Randy Chandler
Feta is a popular Greek cheese with a strong, salty taste and a crumbly texture. It is typically made from sheep's milk, but some varieties are made from goat's milk. For those who don't enjoy the strong flavour of feta, there are several alternative cheeses with similar textures and milder flavours. For example, halloumi is a Greek cheese made with a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, resulting in a milder flavour than feta. Another option is queso fresco, a Mexican cheese with a crumbly texture that can be purchased in some parts of the United States. Ricotta salata, a crumbly goat cheese, is also a suitable substitute, although it is saltier than feta. For those seeking a vegan alternative, homemade vegan feta made from soy is a good option, as it has a similar crumbly texture and tangy, salty flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Crumbly, creamy |
| Taste | Tangy, salty |
| Type of milk | Sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of both |
| Substitutes | Ricotta salata, cotija, goat cheese, halloumi, queso fresco, gorgonzola, panela, cottage cheese, vegan feta |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta salata is a good substitute for feta
If you're looking for a substitute for feta cheese, ricotta salata is a great option. Ricotta salata is a salty, white, crumbly cheese that has a similar flavour to feta but with a drier texture. This makes it ideal for recipes that require a dry, salty cheese, such as toppings for dishes like salads.
When substituting feta with ricotta salata, it is important to consider the moisture content. Feta is typically packed in brine, which makes it moist. If you are using ricotta salata as a substitute, it is recommended to use a dry variety or take steps to remove the moisture from the feta by crumbling it into a colander lined with cheesecloth and sprinkling it with salt. This will help to draw out the moisture and prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
In terms of taste, both feta and ricotta salata are salty and tangy. Feta has a tangy and salty taste, while ricotta salata is also described as having a nutty hint to its flavour. The tanginess of feta can be replicated by using vegan cheese, which tends to have a tangy flavour. However, it is important to note that vegan cheese may not have the same creaminess as feta.
Ricotta salata is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good substitute for feta in recipes that call for a dry, salty, and crumbly cheese. This makes it a suitable option for Mediterranean dishes, salads, and toppings. However, if you are looking for a substitute for feta in recipes that require a creamy texture, other cheeses like Gorgonzola or Panela may be better options.
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Crumbly Mexican cheese, cotija, is similar to feta
Feta is also a brined, crumbly cheese with a salty and tangy flavour. It is softer and milder than cotija. When cooked, cotija slightly softens but does not melt, making it suitable for crumbling and sprinkling. It is most frequently used in Mexican cooking, such as enchiladas, nachos, tacos, and chilaquiles. Cotija is also used as a finishing cheese, crumbled or grated as a topping for burritos, soups, salads, beans, and corn on the cob.
The texture and flavour of cotija can vary depending on its age. Younger cotija has a moist and crumbly texture similar to feta, while older cotija becomes sharper and firmer, more akin to Parmesan. When using cotija as a substitute for feta, it is best to use the younger, softer version. However, it is important to note that cotija has a distinct funk that sets it apart from other cheeses.
In terms of substitutes, both cheeses can be replaced with other options. For feta, ricotta salata, chevré, or mizithra can be used as substitutes. For cotija, acceptable substitutes include feta, queso fresco, ricotta salata, Parmesan, or Romano cheese. However, it is important to consider the unique characteristics of each cheese when choosing a substitute.
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Gorgonzola can replace feta in salads, sauces, or pastries
Feta is a white, crumbly, and rindless cheese, usually pressed into square cakes. It has a rich, tangy flavour and a creamy texture. Feta is one of the oldest cheeses, having been made in Greece and other Balkan countries for centuries.
Gorgonzola, on the other hand, is a rich and creamy Italian cow's milk cheese with a savoury, slightly pungent flavour. It is aged for 2 to 3 months, sometimes up to 6 months, and the longer it is aged, the stronger its flavour and aroma become. Younger cheeses are sold as Gorgonzola dolce, while longer-aged cheeses are sold as Gorgonzola naturale or Gorgonzola piccante. Gorgonzola is one of the more popular blue cheeses and can be used as a substitute for feta in salads, creamy pasta sauces, or stuffed pastries where a stronger and bolder cheese flavour is desired.
Gorgonzola works well as a replacement for feta in recipes that benefit from a creamy texture and a distinctive blue cheese tang. It can be used in salads, such as the classic combination of Gorgonzola with dried fruit and nuts and a light balsamic vinaigrette. It can also add a unique flavour to sauces, especially creamy pasta sauces, and pastries where its bold flavour is desired.
In addition to Gorgonzola, there are several other cheeses that can be used as substitutes for feta depending on your taste preferences. For a milder blue cheese flavour, Danish blue can be used. If you like the strong, sharp taste of blue cheese, then Roquefort is a good option. For a milder, slightly tangy taste, Panela, a fresh Mexican cheese, can be used, although it lacks the characteristic saltiness of feta.
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Halloumi is a Greek cheese similar to feta
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese with a firmer texture than feta, which tends to crumble. When cooked, halloumi develops a crispy, flavoursome exterior with a soft, squeaky inside. It is also less salty and intense in flavour than feta, giving it a more neutral function in recipes.
Halloumi is considered a national cheese in Cyprus, where it is traditionally eaten at any time of day, especially at breakfast. It is often served with watermelon, a combination that is also popular in Greece.
Feta, meanwhile, is considered a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product by the European Union, meaning only cheese produced in Greece using traditional methods can be labelled as such. Halloumi gained the same status in October 2021, meaning that only cheese produced in Cyprus can be officially labelled as halloumi.
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Vegan feta cheese has a similar texture to feta
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean dishes, but it's not for everyone. Some people dislike its strong, salty taste, while others avoid it for dietary reasons, such as veganism or lactose intolerance. If you fall into either of these categories, you'll be glad to know that there are several suitable alternatives to feta cheese.
One option is to opt for vegan feta cheese, which has a similar crumbly texture to that of traditional feta. While it can be slightly creamier, its tangy and salty flavour profile is comparable to that of its dairy-based counterpart. Plus, with a mild nutty hint to its taste, it makes an excellent addition to vegan Greek salads or as a topping for vegan pizza.
Vegan feta cheese is typically made without animal products, making it a suitable option for those following a vegan lifestyle. It's worth noting that the quality of vegan cheeses can vary, and some may consider them a "hit or miss." However, by making your own homemade dairy-free feta, you can customise the flavour to your liking.
In addition to vegan feta, there are other non-vegan cheese alternatives that resemble feta in texture and taste. For instance, ricotta salata, a type of ricotta cheese, is known for its similarity to feta in terms of texture. While it may not be as easily accessible as other options, it can be an excellent choice if you're looking for a feta-like cheese with a slightly different flavour.
Another option is halloumi, a Greek cheese made with a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Halloumi has a milder flavour than feta, which may appeal to those who find feta too strong. It also has a similar crumbly texture, making it a versatile substitute in various dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Some substitutes for feta cheese include halloumi, ricotta salata, cotija, gorgonzola, and vegan feta cheese.
Feta is a goat's milk cheese, though some varieties are made with sheep's milk or a combination of both.
Feta is a brined and crumbly cheese with a tangy and salty taste.
Feta substitutes can be used in salads, creamy pasta sauces, or stuffed pastries. They can also be used as toppings for pizza.
