Patrick Oconnell
Feta and cotija are both salty, tangy cheeses with a crumbly texture. Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of goat and sheep milk, while cotija is a Mexican specialty made from cow's milk. If you're looking for substitutes for these cheeses, there are several options to consider. For feta, you can try goat cheese, queso fresco, blue cheese, or cottage cheese. As for cotija, good substitutes include feta, queso fresco, Parmesan, goat cheese, Romano cheese, and Añejo cheese. These substitute cheeses offer similar textures and flavors, making them suitable replacements in various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes for Feta Cheese | Ricotta salata, Paneer, Cottage Cheese, Queso Fresco, Sirene, Halloumi, Goat Milk Feta |
| Substitutes for Cotija Cheese | Feta, Parmesan, Queso Fresco, Anejo, Ricotta Salata, Romano, Grana Padano, Goat Cheese, Pecorino Romano, Oaxaca |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta Salata
If you are looking for an alternative to ricotta salata, feta is a good option, especially if you are looking for a saltier option. Other substitutes include queso fresco, a Mexican crumbling cheese, and goat cheese, although these may not be suitable for Italian dishes.
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Parmesan
When Cotija ages, it can take on a texture and flavour similar to Parmesan, so Parmesan is a good substitute for aged Cotija. However, Parmesan has a more mellow umami flavour, while Cotija is predominantly salty and sour, so the flavours are distinct.
When substituting Parmesan for Cotija, it is important to consider the flavour and texture differences and adjust the recipe accordingly. Parmesan may not provide the exact flavour or texture of Cotija, but it can add a nice salty punch to dishes.
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Queso Fresco
When substituting queso fresco for feta, keep in mind that it has a softer texture and a milder flavour. It may not provide the same briny taste that feta adds to Greek dishes. However, its mildness and tanginess can complement a variety of recipes.
Similarly, when using queso fresco in place of cotija cheese, it may not offer the same level of saltiness. Cotija cheese is known for its crumbly texture and salty kick. Queso fresco, while also crumbly, is milder in flavour and softer in texture.
To enhance the saltiness of queso fresco when using it as a substitute, you can season it with a pinch of salt or use a combination of cheeses. Freezing and thawing queso fresco can also make it crumbly, similar to feta or cotija cheese.
In summary, queso fresco is a versatile Mexican cheese that can be used as a substitute for feta or cotija cheese in various dishes. It adds a creamy, tangy, and mild flavour profile. When substituting, consider adjusting the seasoning or combining it with other cheeses to achieve the desired taste and texture.
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Goat Cheese
Feta and cotija are both excellent substitutes for goat cheese when your recipe calls for crumbling it over salads, or as a garnish on pizzas, thick soups, or appetizers. They are much better in the garnish role than softer substitutes. Feta is a 1:1 substitute for goat cheese and is ideal for salads, pastas, and Mediterranean dishes. It has a similar texture to fresh goat cheese—crumbly but soft—and a comparable tangy flavor. However, feta is a bit saltier than goat cheese, so you may want to use slightly less in your recipe. You can also soften feta's texture by mixing it with olive oil, which makes it a good substitute for recipes that require creamier goat cheese.
Cotija is a white, crumbly Mexican cheese made from goat's milk, sheep's milk, or a combination of the two, so it has a more pungent flavor and aroma than goat cheese. It is often used as a topping or added to sauces to add saltiness. It works especially well in recipes where a crumbly texture is desired. Use equal amounts of cotija as you would goat cheese.
Other substitutes for goat cheese include:
- Tofu: The medium-firm kind is best, and you can mash or whip it for spreads and dips or press it overnight in a tofu press to make it crumbly. You can "funk it up" with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, herbs, or other flavorings.
- Cream cheese: This is considered one of the best substitutes for goat cheese thanks to its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy flavor.
- Mascarpone: This rich and creamy Italian soft cheese has a finer texture than goat cheese and a milder flavor.
- Labneh: This Mediterranean yogurt cheese is impossibly soft and rich, with a smooth texture similar to goat cheese but a much milder flavor. To bring out the tanginess, add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Ricotta: This fine-grained cheese has a faint tang and a mild flavor.
- Cambazola: This is a good substitute for goat cheese in meat- or poultry-based dishes, pasta dishes, casseroles, sauces, and dips.
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Cottage Cheese
Some recipes that require feta cheese can be made with cottage cheese instead. For example, cottage cheese can be used as a topping on baked potatoes or in salads. It can also be used in cooked and baked dishes.
Similarly, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for cotija cheese in cooked and baked dishes, as well as on pasta and tacos. However, the excess liquid should be removed first when using it as a topping.
Overall, cottage cheese is a versatile and easily accessible substitute for feta or cotija cheese, although its milder flavour may not provide the same tangy kick as feta.
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