Andy Montoya
Goat cheese, also known as chevre in French, is a delicious addition to many recipes thanks to its tangy flavour and creamy texture. However, if you're looking for a substitute, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Feta cheese is a popular substitute, as it has a similar texture and flavour profile to goat cheese, although it is drier and saltier. Another option is cream cheese, which has a similar creamy texture to goat cheese, although it is less tangy. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, labneh, a type of yogurt cheese from the Mediterranean, is a tasty and protein-rich choice. Shaved parmesan can also be used as a substitute for goat cheese, although it has a stronger, more savoury flavour and a harder, drier texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes for goat cheese | Feta, Parmesan, Queso añejo, Cream cheese, Labneh, Tofu, Blue cheese, Olives, Nuts, Hummus, Avocado |
| Feta cheese characteristics | Crumbly but soft, tangy, saltier |
| Parmesan characteristics | Sharp, acidic, tangy, crumbly, strong savoury flavour profile |
| Queso añejo characteristics | Strong flavour, salty |
| Cream cheese characteristics | Less tangy than goat cheese |
| Labneh characteristics | Soft, rich, thick, creamy, spreadable |
| Tofu characteristics | Complex, cheese-like flavour |
| Blue cheese characteristics | Pungent |
| Olives characteristics | Salty |
| Nuts characteristics | Crunchy |
| Hummus characteristics | Creamy, tangy |
| Avocado characteristics | Creamy |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese as a substitute
Feta cheese is a great substitute for goat cheese and is readily available in most refrigerators. Feta has a texture similar to that of fresh goat cheese; it is crumbly but remains soft. Feta also has a tangy flavour, which is characteristic of goat cheese. When substituting feta for goat cheese, it is important to keep in mind that feta is saltier, so you may want to reduce the amount you use in your recipe. Feta works well as a substitute for goat cheese when sprinkled on salads or crumbled over homemade pizza.
If you are using feta in a recipe that calls for a creamier texture, you can soften it by mixing it with olive oil. Feta is also available in different styles and salt contents, with Greek feta being the most common, and Danish feta being a smoother, less salty option. You can also try feta made from cow's milk, which is another type of feta with a creamier texture.
If you are substituting feta for aged goat cheese, you may want to try Parmesan instead. Parmesan has a sharp, acidic, and tangy taste with a crumbly texture similar to goat cheese.
Other substitutes for goat cheese include ricotta, cream cheese, and labneh, a type of Mediterranean yogurt cheese with a soft and rich texture.
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Parmesan as a substitute
Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk, with a deeply savoury flavour. It is a perfect substitute for goat cheese, especially when creamy goat cheese is not required. Parmesan has a salty and nutty taste, similar to goat cheese, and a crumbly texture.
If you are looking to replace goat cheese in a cooked dish, Parmesan is a great option. It can be shaved or grated and used as a garnish, adding a tangy and acidic flavour. Parmesan is a good substitute for aged goat cheese, as it has a similar texture and taste.
When substituting Parmesan for goat cheese, consider the specific requirements of your dish. For example, Parmesan may not be the best substitute for goat cheese in cooked dishes that require melting, as it does not melt in the same way. In such cases, other substitutes like cheddar or halloumi may be more suitable, as they melt well and provide a similar cheesy flavour.
If you are looking for a non-dairy substitute for Parmesan, there are a few options to consider. Toasted breadcrumbs, known as 'pan gratato' in Italy, can add crunch and visual interest when sprinkled over pasta. Sea salt flakes can also be used to replace the salty flavour of Parmesan, although they will not provide the same visual appeal or substance as grated cheese.
In summary, Parmesan is a suitable substitute for goat cheese in many dishes, especially when a tangy, savoury flavour is desired. It works well as a garnish or when shaved or grated over salads or pasta. However, consider other substitutes if melting properties are required, and explore non-dairy alternatives if needed.
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Non-dairy alternatives
There are several non-dairy alternatives to goat's cheese that can be used as substitutes. For a vegan alternative, a handful of olives can provide a burst of salty flavour. Roasted almonds and other nuts such as pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias, or cashews can also be used to add flavour and crunch to a dish. A dollop of creamy hummus can add the tanginess and substance that goat's cheese provides. Similarly, avocado can add creaminess to a dish, and a squeeze of lemon or lime can enhance its flavour.
Fermented tofu has a complex, cheese-like flavour and can be used as a substitute for goat's cheese. Tofu can be prepared as a crumbly substitute by using a cast-iron skillet. While not entirely non-dairy, cream cheese can be used as a substitute for goat's cheese, especially in recipes where the cheese's flavour is secondary to its creaminess.
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Cream cheese as a substitute
Cream cheese is a versatile substitute that can be used in place of goat cheese in a variety of dishes. While it may not perfectly replicate the tangy flavour and creamy, spreadable consistency of goat cheese, cream cheese can still produce delicious results.
Cream cheese is an excellent substitute for goat cheese in recipes that require a creamy texture. For example, it can be used in dips and fillings, or as a spread on toasted bread or bagels. Cream cheese is also a common ingredient in frostings and baked goods, such as carrot cake, where it provides a rich and creamy texture.
When substituting cream cheese for goat cheese, consider adding a small amount of cream to improve the texture, especially if using in dips or fillings. Additionally, if a tangy flavour is desired, other substitutes may be more suitable, as cream cheese has a milder taste.
Cream cheese is a good option for those who may not enjoy the flavour of goat cheese or have dietary restrictions. It is also a readily available alternative, as it is likely to already be in your fridge.
While cream cheese is a versatile substitute, it may not be the best option for all recipes. For example, in dishes where a stronger flavour is required, other substitutes like feta cheese or Parmesan may be preferable.
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Other types of cheese
There are several other types of cheese that can be used as substitutes for goat cheese. Feta cheese is a popular choice, as it has a similar texture and flavour profile to goat cheese. It is crumbly yet soft, tangy, and saltier than goat cheese, so you may need to adjust the seasoning in your recipe accordingly.
Another option is cream cheese, which has a similar creamy texture to goat cheese, although it is less tangy in flavour. For recipes that require crumbling goat cheese, such as salads, garnishes, or appetizers, cotija cheese can be used as a substitute. Cotija is drier and saltier than goat cheese, with a funkier flavour profile, so again, adjustments to the seasoning may be necessary.
If you are looking for a substitute to sprinkle on salads or crumble over pizza, queso añejo is a suitable option. It has a strong flavour that can complement other ingredients, but its salty nature means you should reduce the amount of added salt in your recipe. For recipes that call for aged goat cheese, Parmesan can be used as a substitute. Parmesan has a sharp, acidic, and tangy flavour with a crumbly texture similar to goat cheese. It works well as a garnish or in recipes where a creamy cheese is not required.
For those seeking a vegan alternative, fermented tofu has a complex, cheese-like flavour that can be a good substitute for goat cheese, depending on how it is prepared and flavoured.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several substitutes for goat cheese. Feta cheese is a popular alternative used in Mediterranean dishes, while cotija cheese is often used in Mexican cuisine. Queso añejo and Parmesan are also good substitutes for goat cheese.
Some dairy-free substitutes for goat cheese include olives, nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews, and creamy hummus. Fermented tofu is also a good substitute and has a complex, cheese-like flavor.
Labneh, a popular Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fresh cheese, is a good substitute for goat cheese in dips and spreads. It is made by draining yogurt overnight to remove the whey, leaving it thick, creamy, and spreadable.
Some substitutes for goat cheese that can be used on salads include feta cheese, shaved Parmesan, or even just adding some good olives, nuts, or avocado.
Cooked dishes that call for goat cheese can substitute it with queso añejo, which has a strong flavor that can complement other ingredients.
