Andy Montoya
Goat's cheese, also called goat cheese or chèvre, is made from goat's milk. It has a distinctive tang and a slightly grainy texture. Its flavour varies depending on how long it has been aged for. If you're looking for a similar cheese, there are several options. Feta, for example, is drier and more crumbly than goat's cheese, but it can be used as a like-for-like replacement. Similarly, ricotta, which is made from sheep's milk, is moist, sweet, and milky, with a firmer texture than goat's cheese, but the two are similar in terms of flavour. Other similar cheeses include blue cheese, halloumi, manchego, and mascarpone.
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese, feta, and cotija are saltier and tangier
Feta is used similarly in Mediterranean dishes, and cotija is used similarly in Mexican cookery. Both are saltier than goat cheese, especially cotija, so you might need to adjust the flavours in your salad and vinaigrette accordingly. Cotija has a very different texture from goat cheese, being hard and crumbly. However, in terms of taste, they are both salty, tangy, and quite bold.
Blue cheese is creamier and softer than goat's cheese. It has a strong taste and a flavour similar to goat's cheese. However, like goat's cheese, the older it gets, the stronger the smell and taste.
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Cream cheese, mascarpone, and ricotta are sweeter and milder
Cream cheese is a good substitute for goat's cheese in terms of texture, although it is richer and contains more fat. It is also a good replacement in baked goods like cheesecakes, where a combination of cream cheese and goat's cheese can mimic the texture of old-fashioned cream cheese—tangy, fresh, and crumbly. However, cream cheese is sweeter than goat's cheese, which has a distinctive tang.
Mascarpone is another option for those who find the tang of goat's cheese too strong. It is a fine choice for dishes where a mild flavour is desired, although it may not provide the sharpness and kick that goat's cheese can offer. Mascarpone is also lighter and creamier than cream cheese and works well in dips, spreads, sandwiches, pastries, and tarts.
Ricotta is a mild and fine-textured fresh cheese that can be used in place of goat's cheese. It is a solid choice for cheese logs or balls, casseroles, pizzas, and flatbreads. It can also be paired with buttermilk or plain yogurt to add a tangy flavour.
Other mild and creamy cheeses that can be considered include queso fresco, queso blanco, and farmer's cheese. These cheeses are made in a similar way to ricotta and are well-suited to recipes with other bold-flavoured ingredients.
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Halloumi, tofu, and manchego are harder and crumbly
Tofu, a staple in Asian cuisines, is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds together. It has a crumbly texture similar to matured goat cheese. Tofu is known for being bland and flavourless, but this means it can take on the flavour of any marinade.
Manchego, a famous Spanish cheese, is generally firm and springy, becoming drier and crumblier as it ages. It is made from the milk of manchega sheep and is often served in thin triangles. Manchego has a sweet, milky, and nutty flavour with notes of grass or hay. The taste and texture vary based on age, with older Manchego having a spicier flavour and a more crystalline texture.
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Emmental, gruyere, and gouda are tangy and salty
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a tangy and salty cheese with a strong taste and a soft, crumbly texture. It is often replaced with feta, which has a similar salty and tangy flavour, or blue cheese, which has a similar strong taste and is creamier and softer. Other substitutes include tofu, which has a similar crumbly texture to matured goat's cheese, and cashew cheese, which is similar in terms of flavour and texture to fresh chèvre.
Emmental, gruyere, and gouda are also tangy and salty. Emmental, also known as Emmenthaler, Emmenthal or Emmenthaler, is a Swiss cheese with a mild, slightly buttery, and sometimes fruity flavour. It is semi-hard and yellow, with a small rind, and is perfect for melting into sauces. Gruyere is a firm, nutty, Swiss cheese, named after the town of Gruyères in Switzerland. It has a rich, creamy, salty, and nutty flavour, which varies depending on its age. Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a warm, nutty, and sweet flavour. Younger gouda has a mild flavour and soft texture, while older gouda has a sharper flavour and harder texture.
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Yogurt, hummus, and avocado are creamy and tangy
Goat cheese has a distinctively tangy taste. Some people may find it too tangy or sour, but others may enjoy its strong flavour. If you're looking for something similar, there are a few options to consider.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt, in particular, is a good alternative to goat cheese. It has a similar tanginess and creaminess, and it can be used in various dishes, including cheesecakes and dips like hummus. Leaving Greek yogurt to drain will give it an even more similar texture to goat cheese. Non-Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute, but it should be thick to maintain the creaminess of the dish.
Hummus
Hummus is a versatile dip that can be made with Greek yogurt, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. It's a healthy, protein-packed snack that can be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, veggies, or as a sandwich spread. The addition of Greek yogurt gives it a tangy and creamy texture, making it an excellent substitute for goat cheese.
Avocado
Avocados, when ripe, have a creamy and buttery texture. Blending avocados with Greek yogurt creates a luscious, tangy, and rich blend known as avocado crema. This versatile sauce can be used as a dip, dollop, or spread and pairs well with roasted vegetables, sandwiches, and even hummus. The combination of avocado and Greek yogurt balances each other's richness while adding a tangy and citrusy kick.
Other alternatives to goat cheese include blue cheese, feta, ricotta, and halloumi. These options offer similar textures or flavours, with varying degrees of saltiness, tanginess, and creaminess.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese has a distinctive tang and a complex flavour that intensifies as it ages. Some similar cheeses include feta, blue cheese, and fromage blanc.
Some good alternatives to goat cheese include mascarpone, ricotta, cream cheese, and gouda.
Some non-dairy alternatives to goat cheese include hummus, avocado, and nuts such as almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, macadamia, or cashews.
