I’m not going to lie. Goat cheese is one of my favorite cheeses out there, if not the favorite, and whenever a recipe calls for it I make it a priority to go out and get some.
However, it’s not always possible to find this delicious kind of cheese which is why I’ve had to use goat cheese substitutes in order to complete some recipes.
Whether you’re like me, a goat cheese lover who simply couldn’t find any or you aren’t a fan of the taste and are looking for a way to substitute it, this list will help you find the best substitute for goat cheese!
Latest Hot Topic Article: Check out this list of 10 best cookware for glass top stoves if you’re looking for new pots and pans for your kitchen.
Things to Consider Before Finding Substitute For Goat Cheese
As the name implies, goat cheese is actually made from goat milk, instead of cow. This gives it not only a strong and particular flavor but also a texture that’s hard to find in other kinds of cheeses. If you want to know which is healthier: Goat milk or Cow milk, see this post.
You can learn how to make goat cheese at home with below video:
If you’re substituting goat cheese, you simply won’t be able to find something with the same flavor and texture. At most, you’ll be able to find something with a similar flavor
or
a similar texture so decide what’s more important for your recipe and choose your substitute based on that.
- Related article: Best Cheese Slicer
Substitutes for Goat Cheese
As mentioned before, you should consider whether you’re trying to preserve the flavor or the texture.
Flavor
If you’re aiming to preserve the flavor as much as possible and don’t care much about the texture, consider using the following replacements:
1. Blue Cheese
This cheese is considerably creamier than goat cheese but it has a strong flavor that’s loved by many. Aged blue cheese is less creamy, so you might even approximate the texture but keep in mind the flavor becomes much stronger the older the cheese.
2. Feta Cheese
via seasonedkitchen.com
This cheese also has a strong flavor that compliments various recipes quite well. It’s also a more widespread taste, so if you don’t enjoy goat cheese there’s a good chance you’ll like feta. The texture is completely different, being far more crumbly, so it goes well in salads. Read below to know more about feta cheese:
3. Fromage Blanc
This cheese has a similar texture and flavor to goat cheese but it’s pretty hard to find. Regardless, if your supermarket carries this kind but has ran out of goat cheese, consider using this one.
4. Ricotta Cheese
Typically made with sheep milk, this is a cheese with a low fat content and a similar flavor to goat cheese. However, the texture is slightly firmer than goat cheese.
Read below for more about ricotta cheese:
5. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese has a very strong, salty flavor that many enjoy but the texture is nowhere near similar to goat cheese. If you’re looking for a crumbly, solid cheese then you should use this one. Consider using it in salads.
6. Queso Añejo
Literally translated to aged cheese, this cheese packs the flavor but, as you can imagine, it doesn’t have a similar texture. If you’re going to use it, consider using it in recipes that call for aged goat cheese.
7. Manchego Cheese
Manchego cheese packs the aged flavor but not quite the texture, as this cheese is neither smooth nor solid enough to replace goat cheese based on texture.
Texture
If what you don’t like about goat cheese is the taste but you’re looking for something with a similar texture in order to preserve the integrity of a particular recipe, consider the following substitutes:
8. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has the right creamy texture to serve as a replacement for goat cheese. However, bear in mind that the fat content is generally higher so you should consider using less of it in your recipes. Read below for more about cream cheese:
9. Mascarpone
Mascarpone is used in desserts for a reason. This cheese has a very smooth and creamy texture that feels similar to that of goat cheese. The taste is completely different, though, with mascarpone being noticeable sweeter than goat cheese.
10. Queso Fresco
This Mexican cheese has a similar texture to aged goat cheese (that is, creamy but still somewhat crumbly) and a tangy flavor that makes it a more suitable substitute than the other two cheeses. However, it might not be easy to find.
11. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can give you a similar texture but you have to work on it before achieving it. Simply blend your cheese using a food processor or a blender until it’s perfectly smooth. Then let sit for a little while in the fridge so it solidifies enough to be used as goat cheese.
Read below to know more about cottage cheese:
- 7 Substitutes For Cottage Cheese
- Is Cottage Cheese Gluten Free?
- What Does Cottage Cheese Taste Like?
- Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?
12. Camembert
With a smoothish texture yet a milder flavor, this cheese can work as a good substitute for goat cheese, particularly in dishes that require melting.
Make Your Own
If you aren’t a fan of any of the goat cheese substitutes mentioned here, consider making your own goat cheese substitute.
Though it might sound complicated, this is actually a very simple and straightforward process. You can make your own substitute for goat cheese, just follow below instructions or you can get some help with this cheese making kit.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
- 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled.
- 2 teaspoons of parsley, minced.
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper, ground.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Mix the cream cheese, feta cheese and parsley with an electric mixer or in a food processor. Do this until they’re perfectly integrated and smooth.
- Step 2: Take your mix and carefully shape it into a tube or log. Coat with the freshly ground pepper.
- Step 3: Freeze the ‘mock goat cheese’ for around 15 minutes. Check to see if the texture is satisfactory. Leave in the freezer for a couple of minutes more if it’s still too soft. Serve if the texture is what you were looking for.
Hot Tips
- You can always soak certain cheeses in water or milk in order to give them a “creamier” texture. This is a trick that can be used for cheeses such as feta and manchego, but we suggest you use a small quantity of cheese to see the results before using the whole block.
- You should also consider whether the cheese is used cold or hot in the recipe, as you can get away with different textures if the cheese is going to be melted or mixed into the recipe anyway.
If you know of any other good goat cheese substitutes, leave a comment.
If you want some more goat cheese recipes or ideas, check out this book.
Thank you for reading!
This is an insightful read. I really dislike goat cheese but these substitutes really helped with the recipe I want to try for our Easter celebration.
Really good article- doesn’t just list potential substitutes for goat cheese, but explains the pros & cons of each item, focusing on flavor vs texture. Well done!
I really appreciate this article, as I never liked the taste of goat cheese. Thanks very much for this article! As another comment said, “well done!”.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY! It is early in the morning and all the grocery stores are closed. Ready to make recipe calling for goat cheese and I do not have any. I have made a copy of this list and will keep it with my other recipes.