Not everyone is a fan of goat cheese. I, for one, don’t always include it in my dishes because some of my dinner guests think of it as too strong. However, it is essential in certain cases, so you must figure out some other options.
This is cheese from goat’s milk that comes in various forms, such as dry, soft, or hard aged. Goat cheese is the product of allowing goat milk to curdle, draining, and pressing the curds. Sometimes an acid, like acid or rennet, can coagulate the milk.
Some of the common types of goat cheese include aged, blue, brie, gouda, and feta. This cheese is high in protein, lower in fat than regular milk cheese, and contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
Common dishes with goat cheese are salads, pasta, dips, and charcuterie boards.
Why Replace Goat Cheese, Anyway?
Goat cheese is not a favorite ingredient for everyone, but there are reasons why someone would want to replace goat cheese. Here are some of those reasons:
Goat Milk Allergy: Like cow’s milk, many people can have an allergy to goat’s milk, which can produce a severe reaction that can be incredibly dangerous. In this case, these individuals should avoid goat milk products altogether.
Lactose Intolerance: While this type of milk is easier to digest and can sometimes be a safe option, some people still experience lactose intolerance symptoms when consuming goat milk products.
Vegan Diet: For those that follow a plant-based diet, any animal product is out of the question, so goat cheese is not an option at all.
What Can I Replace Goat Cheese With?
Since this cheese can be expensive and some dislike the flavor, these goat cheese substitutes are great to keep in mind:
Best For Salads, Tart, and Baking
#1. Fromage Blanc
Like goat cheese, Fromage blanc has a soft texture and a bright white color. You can use this cheese as a spread in tarts and when baking, as well as in salads. This option may not be widely available, but if you have a grocery store with a delicatessen you will surely find it.
Keep in mind that this cheese has a higher fat content and is sweeter, so it can alter the final flavor of your dish. This option also has more water, so it may go bad quicker than regular goat cheese.
#2. Blue Cheese
This is the perfect choice for those that love the aroma and texture of goat cheese. Keep in mind, though, that blue cheese is much stronger and some people find the pungency to be too much. You can use this choice when you prepare salads, dips, sauces, and spreads.
Finding blue cheese shouldn’t be a problem, as many people use it to make salad dressings and other dishes lately. To replace goat cheese, make sure you use about 1/3 of the amount the recipe calls for.
While it can be a product of only goat’s milk, you can also find feta cheese that is made from both sheep and goat milk. Feta cheese is great if you want to bake, make a dip, crumble, or in salads. However, feta usually has a crumbly texture, which isn’t great in all dishes.
This cheese is also very healthy, as it is high in protein, vitamins and minerals, and lower in fat. You can keep feta cheese for a while in the refrigerator and even freeze it for longer periods.
Best For Eggs, Pasta, and Sauces
#4. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a very different kind of cheese, and not adequate for those with a milk allergy and lactose intolerance. Still, ricotta cheese has a very similar flavor and texture to goat cheese so it works great in certain dishes. Use this option when making pasta, sauces, and desserts.
This cheese is also very healthy because it contains more protein. Keep in mind too, that ricotta has a sweeter flavor than other cheeses on this list.
This has a very creamy and soft texture, which makes it great for baking, desserts, pasta, and sauces. Like ricotta, however, this cheese is much sweeter, so it may not be suitable for all your dishes. You can find mascarpone anywhere, as it is a common cheese needed in making Italian dishes.
Mascarpone is a bit bland, so you may want to add more seasoning as well. Also, this cheese contains more water content, and you could see the texture of your meal change.
This is a vegan-friendly option that could work in place of goat cheese in some cases. Tofu contains a lot of water and has a somewhat crumbly texture. This choice is also very high in protein, low in fat, and contains many vitamins, minerals, and a good amount of fiber.
Use tofu when making pasta, in salads, as a protein in recipes, or to create a crumble in your meal. You can find tofu in any store, as it is a very popular vegetarian and vegan option for protein.
This Mexican cheese’s name translates to “fresh cheese,” and its texture is very close to that of goat cheese. Queso Fresco also has much sour flavor, but its tanginess is also reminiscent of goat cheese.
You can find this option in most grocery stores but you can also try your local Latin American food market.
Keep in mind that this cheese is fresh and contains more water, which will alter the final texture. Use Queso Fresco in pasta, eggs, sauces, and meat dishes.
FAQs
Is feta cheese a good substitute for goat cheese?
Yes, feta cheese is a delicious and easy replacement for goat cheese. Feta is usually a mix of goat and sheep milk, so it brings very similar properties and flavors.
Is goat cheese healthier than other cheeses?
Since goat cheese is lower in fat, higher in protein, and contains a good amount of micronutrients, it can be considered healthier. This cheese is a perfect choice for those that need to watch their weight as well.
Is goat cheese good for your gut?
Yes, goat cheese contains probiotics due to its manufacturing process. This means that it promotes a healthy microbiota in your gut, which allows for better digestion and absorption. Goat cheese’s strains of bacteria can also help reduce inflammation in the gut.
Conclusion
Since goat cheese is an acquired taste, you may want to steer away from it. These seven alternatives are all easy to find and very delicious. Choose carefully because some of these are very different from each other, though they all add their unique characteristics.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
