Kamil Perry
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or Chèvre, is a tangy, creamy cheese with a strong flavour. It is made from goat's milk and can be anything from soft goat's curd to mould-ripened or aged hard cheeses. It is a popular ingredient in salads, bruschetta, and other dishes, but some people dislike its distinctive taste and are looking for substitutes. Some good alternatives include feta, Boursin, mascarpone, cream cheese, ricotta, and even tofu for vegans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, soft, dry, crumbly, mould-ripened, aged hard |
| Flavour | Tangy, salty, strong |
| Substitutes | Cream cheese, feta, mascarpone, ricotta, tofu, Greek yoghurt, cotija, Boursin, blue cheese, Parmesan, pecorino, almonds, olives, avocado, hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon/lime |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for months |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese substitutes for vegans
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or Chèvre, is made from goat's milk and can range from soft goat's curd to mould-ripened and aged hard cheeses. The most common goat cheese has a creamy texture similar to cream cheese, and a tangy flavour.
For vegans, or those who are unable to eat goat cheese, there are several substitute options available, both in terms of store-bought alternatives and recipes for homemade vegan goat cheese.
Store-bought Vegan Substitutes
For a similar flavour profile, you could try a dairy-free cream cheese made from yogurt, which will add a tangy taste to your dish. Feta is another option, although it is drier and more crumbly than goat cheese, so you may need to adjust your seasoning accordingly. If you're making a salad, blue cheese or mascarpone could also be good substitutes.
Homemade Vegan Goat Cheese
There are several recipes for homemade vegan goat cheese, most of which include a base of soaked cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, and water. Some recipes also include probiotic capsules, refined coconut oil, white miso paste, and extra virgin olive oil. The ingredients are blended and then set in the fridge, resulting in a creamy, tangy, and crumbly cheese that can be sliced, spread, baked, grilled, or crumbled.
Other Vegan Alternatives
If you're looking for a salty burst of flavour to replace goat cheese, a handful of olives is a good vegan alternative. Roasted almonds, or other nuts like pistachios, macadamias, or pine nuts will also add flavour and crunch to your dish. A dollop of creamy hummus or some avocado can also be used as a substitute for the creamy texture and tangy flavour of goat cheese.
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Substitutes for soft goat cheese
Soft goat cheese, also known as goat cheese or chèvre, is made from goat's milk. It has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. If you're looking for substitutes for soft goat cheese, here are some options to consider:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has a similar creamy texture to goat cheese, although it is less firm and has a milder flavour. It is a suitable substitute in most recipes that call for goat cheese.
Feta Cheese
Feta is a salty and tangy cheese that is typically drier and more crumbly in texture than goat cheese. It is usually a mixture of sheep and goat milk, so it has a similar "goatiness" while being milder in flavour.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a mild, sweet, and creamy cheese often used in desserts and baked goods. It has a similar texture to goat cheese but lacks the strong flavour, making it a good option if you prefer a milder taste.
Ricotta
Ricotta is a mild-tasting and fine-textured cheese with a faint tang. It has a looser texture than goat cheese and may be wetter, so it is best to drain the ricotta before using it as a substitute. Adding a bit of salt to the ricotta can make its flavour closer to that of goat cheese.
Tofu
For a dairy-free option, tofu is a fantastic substitute for goat cheese. Medium-firm to firm tofu has a texture similar to crumbled goat cheese. To enhance the flavour, mix the drained tofu with salt and nutritional yeast.
Olives
If you're looking for a dairy-free and vegan alternative, a handful of olives can provide a similar salty burst of flavour as goat cheese.
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Substitutes for hard goat cheese
Goat cheese, also known as Chèvre, is made from goat's milk and ranges from soft goat's curd to mould-ripened cheeses and even aged hard cheeses. The most common goat cheese is a soft white log with a creamy texture similar to cream cheese.
If you are looking for substitutes for hard goat cheese, you could try the following:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has a similar texture to goat cheese, although it is usually a little stiffer. It also has a milder flavour and lacks the tanginess of goat cheese. However, you can add a small amount of Greek yoghurt to cream cheese to recreate the tanginess and soften the texture. Cream cheese works well in pasta dishes and spreads.
Feta
Feta is a good substitute for goat cheese in salads. It has a similar taste and texture to goat cheese, although it is drier and more crumbly. It is also saltier, so you may need to use less seasoning in your dish.
Boursin
Boursin is a cow's milk cheese with a similar tang to goat cheese.
Persian Feta
Persian feta is a good match for goat cheese as it is marinated in oil and has a creamy texture and tangy flavour.
Parmesan
Parmesan is much harder than goat cheese and has a stronger, more savoury flavour profile. It can be sprinkled or sliced over pasta dishes and baked goods, and will melt and taste similar to goat cheese. It adds a nice salty tang to any dish.
Manchego
Manchego is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese that is harder than goat cheese but has a slightly sweet flavour akin to fresh goat cheese. It is used in similar recipes, although its texture differs from goat cheese.
Camembert
Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese with a milky and tangy taste. It can be used as a substitute for goat cheese, although it is much creamier. The rind is edible and adds a lot of flavour to dishes.
Labneh
Labneh is a Mediterranean yoghurt cheese with a thick texture and tangy flavour. It works well as a substitute for goat cheese in spreads.
Other Options
If you are happy to move away from cheese substitutes, you could try a handful of olives for a salty burst of flavour, or roasted almonds for texture and a big flavour hit. Other nuts such as pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias or cashews can also be used to add flavour and crunch to your dish.
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Mediterranean and Mexican alternatives
Mediterranean alternatives to goat cheese include feta, labneh, and cream cheese. Feta has a similar texture to goat cheese, as it is crumbly but remains soft. It also has a tangy flavor, although it is saltier than goat cheese. Labneh is a type of yogurt cheese from the Mediterranean region with a creamy texture and tangy flavor. It works well as a substitute for goat cheese in dips and spreads but is less suitable for pasta dishes or baked goods. Cream cheese has a similar creamy and smooth texture to goat cheese and a mildly tangy flavor. It is a good substitute for goat cheese in both hot and cold recipes and is an affordable option.
Mexican alternatives to goat cheese include queso añejo, cotija, and blue cheese. Queso añejo is a firm, aged cheese traditionally made from goat's milk but now mostly made with cow's milk. It has a hard and dry texture and a salty, sharp flavor. Cotija is a sharp, crumbly goat cheese that has been called "the Parmesan of Mexico." It is often served over beans and salads. Blue cheese shares a similar texture with goat cheese but has a distinct sharpness in flavor. It works well as a substitute for goat cheese in savory dishes, but its strong flavor means smaller amounts should be used.
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Dairy-free and vegan alternatives
There are also a number of savory and sweet additions that can be made to vegan goat cheese. Smoked paprika, dried onion, or garlic powder can be mixed into the cheese, or it can be rolled into chopped nuts or seeds such as sesame seeds or pistachios. For a sweet flavor, minced dates, figs, or dried apricots can be added, along with candied pecans or walnuts.
Some dairy-free alternatives to goat cheese include olives, almonds, pistachios, macadamias, cashews, hummus, avocado, and sun-dried tomatoes. These alternatives can be added to dishes that typically include goat cheese, such as salads, to add a similar texture or flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or Chèvre, is a cheese made from goat's milk. It ranges from soft goat's curd to mould-ripened cheeses and even aged hard cheeses. The most common goat cheese is a soft white log with a creamy texture.
Some substitutes for goat cheese include feta, mascarpone, cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, blue cheese, and pecorino. For a dairy-free option, tofu is a great substitute.
Goat cheese is commonly used in salads, bruschetta, dips, and spreads. It can also be used in pastries, both sweet and savoury.
Goat cheese is a good source of protein, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and healthy fats. It also contains probiotics that aid in gut health and improve digestion.
