Cottage cheese is a kitchen workhorse, but not everyone loves its signature curds or has it on hand. If you’re looking for a cottage cheese substitute that won’t compromise your dish, I’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for cottage cheese substitutes, along with tips and ratios for how to use them. So whether you don’t have any cottage cheese in the house and you are elbows-deep in your dinner recipe, or you just want to try something new, here are 10 substitutes for cottage cheese to help you out.
Keep in mind that the best substitute will depend on the specific recipe and the qualities of cottage cheese it relies on (such as its tanginess, texture, or ability to melt).

What is the flavor of cottage cheese?
If you’re new to cooking or to this dairy ingredient entirely, here are some good things to know about cottage cheese flavor.
- Mild and creamy: Cottage cheese, usually a cow’s milk fresh cheese product, has a mild flavor that is slightly salty and tangy.
- Varied depending on fat content: The flavor and texture of cottage cheese can vary depending on the fat content. Low-fat cottage cheese has a milder flavor and a looser texture, while high-fat cottage cheese has a richer flavor and a creamier texture.
- Can be flavored with different ingredients: Cottage cheese can be flavored with different ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular flavorings include fruit, nuts, spices, and herbs.

What’s the texture of cottage cheese?
Here are some facts about cottage cheese texture to help you know what to expect and how to best find a cottage cheese substitute for your next recipe:
- Curds: Cottage cheese is made from curds, which are small pieces of milk protein that have been separated from the whey (the liquid). The curds are what give cottage cheese its characteristic texture. It is also creamy in texture, with small curds that break apart easily.
- When served by itself, it’s dished out cold from the fridge.
- Soft and creamy: Cottage cheese has a soft and creamy texture. It is not as firm as other cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan.
- Can be mashed or blended: Cottage cheese can be mashed or blended to create a smoother texture. This is often done when cottage cheese is used in recipes, such as cheesecake or pancakes.

Best Substitutes For Cottage Cheese
Our recommended option for substituting cottage cheese in a recipe is usually ricotta for both similar flavor and texture, but that’s not always the most handy thing in the kitchen. A blend of goat cheese and mashed silken tofu might provide the closest thing to a flavor substitute, and cream cheese plus some water will give your recipes the same rich and creamy profile.
- Plain Yogurt: This can work well if the recipe requires the tanginess of cottage cheese. It’s also a good source of probiotics. Stir well before using in recipes as cottage cheese substitutes. Use cup for cup.
- Kefir: This fermented milk drink has a tart, refreshing flavor, making it a good substitute in recipes that call for cottage cheese’s subdued tangy finish. Best blended with another drier option in this list to create a cup for cup ratio.
- Cream Cheese: This works well in recipes that require a creamy texture, though it is denser and higher in fat. Use half the amount called for plus 3 T water.
- Mascarpone: This Italian cheese is creamy and smooth with similar properties as cream cheese, and can work well in both sweet and savory recipes. To substitute cottage cheese with mascarpone, use half the amount called for plus 3 T water.
- Fromage Blanc: This French cheese has a texture similar to cottage cheese, though it’s slightly more firm. Cup for cup.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled, soft goat cheese can be a good substitute, especially if you’re looking for a slightly tangier flavor. Use cup for cup plus 2 T water. Adjust recipe for its higher salt content.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can mimic the chunky texture of cottage cheese and adds a salty, tangy flavor. Use cup for cup plus 2 T water. Adjust recipe for its higher salt content.
- Queso Fresco: This is a Mexican cheese that has a similar crumbly texture to cottage cheese but not as moist. Use cup for cup plus 2 T water.
- Paneer: This Indian cheese is mild in flavor, similar to cottage cheese, and doesn’t melt when heated, making it a good substitute in cooked dishes. Use cup for cup.
- Soft Tofu: Mashed silken tofu is a great substitute for cottage cheese because it holds its shape the same way cottage cheese will retain the curd texture in hot recipes. Measure after mashing in a cup for cup ratio. Add salt and moisture to the recipe.
- Ricotta: When substituting ricotta for cottage cheese, you can use a 1:1 ratio. However, if you are looking for a similar texture, you may want to use slightly less ricotta. Use cup for cup.
Read more here about how we compare Ricotta vs. Cottage Cheese.

The bottom line
Luckily for the home chef like you and me, there are quite a few cottage cheese substitutes out there we can use when we’ve run out of the original. Pull up our list when you find yourself mid-recipe and out of regular cottage cheese.
More About Cottage Cheese
- What Is Cottage Cheese?
- Savory Cottage Cheese Toast Recipe
- How To Tell If Cottage Cheese Is Bad
- Pasta Recipes That Use Cottage Cheese
- 30 Cottage Cheese Recipes
- 15 Best Cottage Cheese Side Dishes
- Savory Cottage Cheese Recipes
- Is Cottage Cheese Gluten Free?

Cottage Cheese Substitute: 11 Best Options + Ratios
If you're looking for a cottage cheese substitute that won't compromise your recipe, here are 11 substitutes for cottage cheese to use in your recipe plus ratios.
Ingredients
- Plain Yogurt: Use cup for cup.
- Kefir: Best blended with another drier option in this list to create a cup for cup ratio.
- Cream Cheese: Use half the amount called for plus 3 T water.
- Mascarpone: Use half the amount called for plus 3 T water.
- Fromage Blanc: This French cheese has a texture similar to cottage cheese, though it's slightly more firm. Cup for cup.
- Goat Cheese: Crumbled, soft goat cheese can be a good substitute, especially if you're looking for a slightly tangier flavor. Use cup for cup plus 2 T water. Adjust recipe for higher salt content.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can mimic the chunky texture of cottage cheese and adds a salty, tangy flavor. Use cup for cup plus 2 T water. Adjust recipe for higher salt content.
- Queso Fresco: This is a Mexican cheese that has a similar crumbly texture to cottage cheese but not as moist. Use cup for cup plus 2 T water.
- Paneer: This Indian cheese is mild in flavor, similar to cottage cheese, and doesn't melt when heated, making it a good substitute in cooked dishes. Use cup for cup.
- Ricotta: When substituting ricotta for cottage cheese, you can use a 1:1 ratio. However, if you are looking for a similar texture, you may want to use slightly less ricotta. Use cup for cup.
- Soft Tofu: Measure cup for cup after mashing the tofu and add salt and extra water to your recipe.
Instructions
- Choose a cottage cheese substitute from this list (or a combination of them to help meet both flavor and texture desires).
- Follow the ratios given.
- Keep experimenting with your favorite cottage cheese substitutes to get the perfect flavor and texture.