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is also known as fresh cheese. It is a Mexican cheese that is made from cow’s milk and has a very firm texture. It is a type of semi-hard cheese that is usually eaten by itself or paired with crackers. The cheese is usually sold in small pieces that come in many flavors.
Why is it a good substitute?
This cheese is ideal for making quesadillas and enchiladas. It has a smooth texture and a mild flavor that goes well with sauces and spices. In addition, its tangy flavor is a great complement to spicy foods.
11. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese comes from Mexico, too. It is a dry cheese that is made from unpasteurized cow’s or buffalo’s milk. The making of this cheese includes curdling the milk through the action of the rennet enzyme. Afterward, the curds are cut into cubes and pressed to remove excess moisture. Then they are left to ferment for several days until mold forms on them. Finally, the cheese is salted and packed in plastic containers.
Why is it a good substitute?
This cheese is similar to feta cheese in terms of consistency and color. However, it has a slightly sour flavor and a crunchier texture. It is usually used as a garnish for tacos, burritos, and nachos. It has a mild flavor and a creamy texture suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Its mild flavor makes the cheese a versatile ingredient in salads and desserts.
12. Camembert Cheese
Camembert cheese was popular since the 18th century and is still considered among the most famous types of cheese today. This cheese originates from France and is made from pasteurized cow milk. It is a soft cheese that is wrapped in edible wax paper and has a distinctive aroma. Moreover, it is often flavored with salt and pepper.
Why is it a good substitute?
Camembert cheese is delicious and flavorful. It is a rich cheese that pairs perfectly with fruits such as apples and pears. It is also a favorite choice when it comes to baking bread. The cheese can be sliced thinly and added to salads or sandwiches. If you have your favorite jams or peanut butter, never forget to pair this cheese with it.
13. Gruyere
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is a hard cheese that is aged for at least 60 days before being packaged. Gruyere is available in different shapes and sizes. Some of these include wheels, squares, rounds, and blocks.
Why is it a good substitute?
Gruyere is a popular cheese because of its rich and nutty flavor. It is also a perfect match for salty ingredients like olives and nuts. This cheese adds a unique flavor to pasta dishes, soups, and casseroles when combined with other ingredients. It is also an excellent topping for pizza.
14. Labneh
Labneh is a Middle Eastern yogurt cheese that is made from thickened yogurt. It is a spreadable cheese that is commonly served with flatbreads, vegetables, and meats. The cheese is typically seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
Why is it a good substitute?
Labneh cheese is a healthy alternative to goat cheese and other dairy products. It contains less fat than traditional cheeses and is low in calories. Since labneh is not processed, it retains more nutrients and enzymes than regular cheeses. You can use this type of cheese in eggs, veggies, and chicken.
15. Paneer
Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese made by curding cottage cheese mixed with citric acid, plain yogurt vinegar, or lemon juice. It is a firm cheese sold in various flavors, including plain, tangy, spicy, and mint. See some paneer alternatives.
Why is it a good substitute?
Paneer is one of the best substitutes for goat cheese. It is a great option if you want to make a vegetarian dish without sacrificing taste. In addition to being nutritious, paneer is easy to prepare. All you need to do is mix the curdled milk with some spices and leave it to sit overnight. The next morning, drain off the whey and press the mixture to get rid of extra water.
FAQs
What is a good dairy-free substitute for goat cheese?
If you do not know how to make dairy-free goat cheese, you can opt to have cashew cheese. It is mostly unsalted cashew in content, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and water. You can use cashew cheese as a spread for your sandwiches, dressings, or toppings in pizza.
Can you substitute Brie for goat cheese?
Yes, but Brie has a softer texture compared to goat cheese. To ensure that you are getting the same effect, try adding a little bit of cream cheese to the recipe. This will give the cheese a similar consistency.
How long does goat cheese last?
Goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Once opened, keep the cheese in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Can I substitute parmesan for goat cheese?
You can use Parmesan cheese as an alternative to goat cheese. However, it is important to note that there are two types of Parmesan: grated and powdered. Grated Parmesan is usually used in cooking, while powdered Parmesan is used to sprinkle salads and pasta dishes. Parmesan is a much tastier or richer tasting vs goats cheese.