Feta cheese is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, especially Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Known for its tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture, feta adds a distinctive taste and texture to salads, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
However, you may sometimes need or want to use an alternative to feta cheese. Whether you don't have feta on hand, need a vegan substitute, or simply want to try something new, there are many options to consider.
What is Feta Cheese?
Before diving into feta substitutes, let's first understand what exactly feta cheese is.
Feta is a brined curd white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It originates from Greece and has been produced there for centuries.
The cheese gets its signature tangy, salty flavor from being aged and stored in a brine solution of water and salt for at least two months. This is what gives feta its unique crumbly texture as well.
Traditional feta is usually made from 70% sheep's milk and 30% goat's milk. The sheep's milk provides the distinct salty flavor, while the goat's milk lends tanginess and a creamy mouthfeel.
Some key characteristics of feta cheese include:
- Crumbly, moist texture
- Tangy, salty, sharp flavor
- White color
- Usually comes packaged in brine
- Used in Greek salads, with vegetables, in baked dishes, sandwiches, etc.
Dairy-Based Feta Substitutes
If you eat dairy but simply want an alternative to feta for reasons like taste preference or availability, these substitutes will work nicely:
1. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese makes an excellent feta swap-in thanks to its tangy flavor reminiscent of feta. young, soft goat cheese provides a similar creaminess, while aged goat cheese can mimic the crumble of feta.
Goat cheese works well in:
- Greek salads
- Veggie dishes
- Pastas
- Omelets
- Sandwiches and paninis
Use a 1:1 substitution ratio when replacing feta with goat cheese. Crumble it over dishes or add slices or chunks depending on the texture you have.
2. Halloumi
Halloumi is another Greek cheese that stands in for feta nicely. Although it has a mildly sweet, salty flavor vs feta’s sharp saltiness, it has a similar firm, sliceable texture when raw.
Halloumi is often grilled or pan-fried, allowing it to get beautifully browned and develop a squeaky texture on the outside while remaining soft inside. This makes it perfect for:
- Veggie and meat skewers
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Salads
- Pizzas
Slice or cube halloumi and use it in place of feta in recipes. Adjust saltiness with added salt/spices.
3. Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a mild, fresh Mexican cheese with a creamy, moist texture similar to feta. It lacks the tang and salt of feta, but serves as a nice, mellow alternative in dishes like:
- Quesadillas
- Tacos
- Salads
- Veggie dishes
- Scrambles and omelets
Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing feta with queso fresco. Crumble on or add chunks to suit your needs.
4. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese has a fresh, sweet, creamy flavor that differs from feta’s saltiness. However, its bright white color and moist, crumbly curd texture make it a nice feta substitute, especially in dishes where you want something milder or less salty.
Try ricotta in place of feta in:
- Lasagna
- Stuffed veggies or pasta shells
- Pizza
- Cheesecake
- Salads
Use the same amount of ricotta as you would feta and crumble on, stuff, or dollop into recipes as needed.
5. Cotija
Cotija is a crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty, aged flavor not unlike feta, although stronger. Its firm texture also mimics feta’s crumble nicely.
For best results, use young cotija made from cow or goat's milk. Then add it into:
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
- Salads
- Sandwiches
Swap cotija for feta using a 1:1 ratio. Sprinkle on or add crumbles as you need them.
6. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese has small curds like feta that provide a similar mouthfeel. Its mild, fresh dairy flavor differs from feta’s sharpness, but makes it perfect for toning down saltiness in dishes like:
- Lasagna
- Veggie bakes/casseroles
- Pizzas
- Pasta salad
Use cottage cheese as a 1:1 substitute for feta and add dollops or sprinkle curds as the recipe specifies.
7. Blue Cheese
Blue cheeses like gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Danish blue share feta’s tangy flavor, salty overtones, and crumbly texture when chilled and crushed.
Try them in:
- Salads
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Sandwiches
- Veggie dishes
Use the same amount of blue cheese in place of feta. Crumble over or stuff into foods as you desire.
Key Takeaway: Dairy-based feta alternatives like goat, halloumi, queso fresco, ricotta, cotija, cottage, and blue cheeses make great substitutes in terms of texture and general flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Feta Substitutes
If avoiding dairy products altogether, these non-dairy feta alternatives will perfectly suit your needs:
1. Tofu Feta
With the right preparation, tofu can closely mimic both the flavor and crumbly texture of feta cheese.
To make vegan tofu feta:
- Drain and press firm tofu for at least 2 hours to remove moisture
- Cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- Toss cubes with:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Marinate overnight
- Store in brine or oil
The tanginess comes from the vinegar and lemon mimics feta’s acidity. Saltiness is achieved by tossing in salt or brining, and Mediterranean herbs lend distinctive flavor.
Use crumbled tofu feta in:
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Baked egg dishes
Replace feta with tofu feta using a 1:1 ratio.
2. Cashew Cheese
Cashew cheese makes an incredible dairy-free feta substitute with its creamy texture and natural tang.
To make:
- Soak raw cashews overnight
- Drain then blend with:
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Allow to set up in the fridge
The end result is a sliceable, spreadable cheese with a texture ranging from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly depending on exact ingredients/proportions.
Use cashew feta for:
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Veggie dishes
- Cheese boards
Swap out feta for cashew cheese using a 1:1 ratio. Add slices or crumble on as needed.
3. Nutritional Yeast
On its own, nutritional yeast doesn't provide the texture of feta cheese. However, its savory, nutty, cheesy flavor makes it an umami flavor booster in plant-based dishes.
Sprinkle on nutritional yeast for extra flavor in:
- Tofu scrambles
- Veggies
- Cashew cheese
- Popcorn
- Soups and stews
Use nutritional yeast to taste anytime you want to replicate the savoriness of feta without the texture. Start with 1-2 tbsps.
Key Takeaway: Tofu feta, cashew cheese, and nutritional yeast make excellent dairy-free feta substitutions for vegans/those avoiding dairy. With the right prep, ingredients, and proportions you can closely mimic both the salty flavor and crumbly texture of feta cheese.
How to Store Feta Cheese and Substitutes
Proper storage is important for preserving freshness and flavor of feta and feta-style cheeses. Here are some tips:
- Feta: Keep feta packaged in its original brine in the fridge. It will last for months past the expiry date. Rinse brine off before using.
- Soft dairy cheeses: Seal tightly in an airtight container and store in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Hard/aged cheeses: Wrap tightly in parchment or waxed paper and store in fridge for 2-3 months.
- Tofu feta: Store in air-tight container fully immersed in brine/oil in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- Cashew feta: Seal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Key Takeaway: Brine-packed feta keeps for months refrigerated. Depending on the style, dairy-based feta substitutes last 1-3 months refrigerated. Tofu and nut-based feta should be consumed quicker within 2 weeks.
FAQs
What's the difference between feta and Persian or Danish feta?
- Persian feta is milder and less salty than Greek feta. It marinates in oil and herbs vs salty brine.
- Danish feta is creamier and milder tasting than traditional Greek feta.
Is feta healthy?
Yes! Feta is high in protein, calcium, probiotics, phosphorus, vitamins A and B, as well as antioxidants. Just watch your sodium intake if consuming daily.
Can you freeze feta cheese?
You can freeze feta cheese to extend its shelf life. Make sure to drain brine first as it can cause texture changes during freezing. Allow frozen feta to fully thaw in the fridge before using.
What dishes pair well with feta cheese?
Feta cheese pairs nicely with:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Olives
- Spinach
- Basil
- Oregano
- Lemon
- Onion
- Bell peppers
What alcohol goes well with feta?
Serve feta cheese dishes with:
- Greek white wines like Assyrtiko
- Beaujolais Nouveau red
- Wheat beers
- Sparkling wines
- Fruity cocktails
The bubbles and acidity help cut through feta’s saltiness.
Conclusion
While it has distinct texture and flavor, feta cheese can be substituted nicely in recipes for those needing or wanting an alternative.
Equally tasty alternatives range from soft goat cheese to salty blue varieties, while vegan options like marinated tofu and cashew feta truly mimic feta for plant-based diets.
The options shared here are simple feta cheese swaps to use in Greek salads, pastas, sandwiches, veggie bakes, cheese boards, and any dish calling for that iconic salty, tangy flavor and crumbly mouthfeel.