Substitute for Feta Cheese: 11 Delicious Replacements You Should Know!

Feta cheese is among the most popular cheeses in the world. However, it can be one of those cheeses people either love or hate.

Whether you’ve run out of feta cheese and can’t get to the store to buy more or you just aren’t a big fan of the taste, we will help you find a substitute for feta cheese. 

The following list includes the best substitutes for feta cheese as well as directions on how to use it so read carefully in order to find the one that works for you.

Substitute for Feta Cheese

1. Ricotta Cheese

This is probably the best feta cheese substitute you’ll find, not only because it’s very easy to find but also because it has a similar texture, which means it crumbles easily and it has the same purpose as feta in various recipes.

Despite the similar texture, ricotta has a sweeter, considerably less salty flavor so if you’re looking for something that can match feta’s distinctive flavor then this shouldn’t be your first choice.

If you want to learn how to make homemade ricotta cheese, check this article.​

Read below to know more about ricotta cheese:​

This Mexican cheese has a sharper flavor than feta, being closer to parmesan than anything else. It crumbles quite easily, even more so than feta, but it works as a good substitute if you’re looking for a stronger cheese or if you’re looking for something with a similar texture.

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3. Halloumi Cheese

If what you’re looking for is a milder version of feta then you should consider Halloumi cheese. This greek cheese has a similar texture to feta, though it doesn’t crumble as easily.

It’s best served when cut into slices rather than crumbled but it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a mild cheese.

See the video below to know How To Make Halloumi or Helim at Home:​

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4. Queso Fresco

Another Mexican cheese, this cheese has a mild flavor that you’re sure to love and a crumbly texture that makes it a great substitute for Feta Cheese.

“Queso Fresco” literally means fresh cheese and that’s because, in Mexico, it is prepared with raw milk. This isn’t the case in America, so the flavor might change between countries but the consistency will remain the same.

It’s recommended that you use this cheese the same day as you buy it as it’s at its most delicious when it’s fresh. This isn’t to say it won’t keep well in the fridge, it will, but the flavor will deteriorate with time.

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5. Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese with a very peculiar aspect. Because of its crumbly texture, gorgonzola is a suitable replacement for Feta. However, it has a much stronger flavor, particularly the aged kind, so you should go with the less-is-more approach when you’re using it to replace feta cheese.

Gorgonzola keeps well in the fridge but it’s at its best when it’s at room temperature.

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6. Cottage Cheese

This wet cheese has a peculiar flavor that tastes nothing like feta but they’re textures are alike, particularly once the cottage is separated from the whey serum.

Put the cheese on a strainer and wait for it to drain off completely. You can even go as far as to rinse it, but it’s not necessary.

What you’re left with is a dry, crumbly cheese that you can salt to get a more suitable feta substitute.

Read below to know more about cottage cheese:​

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that can be easily sliced. It has a soft and moist texture and a salty taste.

This makes it an ideal substitute for those who like the flavor of feta but hate its texture.

This is also one of those cheeses that can be made at home which means you can always use it as a substitute if you feel like it.

Traditional feta cheese is made out of 30% goats meal which means that goat cheese is an excellent substitute for feta cheese as far as taste goes.

Fresh goat cheese is similar to cream cheese and very easy to spread. Aged goat cheese is firm and chalky, to the point that it can be crumbled into pieces.

Goat cheese isn’t as crumbly as feta cheese but it can work as a great replacement in savory dishes, as well as certain desserts.

If you’re looking for a feta substitute because you’re vegan or vegetarian, tofu is a great substitute for feta cheese.

Because tofu can be just as crumbly as feta, it’s one of the most popular alternatives, even for dairy eaters.

Keep in mind that the flavor isn’t at all similar so you’re going to have to cook it a bit to get a similar result.

While cheddar’s texture very different to feta’s, the flavor is similar when it comes to young versions of this cheese.

If you’re concerned about appearances, then make sure to get white cheddar which the undyed version of yellow cheddar. If you don’t care about that then it really makes no difference what kind of cheddar you get, just make sure to get a young one if you want it to taste anything like feata.

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11. Panela Cheese

Yet another Mexican cheese, panela has a fresh and mild flavor that’s somewhat similar to feta, though it depends a lot on the brand. Fresh panela is chewy and even a little ‘rubbery’ approaching the texture of halloumi cheese.

Some versions of panela cheese come with whey serum, which makes them considerably harder to crumble and impossible to melt. Other versions are drier and can often be found in a small basket. This version is dry and very easy to crumble, coupled with a stronger salty taste.

The later works much better as a feta substitute but the former will work just fine if you’re in a pinch.

​Final Thought

Whether you love or hate feta, this list will help you substitute this cheese next time you absolutely have to!

Did you enjoy this list? Do you know other substitutes for feta cheese? Have you used any kind of cheese we mentioned above? Do you have any questions?

Leave a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading! You might also enjoy our guide to Cheese and Wine Pairing.

Check out this impressive cheese slicer and this bamboo cheese board for your next get together!