15 Best Substitutes for Goat Cheese
If you're looking for a substitute for goat cheese, you won’t have to look far. No goat cheese? No problem! Finding an alternative can help you avoid cooking delays and impromptu grocery runs because the best part is, you might already have one of these substitutes at home.
We'll explore the 15 best substitutes for goat cheese that can provide a similar taste and texture profile. While each substitute might not meet all the same criteria as goat cheese’s creamy, spreadable consistency and tangy flavor, they still make great replacements and will help you achieve delicious results in your recipes.
Jump to Section
What Is Goat Cheese Used for in Cooking?
The first thing to answer is what goat cheese is. Goat cheese, sometimes called “chevre” (“goat” in French), is made from goat’s milk. This traditional cheese is a delicious addition to cooking thanks to its complex flavor profile and versatility. When used in recipes, it adds a delightfully tart flavor that ranges from mild to sharp, depending on how long the cheese was aged for.
Typically, goat cheese is creamy and somewhat crumbly but spreadable with an earthy smell which is reminiscent of grass and the outdoors. If you haven’t tried it before, you might be wondering, "Is goat cheese good for you?" But once you get your head around the different source of milk, you’re bound to enjoy the complex flavor profile.
In cooking, goat cheese is often used in appetizers like goat cheese-stuffed mushrooms, salads and goat cheese crostini, where toasted baguettes and creamy goat cheese come together to create wonderfully contrasting smooth and sharp textures. It also blends seamlessly with other ingredients in main course dishes like stuffed chicken, adding depth and complexity.
However, it isn’t always possible to find goat cheese at the store — or perhaps you’ve decided to cook a great-looking recipe but don’t have time to dash out and stock up on missing ingredients. Alternatively, you might be avoiding dairy or hosting a guest that is vegan or has dairy allergies.
There are all sorts of reasons why a substitute for goat cheese might be the preferred ingredient for your dish right now, and there are so many ways to get the same satisfaction out of a cheese-based meal, just with the inclusion of a goat cheese substitute.
If you’re eager to explore more ways to incorporate goat cheese into your cooking, check out cooking classes near you where a world-class chef can teach you everything you need to know about this distinctive cheese. If you prefer to learn from the comfort of your home, online cooking classes are a fantastic alternative.
15 Best Goat Cheese Substitutes
1. Feta Cheese
We’re starting strong with feta cheese as the first substitute for goat cheese on this list. Feta cheese has a texture similar to that of fresh goat cheese; it’s crumbly but remains soft. Aside from its appearance, it has a similar tangy flavor which makes it the perfect substitute for goat cheese.
When making the substitution, keep in mind that feta is a bit saltier than goat cheese, so you may want to use slightly less in your recipe. Feta works well as a substitute for goat cheese when sprinkled on salads or crumbled over homemade pizza. If you need feta to have a creamier texture, you can soften it slightly by mixing it with a bit of olive oil first.
2. Labneh
Labneh is a type of yogurt cheese hailing from the Mediterranean that’s impossibly soft and rich. Its smooth texture is similar to goat cheese, but it has a much milder flavor in comparison. To bring out the tanginess when using it as a goat cheese substitute, you might want to add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
When making the substitution, use an equal amount of labneh in place of goat cheese. Labneh works especially well in recipes that require creamy and spreadable goat cheese. It makes a great stand-in for goat cheese dip and also a delightful spread for crostini recipes.
3. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is considered one of the best substitutes for goat cheese thanks to its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy flavor. The best part about cream cheese is that it works well in many hot and cold recipes that also call for goat cheese — and it’s a really affordable switch, too. To use cream cheese as a goat cheese alternative, simply use it as a flavorful spread or add it to your asparagus and eggs, softening it slightly beforehand.
4. Fromage Blanc
Translated from French as “white cheese”, this is a simple, pure ingredient originating in northern France and Belgium. It is a fresh and soft cultured cheese and, although fromage blanc is a bit creamier, it makes a great substitute for goat cheese due to its similar flavor profile.
It works well in recipes that call for creamy and smooth goat cheese, such as crostini, dips and pasta sauces. To make the substitution, simply use the same amount of fromage blanc as you would goat cheese.
5. Cotija
A Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk, Cotija is a white, crumbly cheese that is often used as a topping or added to sauces to add saltiness. Its name comes from the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán and it is widely used across Mexico.
Using Cotija as a substitute for goat cheese works especially well in recipes where a crumbly texture is desired. Whether you need a garnish for your salad or toppings for a savory dish, this crumbly Mexican cheese adds the finishing touches and is easy to work with, effortlessly taking the place of goat cheese. Use equal amounts of Cotija as you would goat cheese.
6. Fresh Blue Cheese
Another great substitute for goat cheese, surprisingly, is fresh blue cheese. Although it differs in flavor with its distinct sharpness, it shares a similar texture with goat cheese. As a substitute, blue cheese is best suited for savory dishes and you should use slightly smaller amounts than you would of goat cheese, as its stronger flavor can easily dominate a dish.
7. Camembert Cheese
You can’t go wrong when replacing goat cheese with Camembert. With a similar tangy and earthy taste, Camembert works well as a goat cheese substitute. Camembert works especially well in hot dishes where a cheesy melt is desired, such as in pasta dishes, as a pizza topping or you can enjoy this substitute for goat cheese inside a panini.
8. Tofu
Everyone has their reasons for searching for a substitute for goat cheese and for some, it’s dietary. Tofu is a superb goat cheese alternative, ideal for vegans and dairy-free diets and it offers a texture that closely resembles goat cheese. To use tofu as a substitute for goat cheese, blend or mix it for use in creamy sauces, dips or spreads. You can also use a tofu press to achieve a crumbly texture, which is great for garnishing salads.
Tofu doesn’t have a strong flavor, instead acting as a “sponge” for other flavors it’s put with, so if you’re after a goat cheese substitute that offers the same strong, salty profile, this might not be the one for you. But if it’s more about texture and appearance, give tofu a go.
9. Hummus
Hummus also works very well as a substitute for goat cheese if you're on a vegan or non-dairy diet. You might not have considered it, but this Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, garlic, lemon, olive oil and sesame offers a similar tangy flavor to that of goat cheese. To use hummus as a goat cheese alternative, choose plain-flavored hummus and use it in dips, sandwiches or wraps, rather than for cooking purposes.
10. Boursin
Hailing from Normandy, Boursin makes a great substitute for goat cheese due to their similar textures. This cheese visually resembles goat cheese but has fragrant herbs, like parsley and chives, mixed in. It offers a two-in-one solution when you need a creamy spread as a substitute for goat cheese.
The best way to use Boursin as a substitute for goat cheese is as a topping, spread or filling. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but remember that Boursin’s garlic and herb flavor can impact the dish, so pair it with complementary ingredients.
11. Mascarpone
If you need a rich, creamy texture in your recipe, mascarpone cheese is a suitable substitute for goat cheese. While goat cheese brings a tangy note, mascarpone’s milder and slightly sweet flavor makes it particularly suited for recipes where the tanginess of goat cheese isn’t essential — think desserts and dips. However, it’s equally suited to savory dishes like pasta sauces. To substitute mascarpone for goat cheese, use it in a 1:1 ratio and add ingredients like salt, lime and lemon to achieve the missing tartness.
12. Ricotta Cheese
With its comparable creaminess and texture, ricotta makes an excellent substitute for goat cheese. Its low-fat nature is also a bonus if you're on a restricted diet.
Ricotta works well in recipes like lasagna, stuffed pasta or as a spread, where its soft, creamy consistency blends effortlessly with other ingredients. To use ricotta as a substitute, stir in a pinch of salt to match the flavor of goat cheese and incorporate it into your dish.
13. Manchego
We’re taking a flavorful detour to the La Mancha region of Spain with manchego cheese. This Spanish cheese is a great substitute for goat cheese when a recipe requires that deep, earthy taste that you typically find in goat cheese.
To use manchego as your substitute for goat cheese, add it to a hot dish, salad or charcuterie board. If you find yourself with any leftovers and you’re wondering “Can you freeze cheese?”, the answer is yes — just place it into sealable freezer bags or containers (depending on whether it's sliced, grated or a whole block), removing as much air as possible before freezing.
14. Queso Añejo
Queso añejo or “aged cheese” is another Mexican goat cheese alternative and does a good job of replicating the tangy flavor of goat cheese, though its texture is noticeably hard and dry compared to fresh goat cheese. Queso añejo is a firm cheese traditionally made from goat's milk, but mostly made with cow's milk now. It is rolled in paprika once it’s made which adds heat to its salty, sharp flavor.
To use queso añejo as a substitute for goat cheese, add it to cooked dishes where its strong flavor can complement the other ingredients. Be sure to reduce the amount of added salt due to the already salty nature of this cheese.
15. Parmesan
If your recipe calls for aged goat cheese, opt for Parmesan. This sharp cheese has an acidic and tangy taste with a crumbly texture similar to goat cheese.
Parmesan makes a great addition to recipes where creamy goat cheese isn’t required, including salads where it can be shaved and used as a garnish, or green spaghetti where it adds a welcome umami flavor. Parmesan's texture is noticeably different from goat cheese, but it adds the delicious savory and tart profile you expect from goat cheese.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Whether for dietary reasons, taste preferences, a missed ingredient while grocery shopping or curiosity to explore new flavors, there are many reasons you might need a substitute for goat cheese. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. While you might already have some in your fridge, this list of the 15 best substitutes for goat cheese ensures you won’t have to look far the next time you find yourself in a goat cheese predicament!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.