I really love goat cheese to the point of marrying it...yes ladies, sorry. Whenever a recipe calls for cheese, I make it a priority to go out and get some. Even if a certain recipe tells you that the “best” for this dish is mozzarella, cheddar, or blue cheese (yuck!), I simply go for goat cheese because I'm a sucker for it.
However, goat cheese is not always available in supermarkets which is why I have to let go of my obsession with it and use other substitute for goats cheese if it’s not on grocery shelves.
Whether you’re like me, a goat cheese fanatic who simply refuses to use other cheeses, or you simply aren’t a fan of its taste hence the quest for substitutes, this list I’ve created will give you 12 amazing substitutes for goats cheese.
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History of Goat’s Cheese
Many many centuries ago, goat was raised and bred for their milk, meat, and skin. As a matter of fact, the early Chinese people use goat fur as a brush for their calligraphy writing.
In Greek mythology, Zeus was nourished with goat’s milk from Amalthea because Rhea, her mother had to hide him from his father Cronus in order to not get eaten. Crazy, right?
In 7000 B.C., a prehistoric nomadic hunter created the first goat’s cheese.During the peak of the Greek and Roman civilizations, goats were exported from the Mediterranean wherein they were abundant because it’s cheese was to be served for emperors.
As the middle age dawned on mankind, goat’s cheese was used as mode of payment for different products like bread, clothing, spices, other foods. Fast forward to this age -- there are already 120 varieties of goat's cheese available in the market. Thanks to the different breeds of goats which gave each cheese variety its own unique taste.
Making Goat’s Cheese
Goat’s cheese is made from goat's milk, hence the name. This gives it a strong, unique flavor and a texture different from other cheeses. It’s actually healthier than cow's milk! Need proof? Read this face-off between both cheeses.
You won’t need any substitutes if you know how to make your own goat’s cheese. Making goat’s cheese if fairly simple and easy. Learn how to make your own using the video guide below.
Before proceeding with the list of the goat cheese substitutes, let’s be clear about one thing. Goat’s cheese is irreplaceable; you just can’t find a substitute bearing exactly the same flavor and texture as goat’s cheese. At best, you’ll find something with the same flavor.
12 of the Best Substitutes for Goats Cheese
Flavor
#1. Blue Cheese
This cheese may be creamier than goat’s cheese but it has a strong odor and flavor. Aged blue cheese is less creamier so keep in mind that the older this cheese gets, the stronger the flavor and odor it imparts.
#2. Feta
This cheese’s flavor is strong as well and pairs excellently with various recipes. It’s also more popular than goat’s cheese so if you don’t enjoy goat’s cheese, there's a good chance you might like this cheese instead.
It’s texture is crumbly and ideal for salads. Feta may not always be accessible so you might want to take note of substitutes for it too.
#3. Fromage Blanc
This cheese is the closest to goat’s cheese in terms of flavor and texture, but it’s very hard to find. Regardless, if you happen to find one in a supermarket, you may use this as an excellent substitute for goat cheese.
#4. Ricotta
This cheese is typically made with sheep’s milk. It’s low in fat content which is great for people who are always on weight watch. In terms of flavor, it’s on par with goat’s cheese although it’s texture is slightly firmer than goat cheese.
#5. Cotija
Cotija cheese is salty and imparts a stronger flavor but the texture is nowhere near goat’s cheese. If you’re adventurous and want to try different ingredients, this cheese is solid and crumbly in texture, making it great with salads.
#6. Queso Añejo
“Queso Añejo” is the Spanish term for aged cheese. This cheese packs a punch flavor-wise but it has a completely different texture compared to goat;s cheese. If you’re going to use this alternative, consider using it in soups and stews that call for aged goat’s cheese.
#7. Manchego
This cheese also packs an aged flavor like the previous Spanish cheese but not quite the texture of goat’s cheese -- it’s neither smooth nor solid solid enough to replace goat cheese texture-wise.
Texture
#8. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese seems to be the perfect substitute for goat’s cheese if you’re only focused on the texture. But always remember, the fat content of this is very high so you might want to use it less in recipes.
Want to know how to make cream cheese at home? Follow the video guide below!
#9. Mascarpone
This cheese is used mostly in desserts. It has a smooth and creamy texture similar to goat’s cheese. The taste is completely different though, with this cheese being way sweeter.
#10. Queso Fresco
Mostly found in Mexico, this cheese has a similar texture to aged goat’s cheese (creamy and slightly crumbly) and has a tangy flavor. However, it’s very hard to find in supermarkets; you probably have to take your cooking all the way to Mexico just to get ahold of this cheese.
#11. Cottage Cheese
This cheese is very similar with goat’s cheese but…. you have to work for it. Blend this cheese in a food processor until smooth. Let it rest in the refrigerator overnight for it to solidify enough to achieve the desired texture.
#12. Camembert
With a smooth texture and a mild flavor, this cheese is a great substitute for goat’s cheese, particularly in recipes that require melting the cheese.
DIY Goats Cheese
If you don’t like any of the cheese mentioned above, consider making your own at home.
Here’s a beginner's recipe on how to make one.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
TIPS!
Final Thoughts
Goat’s cheese has half the fat and cholesterol of any commercial cheese out there. It has a distinct flavor and texture unlike any other cheese.
Sometimes, supermarkets don’t sell goat’s cheese because cow’s milk and the cheese produced from it dominate the market. However, goat’s milk is cheaper and goats are easier to breed than cows.
Take the time to look for goats cheese in supermarkets, or you may look for a farm near you that breeds goat and makes cheese. But if goat’s milk is nowhere in sight, simply turn to the alternatives we’ve listed here in this post.
Did you find this article useful? What goat’s cheese substitute/s have you tried and loved? Feel free to comment below! Don’t forget to share this post. Thanks for reading!