Cottage Cheese Substitute

A cottage cheese substitute can be very helpful if you have dietary restrictions, ran out at home, or are simply looking to switch things up! These fantastic cottage cheese alternatives can provide a similar creamy texture in many of your favorite recipes. No matter which one you choose, your food will still taste absolutely delicious!

Best Cottage Cheese Substitutes

When you need a cottage cheese substitute in your recipe, there's no reason to worry because there are plenty of ingredients to use in place of it! Whether you are allergic to dairy or simply want to branch out and try something new, you've come to the right place.

This list of the best cottage cheese substitutes includes other dairy products and some non-dairy alternatives with similar features to use in your sweet and savory dishes. From creamy ricotta cheese and crumbly feta cheese to hummus and egg whites, you can find an ingredient that mimics cottage cheese!

Jump to:

• Best Cottage Cheese Substitutes
• What Is Cottage Cheese
• 1. Ricotta Cheese
• 2. Feta Cheese
• 3. Mascarpone
• 4. Goat Cheese
• 5. Cream Cheese
• 6. Parmesan Cheese
• 7. Mozzarella Cheese
• 8. Faisselle Cheese 
• 9. Fromage Blanc
• 10. Sour Cream
• 11. Greek Yogurt
• Table 1: Quick Reference Chart
• 12. Whipped Heavy Cream
• 13. Almond Milk
• 14. Kefir
• 15. Hummus
• 16. Egg Whites
• 17. Bean Puree
• 18. Tofu
• How To Choose The Best Cottage Cheese Substitute
• 🔎 More Cooking Substitutes
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

What Is Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a type of fresh cheese that is made from the curds of cow's milk. It's an incredibly versatile dairy product that has a mild, slightly tangy flavor, a creamy texture, and a "lumpy" appearance.

It is produced by heating milk and adding an acidic component, such as vinegar or lemon juice, which causes the milk to curdle and form curds. The curds are then drained, leaving behind the creamy cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, including salads, pasta dishes, and desserts. It can also be used as a topping or filling for various recipes and a substitute for ricotta and mayonnaise.

1. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a wonderful alternative to cottage cheese as it has a similar taste and creamy texture. It's made from the whey protein left over from cheese production, giving it a lighter consistency than cottage cheese.

It's also incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes, including lasagnas, stuffed shells, pancakes, and desserts. It can serve as a filling, a topping, or an ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Ricotta is arguably the most common substitute for cottage cheese since it's produced in a very similar way. And the best part is that it's also nutritious and richer in zinc, calcium, and essential vitamins.

Plan to use ricotta cheese in a 1:1 ratio for cottage cheese in most dishes.

2. Feta Cheese

If you need a cottage cheese substitution in your savory recipes like dips, spreads, and fresh salads, feta cheese can be a great choice! However, I would not suggest replacing cottage cheese with feta in desserts as it has a saltier flavor. You can even combine feta with heavy cream in a blender to mimic the consistency of cottage cheese if desired.

Use feta as a simple 1:1 exchange for cottage cheese in your recipes. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the salt when using feta to avoid your dishes from becoming too salty.

3. Mascarpone

Mascarpone cheese can be a delicious and indulgent substitute for cottage cheese, particularly in sweet recipes! Although there are some differences between the two, mascarpone can provide a rich and creamy alternative to cottage cheese in certain dishes.

It has a luxurious, silky-smooth texture that is similar to cottage cheese but with a denser and richer consistency. This is what makes it an excellent choice for desserts and creamy dishes when you don't have cottage cheese on hand.

Mascarpone cheese has a mild, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with various flavors. While it may not have the tanginess of cottage cheese, its creamy and slightly buttery flavor can enhance the overall taste of dishes.

You can use mascarpone cheese as a 1 to 1 substitute for cottage cheese.

4. Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a distinct, tangy taste that adds a delicious zing to recipes. It has a more pronounced flavor compared to the mildness of cottage cheese, which can bring a new dimension to your dishes.

It can provide a similarly smooth texture to dishes, just like cottage cheese would. Goat cheese works well in salads, pasta, pizzas, and even baked goods like tarts and quiches. Its crumbly yet creamy consistency will add a level of richness and depth.

You can use equal amounts of goat cheese to substitute for cottage cheese.

5. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can work as an alternative to cottage cheese in some recipes where a creamy texture is desired, like cheesecakes or frostings. It has a mild and slightly tangy taste but is generally less tangy than cottage cheese.

This neutral profile allows it to adapt well to various seasonings and ingredients in both sweet and savory dishes. The texture will be different when compared to cottage cheese, but as long as the taste is more important, cream cheese works exceptionally well as a substitute.

Feel free to use cream cheese as a 1:1 ratio in spreads, dips, sauces, and other similar recipes!

6. Parmesan Cheese

Although it may seem a little odd to use Parmesan cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese, the nutritional values are similar between the two. Both of these cheeses are high in protein and calcium.

Parmesan is best when incorporated into savory recipes and can be a replacement when cottage cheese is used as a topping. The substitution ratio is generally a cup for a cup, but you can start out with a lower amount and slowly add more if needed.

7. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is another easy-to-find cheese that works well as a cottage cheese substitution in Italian recipes. It provides a creamy and stringy consistency when melted and tastes delicious on pizza and pasta dishes.

Use mozzarella in a 1:1 ratio.

8. Faisselle Cheese 

Although this thick and creamy cheese is less common to find, it works beautifully as a cottage cheese and ricotta substitute. Faisselle cheese has a similar curd-like texture to cottage cheese and a mild, tangy taste.

You can use it as a 1 to 1 substitute in sweet recipes like cheesecake or enjoy it on its own with honey and nuts. Alternatively, Faisselle cheese can be mixed with herbs and seasonings to be prepared as a savory spread or dip.

9. Fromage Blanc

Another great cheese substitute that works well as a replacement for cottage cheese is a French white cheese called Fromage Blanc! It's lighter, creamier, and more buttery than cottage cheese, so it will work well in desserts and dips.

You can eat it with a fresh fruit salad or blend it with seasonings to make a savory spread for homemade flatbread or crackers. Use a cup-for-cup when replacing cottage cheese, and consider adjusting the moisture levels in the desired recipe.

10. Sour Cream

Sour cream can be used in savory recipes that call for cottage cheese. It's important to note that the texture will be much creamier, and the moisture content is higher. It's best to use it as a substitute in dips and sauces when you want to add a tangy flavor.

You can use sour cream as a cup-for-cup substitution.

11. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a popular alternative to cottage cheese due to its similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. It is made by straining regular yogurt to remove the whey, resulting in a thicker consistency.

Greek yogurt is high in protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it a nutritious substitute for cottage cheese. It can be enjoyed on its own, used as a topping for fruits or granola, or substituted in dips, sauces, and baked goods that call for cottage cheese.

You'll need to adjust the ingredients so that the higher moisture content is accounted for, and you can use the yogurt as a 1 to 1 substitute for cottage cheese.

Table 1: Quick Reference Chart

Substitute	Amount	Uses for substitutions in cooking and baking
Ricotta Cheese	1 cup	Can be used in pasta dishes, lasagna, and desserts due to its similar texture and mild taste
Feta Cheese	1 cup	Works well in salads and savory dishes but has a saltier flavor
Mascarpone	1 cup	Ideal for desserts due to its sweetness and creamy texture
Goat Cheese	1 cup	Works in savory dishes, but it has a distinct tangy flavor
Cream Cheese	1 cup	Works well in desserts and creamy sauces
Parmesan Cheese	1 cup	Best used in savory dishes due to its strong flavor
Mozzarella Cheese	1 cup	Melts well, so it's great for pizza and pasta
Faisselle Cheese	1 cup	Can be used similarly to ricotta and cottage cheese
Fromage Blanc	1 cup	Good for desserts and sauces due to its mild flavor
Sour Cream	1 cup	Can replace cottage cheese in dips and sauces
Greek Yogurt	1 cup	Great for dips and sauces, and can be used in baking. Offers a similar tanginess

Remember, these substitutes may alter the taste and texture of the dish depending on their unique characteristics.

12. Whipped Heavy Cream

Whipped heavy cream can be a wonderful alternative to cottage cheese in dessert recipes! You can use it to top fruit, pies, cakes, waffles, or cheesecakes. Plus, it's readily available and easy to find at local grocery stores.

The reason why it works so well in desserts is that it's light, fluffy, and has a subtle, neutral flavor. This allows it to complement the other ingredients without overpowering them. It is sweeter than cottage cheese so keep that in mind when choosing the dessert to use it in.

Use whipped heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio.

13. Almond Milk

If you are looking for a dairy-free cottage cheese replacement that's also lower in fat and calories, almond milk is an excellent choice! Although it's not as thick and creamy as cottage cheese, it does have a mild nutty flavor that works well in many recipes, especially sweeter ones.

You can use almond milk as a cup-for-cup substitution for cottage cheese if you cut back on the other liquid ingredients in your dishes.

14. Kefir

For recipes that call for liquid cottage cheese like smoothies, dips, or spreads, kefir can work well as a substitute due to its tangy flavor and great health properties. However, it has a smoother texture and a higher moisture content so it wouldn't be the best replacement for cottage cheese in baked goods.

You can use kefir in a 1:1 ratio for cottage cheese.

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15. Hummus

Hummus is another easy-to-find ingredient that is an excellent vegan option for substituting cottage cheese in savory spreads or pasta stuffings. It's important to purchase or prepare a plain hummus rather than a flavored one.

Hummus is filled with fiber, a variety of vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. Use it as a 1:1 substitution if you have run out of cottage cheese or prefer a healthy, dairy-free alternative.

16. Egg Whites

Egg whites are an amazing alternative to use for cottage cheese if you are looking for one that is lactose-free, protein-rich, and highly nutritious. They're especially delicious and quick to whip up to serve on toast for a lighter breakfast. You can also use them to make an egg white omelet or serve them as a scramble with your favorite fresh fruit.

Use egg whites for cottage cheese as a 1:1 substitution.

17. Bean Puree

Since hummus is mentioned as a substitution, then it should come as no surprise that a bean puree would work as well! Whether you prefer red or white beans, you can use a few cans to make a thick base for a tasty pasta filling or savory spread.

Bean puree can be substituted for cottage cheese in a 1:1 ratio. If you find that the taste is overpowering, you can start out with less and add more until you reach your desired taste and texture results.

18. Tofu

Tofu is a popular plant-based protein source that can be used as a dairy-free substitute for cottage cheese. Silken tofu, in particular, has a smooth and creamy texture similar to cottage cheese. It is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing it into blocks.

Tofu is neutral in taste and can be blended or mashed to create a cottage cheese-like consistency. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as dips, smoothies, salads, and desserts.

I like to use tofu as a spread or dip and to fill pasta in a 1:1 ratio.

How To Choose The Best Cottage Cheese Substitute

Choosing the best substitute for cottage cheese in cooking and baking largely depends on the recipe and the role of cottage cheese in it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best choice:

1. Taste and Texture: Consider the taste and texture of cottage cheese. It has a mild, creamy, slightly tangy flavor and a distinct curd-like texture. Substitutes should ideally have a similar flavor profile and texture.
2. Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is one of the most common substitutes for cottage cheese. It's creamy and mild, much like cottage cheese, but its texture is smoother. Ricotta works well in baked goods and pasta dishes.
3. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt can also be a good substitute, especially in dips or recipes where a smooth texture is desirable. It's tangy and creamy, but it is smoother and thicker than cottage cheese.
4. Sour Cream: Sour cream can be used in place of cottage cheese in many recipes, especially those where tanginess is desired. However, it's much creamier and lacks a curd-like texture.
5. Tofu: For a dairy-free option, tofu can be a good substitute, especially in savory dishes. It has a mild flavor and can be crumbled to resemble the curds of cottage cheese.
6. Dietary Restrictions: Always consider dietary restrictions when choosing a substitute. For example, use dairy-free options like tofu or a non-dairy yogurt for those with lactose intolerance or vegan diets.

🔎 More Cooking Substitutes

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Au Jus	Cremini Mushroom	Ancho Chile
Poblano Pepper	Celery	Yogurt
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Tamarind	Miso Paste	Ricotta Cheese
Sherry Vinegar	Cream of Chicken	Cream of Mushroom
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Mascarpone Cheese	Lard	Breadcrumb
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Soy Sauce	Vegetable Oil	Tahini
Tomato Paste	Oyster Sauce	White Wine Vinegar
Chicken Broth	Sour Cream	Fish Sauce
Shallots	Mushroom	Cottage Cheese
Coriander Root

Now you have some great cottage cheese substitutes to use when you ran out of cottage cheese! Leave a comment down below to let me know what you think and if you have any questions about these alternatives!

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