Bushra Griffith
Soft goat cheese, also known as chèvre or Chevre, is a French cheese made from goat's milk. It has a strong, tangy taste and soft texture, making it a popular ingredient. However, it can be expensive and inaccessible. Fortunately, there are plenty of great substitutes for soft goat cheese, including cream cheese, feta, ricotta, mascarpone, and more. These alternatives offer similar textures, flavours, and nutritional profiles, making them versatile options for various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes for soft goat cheese | Feta, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Halloumi, Shaved Parmesan, Camembert, Labneh, Tofu, Ricotta, Mascarpone |
| Feta characteristics | Firmer, saltier, less tangy, softer |
| Cream cheese characteristics | Milder, less tangy |
| Cottage cheese characteristics | Milder, creamier, less tangy |
| Halloumi characteristics | Harder, more crumbly, saltier |
| Shaved parmesan characteristics | Harder, drier, more savoury |
| Camembert characteristics | Creamier, tangier |
| Labneh characteristics | Tangy, creamy |
| Tofu characteristics | Cholesterol-free, high fat and protein |
| Ricotta characteristics | Mild, soft, spreadable, low-fat |
| Mascarpone characteristics | Mild, rich, sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Feta is a good substitute for goat's cheese
Feta is a good substitute for goat cheese, especially in salads and Greek dishes. Both are soft, white cheeses with similar textures and a range of flavours from mild to sharp. However, feta is generally saltier and firmer than goat cheese, so it is advisable to use a little less feta than the amount of goat cheese specified in a recipe.
Feta is a Greek cheese that is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is cured in brine for several months, which gives it a tangy, rich, mildly fermented taste. It is also filled with protein, vitamins, and probiotics. Goat cheese, on the other hand, is usually made with only goat's milk. It does not age and has an earthy, gamy taste due to the natural grass diet of the goats.
Both feta and goat cheese can be used in similar ways while cooking. They can be whipped into dips or spreads, crumbled into salads, or served on a meat and cheese board. Feta is often paired with olives, while goat cheese goes well with jam. Feta is also commonly used in Greek dishes such as salads and pastries.
When substituting feta for goat cheese, it is important to consider the salt content of the dish. Since feta is saltier than goat cheese, you may need to reduce the amount of seasoning in your dish. Additionally, if you are using feta in a dip or spread, you can add some Greek yoghurt to soften its texture.
In terms of nutrition, goat cheese is known for its health benefits. It is high in nutrients and protein, but low in calories, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier diet. Feta also offers some nutritional value, as it is filled with protein, vitamins, and probiotics. However, it is important to note that pregnant women should avoid soft cheeses like goat cheese due to the risk of listeria, a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
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Cream cheese can be used as a replacement
Cream cheese has a milder flavour than goat cheese, but you can alter the taste by adding a small amount of Greek yoghurt to give it the classic tanginess of goat cheese. This will also soften the texture, making it easier to use in recipes.
Cream cheese works best as a goat cheese substitute in pasta dishes and spreads. For example, you can use cream cheese in recipes such as Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta or Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese, or as a spread like Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Mushrooms.
If you are looking for a substitute for goat cheese crumbles in a salad, you may want to consider using feta cheese instead of cream cheese, as it has a similar texture and is softer than cream cheese.
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Ricotta is a mild alternative
If you're looking for a soft goat cheese substitute, there are several options available. One mild alternative is ricotta, which is a soft, creamy, and rich cheese with a fresh and mild flavour. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, and pairs well with honey and fruit on a cheese plate. It is also a healthy option due to its low-fat content.
Ricotta is an excellent substitute for soft goat cheese in its spreadable forms. You can use it in dishes such as stuffed shells, manicotti, pizza, soup topping or thickener, and cheesecakes. It is also a good option for those who don't like the strong flavour of goat cheese but still want a soft and creamy cheese.
However, it's important to note that ricotta has a very loose texture, so it is recommended only for spreads and similar recipes. To add flavour to ricotta, you can stir in some salt as it is very mild and needs salting to taste.
Other alternatives to soft goat cheese include cream cheese, which has a similar creamy and smooth texture and can be used in similar recipes. Feta cheese is also a good substitute, especially in salads and Greek dishes, as it has a similar taste and texture to goat cheese. If you're looking for a non-dairy option, tofu is a suitable substitute for soft goat cheese.
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Camembert is a good soft cheese option
If you're looking for a substitute for soft goat cheese, Camembert is a good soft cheese option. Camembert is a French cheese that originated in the village of Camembert in Normandy in the 18th century. It is made from cow's milk and has a soft, creamy texture with a stronger, slightly sour, and sometimes chalky flavour compared to other soft cheeses like Brie. Its flavour intensifies as it ripens, becoming more complex and earthy.
Camembert is a good substitute for goat cheese because, like goat cheese, it is a soft cheese with a tangy taste. While Camembert is creamier than goat cheese, it has a similar milky flavour. The rind of Camembert, which is completely edible, adds a lot of flavour to the dish. When choosing Camembert as a substitute for goat cheese, it is best to go for a younger variety as its flavour gets stronger as it ages.
Camembert can be enjoyed in similar ways to goat cheese, such as spread on crackers or as part of a cheese board with fruits. It can also be baked to create a lovely and smooth spread, making it a delicious alternative to goat cheese. The baking process softens the cheese, making it even creamier and easier to use in recipes.
In terms of nutrition, Camembert is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins. It has a lower fat content than some other soft cheeses like Brie, making it a healthier option for those conscious of their fat intake. Camembert also has a longer shelf life compared to other soft cheeses, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
When using Camembert as a substitute for goat cheese, it is important to consider the differences in texture and flavour. Camembert has a slightly firmer texture than goat cheese, which can affect how it melts or blends with other ingredients. It is also more pungent in terms of aroma, so it may be advisable to use a smaller amount when substituting it for goat cheese in recipes.
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Tofu is a vegan-friendly substitute
Tofu doesn't have a strong flavor, so it won't provide the same tangy, salty profile as goat cheese. However, it works well as a substitute in creamy sauces, dips, or spreads. You can also use a tofu press to achieve a crumbly texture, which is great for garnishing salads.
Tofu can be easily made into a vegan goat cheese using a food processor. This method creates a smooth and creamy base that is also somehow crumbly, closely resembling the texture of goat cheese. You can also mold the tofu into classic goat cheese logs to make it look as similar as possible.
Overall, tofu is a versatile and vegan-friendly substitute for soft goat cheese, offering a similar texture and a neutral flavor that can be adapted to various recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several substitutes for soft goat cheese, including feta, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and cottage cheese.
Tofu is a dairy-free, vegan substitute for soft goat cheese. It has a similar fat and protein content to cheese but is cholesterol-free.
Feta and ricotta are both low-fat substitutes for soft goat cheese.
Feta is a good substitute for soft goat cheese in a salad. It is saltier than goat cheese, so use a little less than the recipe calls for.
