# Need a Substitute for Feta Cheese? Try These 5 Alternatives

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substitute-for-feta-cheese
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2020-12-08T07:10:28
Updated: 2020-12-08T07:10:28
Originating in Greece, feta cheese is an incredibly popular and tasty cheese around the world. Many people enjoy the salty taste of feta on top of their **salads, toast, and pasta dishes**. But if you’ve used the last of your feta and **need a substitute for feta cheese**, there are a handful of other cheese products that you can use in its place. From **ricotta to cottage cheese to queso fresco**, you should be able to find a suitable substitute for feta cheese that fits your taste preferences and dietary needs. **Read on to see the five best alternatives to feta cheese.**

## Ricotta

**Ricotta is one of the most popular substitutes for feta cheese.** Why? Because it successfully replicates the crumbly texture and delicious taste of feta. However, [ricotta](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substitutes-for-ricotta-cheese) is less salty than feta, so you might need to **add an extra pinch of salt to your recipe** to imitate the flavor accurately. You can also keep an eye out for **ricotta salata**, which is an older and drier form of ricotta cheese that tastes more like feta.

## Cotija cheese

Cotija cheese is a mild Mexican cheese that’s frequently used on top of **tacos, salads, enchiladas, and similar dishes.** At first glance, you will notice that [cotija cheese](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/cotija-cheese-substitute) looks nearly identical to feta cheese since it comes in a block and easily crumbles down into smaller pieces. Plus, **cotija cheese is quite salty in taste, making it a strong substitute for feta cheese.**

## Goat cheese

As the name suggests, **goat cheese (also known as chèvre) comes from goat’s milk.** It is produced in a variety of textures and flavors, although it’s most often sold as a **soft and creamy cheese** that’s easy to spread over crackers. Goat cheese shares some similarities with feta cheese since both are **salty and crumbly** and use goat’s milk in their production.

## Cottage cheese

Even though cottage cheese is runnier than other options on this list, **it can actually serve as a solid substitute for feta cheese.** Cottage cheese can stand in for feta in terms of texture, but the taste won’t match exactly. To get the flavor closer to feta, **you’ll likely need to add some extra salt to your cottage cheese.**

## Queso fresco

Like cotija cheese, **queso fresco is a style of cheese that is popular in Latin American cuisine.** Queso fresco comes from cow’s milk or goat’s milk. It is a fabulous addition to many diverse types of dishes for a creamy kick. It is available in various textures, so you’ll want to look for a **medium-firm version if you’re using it as a substitute for feta cheese.** However, queso fresco can be tricky to find in some grocery stores, so you might prefer to [make your own](https://www.thespruceeats.com/homemade-queso-fresco-3029782). With so many **tasty alternatives to feta cheese,** it shouldn’t be challenging to find one that fits your preferences and budget. With the possible exception of queso fresco and cotija cheese, you shouldn’t have any trouble **locating these feta cheese substitutes at your local supermarket.** For more cooking tips and ideas, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)