If you are making a recipe that calls for goat cheese but are all out and can’t find any at the store, no need to worry!
There are multiple substitutes for goat cheese you can use no matter what type of recipe you are making.
Some of these substitutes are kitchen staples and some a bit more exotic, but they will all provide you with a similar flavor or texture, allowing you to make your planned recipe.
So what are the best substitutes for goat cheese?
The top goat cheese substitutes are cream cheese, Neufchâtel cheese, feta, ricotta cheese, and labneh.
Make sure to read on for which alternative is the best for your recipe as well as how to use them for the best results.
Goat Cheese Alternatives
Also known as chevre, goat cheese provides a wonderful flavor to all types of dishes. From breakfast, to dinner, to dessert. But all is not lost when you are all out of goat cheese.
Goat cheese comes in different types. There is fresh goat cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and the pricier aged variety.
Any of the following substitutes will help you complete your recipe. And you might already have one of them in your fridge.
Cream Cheese
If you already have cream cheese, it will work well in place of goat cheese in most recipes. It offers a thicker texture as well as a milder flavor so it’s particularly well suited for those who do not enjoy the flavor of goat cheese.
Cream cheese is best suited for desserts, pasta, and recipes that use goat cheese as a stuffing.
Related: Cream Cheese Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of cream cheese equals 1 cup of goat cheese
Neufchatel Cheese
Quite similar to cream cheese but softer, Neufchatel cheese can be used instead of goat cheese in many recipes.
Use Neufchatel cheese in desserts, to stuff crepes, top waffles, and bake desserts. It can also be used in savory dishes that call for goat cheese as well as with pasta.
Related: Neufchatel Cheese Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of Neufchatel cheese equals 1 cup of goat cheese
Feta Cheese
If you are looking for a goat cheese substitutes that offers the most similar flavor and texture, feta is your best option.
This crumbly cheese works on everything from pizza and salads, to breakfast and desserts. The flavor is wonderful and it is readily available at most grocery stores.
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of feta equals 1 tablespoon of goat cheese
Ricotta Cheese
While it has a higher moisture content, ricotta cheese is an excellent alternative for goat cheese in all types of recipes.
Ricotta has a much milder flavor than goat cheese so it won’t provide the same punch, but for those who prefer milder flavor, this is the way to go.
Note: Add a pinch of salt and stir before adding ricotta to your recipe
Related: Ricotta vs Mascarpone
Equivalent
3/4 cup of ricotta equals 1 cup of goat cheese
Labneh Cheese
While not as popular or easy to find as the other options on the list, labneh is a great goat cheese replacement if you can find it.
Labneh is a thick cheese that has a rich tangy flavor perfect for recipes that call for goat cheese.
It works particularly well in recipes that call for spreading goat cheese. Add this delicious cheese to breakfast or dessert dishes.
Note: You can make your own labneh cheese
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of labneh equals 1 tablespoon of goat cheese
Goat Cheese Replacement FAQ
What is the best goat cheese substitute for pasta?
When substituting for goat cheese in pasta use either feta cheese or cream cheese. If the goat cheese is for sprinkling on top use a 1:1 ratio of crumbled feta. If subbing goat cheese for a sauce, use a 2:3 ratio of cream cheese.
What is a good substitute for crumbled goat cheese?
Feta is an excellent substitute for crumbled goat cheese. It provides a similar texture and flavor and pairs well with any recipe that calls for crumbled goat cheese.
What is a good substitute for goat cheese on pizza?
Feta and ricotta are the best goat cheese alternatives when making homemade pizza. Feta provides a similar taste and texture while ricotta offers a milder flavor ideal for those who want a cheese with less tang.
What is a good non dairy substitute for goat cheese?
If you need a dairy free substitute for goat cheese, you can make your own vegan goat cheese or use a nut cheese such as cashew cheese.