16 Easy Ways to Substitute for Feta Cheese (2024)

Here are 16 easy ways to substitute for feta cheese in a pinch. This ultimate list includes common substitutes, plus vegan options, too!

Feta is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It has Greek origins and is used to top salads, and in veggie dishes, wraps, burgers, pizzas, and more. A Greek gyro or pita sandwich just wouldn’t be the same without it.

Feta cheese is made from sheep and/or goat’s milk and has a signature crumbly texture and tangy flavor.

This cheese, while fairly high in sodium, also offers lots of health benefits. It’s high in vitamins K, A, and B and is also a decent source of calcium and iron.

However, you may not always have feta cheese on hand when you need it, or you may need a dairy-free or vegan alternative. And, hey, some people just don’t like the taste.

So, here are several easy ways to substitute for feta cheese for every need!

RELATED: How long does feta cheese last?

Common Ways to Substitute for Feta Cheese

Try these feta substitutes if you’re in a pinch or just don’t like feta. Many of these alternatives are easily found in grocery and specialty food stores. You’ll find options that mimic feta pretty closely and options that have a different taste and/or texture but can work in similar dishes and recipes.

1. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has a similar texture to feta, but is milder in flavor. It’s also lower in sodium and fat. This cheese makes a great substitute anywhere you’d use feta if you’re looking for a healthy alternative.

Cottage cheese works great as a 1 to 1 substitute for pasta, salads, and even pizza.

2. Goat Cheese

This soft cheese has a tangy flavor that is similar to feta. If you can find crumbled goat cheese, it also has a similar texture. You can use goat cheese as a 1 to 1 substitute for salads, burgers, pastas, and pizza!

3. Queso Fresco

This Mexican cheese makes a pretty good feta cheese replacement. It has a similar texture, but a milder taste. It doesn’t go through the same aging and fermenting process, so it has a much less mature and sharp flavor.

Even so, queso fresco makes a great substitute for salads, burgers, Greek wraps, and sandwiches, 1 to 1.

4. Halloumi

Halloumi is a Greek cheese that is mild in flavor and even a little sweet when compared to feta. It also has a pretty dissimilar texture. So, if you’re looking to replace feta because you don’t like the taste, halloumi might be the answer.

This cheese is great for melty, bubbly recipes, like pizza, pasta, and casseroles. Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

5. Roquefort

This blue cheese substitute has a similar flavor and texture to feta and is easily found in specialty grocery stores. You can use Roquefort 1 to 1 to replace feta in just about any recipe, especially salads, pizza, and pasta.

6. Mizithra

Mizithra is similar to feta in that it’s made from goat and sheep’s milk. However, it has a milder flavor. If you looking to cut out some of the sharp, tanginess of feta, you can try this cheese on salads, with veggies, and in puff pastry.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

7. Cotija

Here’s another Mexican cheese alternative to feta. This crumbly feta cheese substitute has a similar texture and a flavor likened to a more potent parmesan. Use cotija to top salads, tacos, and burgers, 1 to 1.

However, it doesn’t melt well and isn’t great for recipes that are meant to be bubbly and gooey.

8. Ricotta

Ricotta has a very similar taste to feta cheese, but it does have a higher moisture content. You can use ricotta as a 1 to 1 substitute anywhere you would feta, and enjoy less sodium and a slightly sweeter flavor.

9. Gorgonzola

Here’s another blue cheese that makes a decent substitute for feta. It has a stronger yet similar flavor, but a much more smooth and creamy texture. You can use gorgonzola on salads, pasta, with fruit, and even in casseroles and soups, 1 to 1.

10. Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar has a similar taste to feta though it differs in color and texture (depending on where you get it). White cheddar and orange cheddar are virtually the same, but the white variety simply has no added Annatto coloring. White cheddar originates from England and orange cheddar is typically made elsewhere.

Cheddar can substitute for feta on salads, burgers, and wraps. Make sure to shred it as it’s not a crumbly cheese.

11. Mozzarella

This white, soft cheese has a sweeter and more mild taste when compared to feta. So, if you’re looking for a less tangy cheese, mozzarella could do the trick. This cheese is also lower in sodium and higher in moisture content.

Use mozzarella to substitute for feta on pizzas, with veggies, and on sandwiches!

12. Panela cheese

Panela is another Mexican cheese that works well as a feta substitute. It has a similar taste and texture depending on what kind you find. Some panela has a rubbery texture, but you can also find a more crumbly panela if you have the patience.

Use panela anywhere you would feta, 1 to 1.

Dairy Free and Vegan Substitutes

For those with a dairy allergy or looking to follow a vegan diet, there are several easy feta alternatives to try and you can even make your own.

13. Tofu

Firm tofu is a versatile soy product that crumbles just like feta cheese. And, if you prepare it the right way, it can also have a similar taste.

See instructions for homemade vegan tofu below.

14. Cashew Cheese

This vegan option has a mild and nutty taste with a deep flavor. The texture is also crumbly, similar to feta cheese. Use cashew cheese as a 1 to 1 replacement for salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

15. Almond Cheese

Almond cheese works similarly to cashew cheese as a feta substitute. You can use it in the same way and it has a similar texture and nutty flavor. Both are vegan, though you should steer clear if you have any allergies to nuts.

16. Nutritional Yeast

This vegan product has a nutty, cheesy savory taste and can be sprinkled on a wide variety of foods to add additional flavor and nutrient value. It is also free of gluten, sugar, fat and is low sodium and low calorie.

While it doesn’t have a cheese-like texture, it can work anywhere you’d use feta as a flavor agent.

Homemade Vegan Feta

Here’s how to make homemade vegan feta cheese so you can get that same fermented tangy taste!

INGREDIENTS

• 14ouncestofu, extra firm
• ⅓cupolive oil
• ⅓cupwater
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1Tablespoonwhite wine vinegar
• 2teaspoonsalt
• ¼cupbrinejuice from a jar of Kalamata olives (or other olive varieties)
• 1clovegarlic,peeled and minced
• 1teaspoon oregano, dried
• ½teaspoonbasil, dried
• ¼teaspoonblack pepper

DIRECTIONS

Once drained, CUT the tofu into ½ inch cubes. MIX all remaining ingredients in a bowl to form a marinade. TOSS the cubes in the marinade to coat.

COVER and REFRIGERATE for several hours with the best results overnight. REMOVE from marinade and enjoy!

FAQs

Recipes with Feta Cheese

Here are some easy and delicious recipes that call for feta. Use these to try out your favorite substitute for feta above!

Cilantro Chickpea Salad With Avocado And Feta

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Almonds

Whipped Feta Dip