Looking for an alternative to Goats Cheese? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Goats Cheese substitutes both dairy-free (below) and ideas containing dairy.
What is Goats Cheese?
Goats Cheese also called Goat Cheese or Chèvre includes and cheese made from goats milk. They range from soft goats curd to mould ripened cheeses and even aged hard cheeses. The most common goats cheese is a soft white log that has a creamy texture similar to cream cheese.
The Best Goats Cheese Substitutes – Dairy
1. Feta
The texture of feta is dryer and more crumbly than the creamy softness of goat cheese. The flavour is saltier and not as tangy but I often use feta when I don’t have any goats cheese in the fridge. Just be mindful of the salt and be prepared to use less seasoning in your dish.
2. Cream Cheese
Fresh goats cheese is tangier and has more flavour than cream cheese but cream cheese will work well pretty much everywhere you’d normally use goats cheese.
3. Labneh
This creamy ‘cheese’ made from yoghurt isn’t as firm as goat cheese but it adds a lovely tang anywhere you’d normally use Goats Cheese.
4. Persian Feta
Persian feta is generally marinated in oil and has a lovely tangy flavour and creamy texture that is a good match. You will be equally happy to have it scattered on your salad.
5. Cottage Cheese
Milder and creamier and way less tangy, cottage cheese will be better than nothing to replace your hunks of Goats Cheese.
6. Ricotta
Will work in a similar way to cottage cheese without the bumpy bits.
7. Halloumi
The texture of halloumi is significantly harder and more crumbly. Plus the flavour is way more salty but it will provide a similar substance and cheesy goodness.
8. Parmesan
Shaved parmesan has a stonger more savoury cheesey flavour profile to goats cheese. The colour is more yellow and the texture much harder and dryer but it will add similar bursts of flavour.
The Best Dairy-Free Goats Cheese Substitutes
1. Olives
If you’re looking for a salty burst of flavour, a handful of olives is the best dairy-free and vegan alternative to goats cheese.
2. Roast Nuts
For texture and big flavour hit roast almonds will take your dish in a different direction but it won’t be lacking in flavour or crunch. Other nuts like pinenuts, pistachios, macadamias or cashews will all work in a similar manner.
3. Hummus
This is a bit of an unusual idea but adding a big dollop of creamy hummus can add the tang and substance you’d otherwise get from goats cheese.
4. Avocado
Chinks of avo will add creamy goodness and substance to your dish. For an even closer match add in a squeeze of lemon or lime.
5. Babaganoush
Works in a similar way to hummus.
6. Sun Dried Tomatoes
A similar idea to olives, sun dried tomatoes are bursting with flavour and will add a little sweetness to your dish instead of a salt hit.
7. Lemon
A squeeze of lemon or some diced lemon flesh will make up for the tanginess that you’d normally be getting from goats cheese. You won’t be getting the same substance though so you might need to add in more protein or nuts to your dish so that it’s still filling.
8. Capers
Work in a similar way to olives. Salted capers will be the best choice although capers in vinegar are better than nothing.
How to Store Goats Cheese
Goats cheese in sealed packages can be stored for months in the refrigerator. I generally ignore the best before date and eat it even weeks after it is out of date. As long as there’s no mold growing on it. It can be frozen although there’s generally no need because it lasts so long in the fridge.
Goats Cheese Goes with…
- Dill & Goats Cheese
- Basil & Goats Cheese
- Cucumber & Goats Cheese
- Chives & Goats Cheese
- Pesto & Goats Cheese
- Tomato & Goats Cheese
- Olives & Goats Cheese
More Ingredient Substitutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Miso Paste
- Oyster Sauce
- Pesto
- Tahini
Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x