Substitutes for feta cheese in cooking include cottage cheese, ricotta salata, goat cheese, queso fresco, halloumi, paneer, cream cheese, mizithra, marinated tofu, and nut-based vegan alternatives. These can be used in salads, baked goods, cooked dishes, dips, and vegan recipes.
Cottage cheese can provide a similar creamy texture with a milder taste. It works well in salads when crumbled. Use a 1:1 ratio. Note that it's less salty, so you may want to adjust seasoning. Popular brands include Daisy and Breakstone's.
Ricotta Salata is a salted, dried variant of ricotta. It is firmer and can be crumbled like feta. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It offers a milder flavor, so it might not fully mimic feta's tanginess. Brands like BelGioioso are well-regarded.
Goat cheese can substitute feta in baking, providing a tangy, creamy consistency. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a smoother texture and a flavor that's tangy yet less salty. Chavrie and Vermont Creamery are popular brands.
Queso Fresco is a Mexican cheese with a mild, fresh flavor and crumbly texture similar to feta. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It's less tangy but works well in baked dishes. Cacique is a recommended brand.
Halloumi has a similar salty flavor and is excellent grilled or fried. Use in a 1:1 ratio for cooked dishes. It has a higher melting point, so it keeps its shape well. Expect a chewier texture. Look for brands like Cypressa.
Paneer is an Indian cheese that doesn't melt, making it a good substitute in cooked applications. It has a mild flavor, so you may want to add extra seasoning. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Gopi Paneer is a popular choice.
Cream cheese can be used for a creamy base in dips and spreads, with a milder flavor. Add some lemon juice or vinegar for tanginess. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Philadelphia is a well-known brand.
Mizithra is a Greek whey cheese with a tangy taste. For dips, use the fresh version rather than the aged. Blend with cream for a smoother consistency. Use in a ratio similar to feta. Brands like Mt. Vikos provide quality Mizithra.
Marinated tofu can mimic feta's texture and flavor in vegan recipes. Press and crumble firm tofu, then marinate in lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Brands like Nasoya offer firm tofu suitable for this purpose.
Nut-based vegan feta alternatives can provide a similar texture and tanginess. They often incorporate almonds or cashews. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Brands like Violife and Follow Your Heart offer such products.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Salads | Cottage Cheese, Ricotta Salata |
| Baked Goods | Goat Cheese, Queso Fresco |
| Cooked Dishes | Halloumi, Paneer |
| Dips and Spreads | Cream Cheese, Mizithra |
| Vegan and Dairy-Free Recipes | Tofu (Marinated), Nut-Based Feta Alternatives |
While feta cheese offers a distinct taste and texture in a variety of dishes, these substitutes provide viable alternatives that can cater to different dietary needs and preferences, allowing you to adapt recipes without compromise.
