25 Amazing Cottage Cheese Substitutes To Try Out

So, what can you use in place of cottage cheese if you are lactose intolerant or can’t eat dairy products? Cottage cheese is a dairy product widely used in many different dishes and recipes due to its excellent taste and interesting texture. There are many cottage cheese substitute to know!

One of the most common substitutes for people that cannot eat dairy products is tofu, but it doesn’t have the same consistency as a dish with lactic acid.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of other substitutes you can try, and we have prepared an entire list!

Nutrition Table

Recipes	Calories (Per 100 Grams)
Greek Yogurt	59
Swiss or American	79
Paneer	265
Feta Cheese	264
Ricotta	175
Goat Cheese	364
Sour Cream	193
Mascarpone	429
Ricotta Gnocchi	280
Hazelnut Spread	541
Peanut Butter	588
Mozzarella	280
Parmesan Cheese	431
Kefir	52
Egg Whites	52
Cream Cheese	342
Almond Milk	17
Whipped Heavy Cream	345
Fish	206
Tofu	76
Fromage Blac	98
Hummus	166
Chickpea Puree	180
Red Or White Beans	127
Lean Meat	250

Substitutes For Cottage Cheese

Let’s look at each substitute and how they can be substituted, shall we?

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative to cottage cheese because it is less sour, has a thicker consistency, and has more nutritional benefits. It is especially beneficial if you make a dip or salad dressing that needs a bit of thickness.

Greek yogurt is available as both strained and unstrained types of dairy products, but the most common type of greek yogurt will have visible clusters of thick white liquid whey suspended throughout. 

The number of these clusters depends on how long a batch has been left to ferment (usually after five hours), affecting the product’s final texture and flavor.

How To Make

1. Sterilize all of your jars and utensils in boiling water and then place them on a clean surface. Take a small amount of the starter and pour it into a bowl. Add a small amount of milk to the starter and mix it; this will be your first batch.

2. Pour the rest of the milk into your crock pot, and then add in your starter culture; stir well until mixed well (about 10 minutes). Cover the pot with a clean towel and cook on high for 8-12 hours.                 

3. Remove the liquid from the crock pot and pour it into your strainer lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter to separate any clumps of yogurt from fat milk solids.

4. Place your strained liquid back into a bowl/container, and then carefully stir in the starter culture (you want an even ratio).               

5. Pour the mixture into your jars and place them in a warm area, stirring once every couple of hours until it has thickened.        

6. Pour the yogurt into a cheesecloth to strain out any excess liquid. Place your strained yogurt into containers for storage.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of Greek Yogurt to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in any recipe.

2. Swiss Or American 

Swiss or American cheese is made from cow’s milk and is low in fat but high in protein. These cheeses offer a great alternative to cottage cheese taste and can be used to make a dip for veggies and fruit.

It has the form of delicate holes or pockets due to its production process. Swiss cheese is sometimes used as an ingredient in other dishes and served on sandwiches.

Variants include Emmentaler, Gruyère, Appenzeller (frequently matured), Sbrinz (a swedish hard cheese), and Comté (usually not aged for more than 18 months).

How To Substitute

1 cup of Cheese to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in any recipe.

3. Paneer

Paneer is a form of Indian cheese that is made from curdled milk with no whey.

It offers an alternative to cottage cheese because it does not have the same tangy taste as cottage cheese, yet it still has the same ability to melt and stick to prey items as yogurt does.

It also absorbs flavors well from things cooked over it such as herbs and sauces. Paneer is usually eaten with dry fruits like nuts, raisins, and coconut.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of Paneer to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in any recipe.

4. Feta Cheese

Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk and has a crumbly texture and a slightly salty taste. It’s great for making salads and adding to pasta. Feta cheese is widely available in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine.

It’s characterized by a crumbly texture, strong salty taste, and sharp tang. It is a highly perishable cheese and must be stored in a dark place at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feta has been found to contain the highest amount of fat of any type of cheese or dairy product.

How To Substitute

Use 3/4 cup of Feta Cheese to replace 1 cup of Cottage Cheese in recipes.

RELATED: The 7 Best Velveeta Cheese Substitutes

5. Ricotta

Ricotta is the Italian word for “cooked again”. It is made from the whey left over from cheesemaking and, therefore, contains less fat than cottage cheese.

Use Ricotta instead of cottage cheese if you are cooking a dish that requires a creamy texture and wants little or no moisture.

Ricotta cheese is a type of fresh cheese that is mainly used in cooking because it melts well and has a creamy but dense texture. It’s made from whey (part-skim or full-fat milk) and whole or partly-skimmed milk. 

The word Ricotta means “twice grated” in Italian, which describes how this type of cheese can be easily shredded semi-finely.

How To Substitute

1 cup of Ricotta to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in recipes.

6. Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a dense consistency, but it’s also very creamy and mild flavored. Goat cheese is also a great substitute for cottage cheese because it can be easily melted in cooking, which makes it perfect for any meat or pasta dish.

The flavor of Goat Cheese can range from mild to tangy depending on how long it’s aged. Some varieties are crumbly, while others are reasonably creamy and spreadable.

It crumbles easily because it has a higher fat content than cow’s milk.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of Goat Cheese to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in recipes

7. Sour Cream

Sour cream is a dairy product that originated in Nordic countries and has been around for over 400 years.

It is used to flavor, or garnish dishes eaten cold and has a thin consistency, making it a perfect alternative to cottage cheese when you’d like something similar but also want extra flavor.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of Sour Cream to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in recipes

8. Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a soft, creamy Italian cheese used to make desserts and served as an appetizer with fruit. Mascarpone can be used for pastries like tiramisu and Mousselines à la Nesselrode.

It can also be mixed with honey or used to make desserts like semifreddo or ice cream with mocha-flavored Mascarpone topped with chocolate shavings.

How To Make It

1. Place the butter in a bowl and microwave until melted (about 1 minute).

2. Mix the egg yolk, sugar, salt, and lemon juice in a separate bowl until well blended (about 2 minutes).

3. Add the egg mixture to the melted butter and stir with a fork until smooth (about 1 minute).

4. Gradually add half of the cheese while stirring continuously (about 1 minute).

5. Add another half of the cheese at a time and stir after each addition (about 1 minute).

6. Stir in the remaining cheese until smooth.

7. Set aside and keep refrigerated until needed.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of Mascarpone to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in recipes

RELATED: The Best 6 Manchego Cheese Substitutes

9. Ricotta Gnocchi

Ricotta gnocchi is a delicious Italian food dish made from dumpling dough that is rolled into ridges and baked until golden brown around the edges.

It has a creamy taste, similar to ricotta cheese but with a chewy texture.

Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from unleavened dough and boiled, cut potato that is then tossed with a sweet, sour cream-based sauce and flavored with Italian herbs.

How To Make It

1. Place the flour, salt, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl and stir together with a fork (about 2 minutes).

2. Pour the sour cream into another bowl and mix with a fork (about 1 minute).

3. Slowly pour the sour cream mixture into the flour mixture and mix with a spoon until well blended (about 1 minute).

4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface (about 1/2 inch thick) into a long, thin strip.

5. Cut into 2-inch pieces.

6. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature before cooking.

How To Substitute

The amount of ricotta gnocchi to replace cottage cheese depends on a few factors. While the substitution ratio is one cup of ricotta gnocchi for ¾ cups of cottage cheese, the number of carbs in each will affect the final carb count.

10. Hazelnut Spread

This spread is made from whole hazelnuts that have been chopped into small pieces, blended to make a smooth paste, and seasoned lightly with salt to enhance the natural nutty flavor of hazelnuts.

Soaked dried apricots, peaches, cherries (or other fruit), or figs can also be added

Many people love the taste of hazelnut spread. It has a sturdy and rich taste that most people enjoy. People looking for a gluten-free alternative also love hazelnut spread because it is created in a way that can be gluten-free.

How To Make It

1. Place the nuts in a food processor and process until smooth (about 1 minute).

2. Add the melted butter and mix until blended well (about 1 minute).

3. Store in the refrigerator until needed.

How To Substitute

1 cup whole hazelnuts (to substitute for about 4 cups of Ricotta Gnocchi)A pinch of salt (optional)

11. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a good substitution for cottage cheese because it has a fairly thick, smooth consistency. It can also be used on toast or as a filling for sandwiches. 

Starting with the basics, peanut butter is a food paste that most typically comes in jars of about 18 ounces and has a shelf life of two years.

Its main ingredients are typically unprocessed peanuts, roasted and ground to a smooth paste. Peanut butter’s flavor can range from lightly sweet to salty or tangy.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of Peanut Butter to replace 2 cups of Cottage Cheese in any recipe.

12. Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a cheese that is made from a coagulated milk of water buffalo or cow’s milk. It is commonly sold in slices and is often used in sandwiches.

 It is a smooth, white, elastic and stretchy cheese. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It is most often used as a table cheese, but can also be eaten on pizza, in salads, and as a spread.

The soft and white cheese is usually cut into small cubes and then melted on pizza or pasta.

How To Substitute

To substitute cottage cheese with mozzarella, you will need to add 2 tablespoons of milk to the dough and substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with 1/4 cup of mozzarella.

13. Parmesan cheese 

This deliciously sharp, tangy, and salty cheese is made from sheep’s milk. It has a buttery flavor that is deliciously decadent.

The cheese is a hard, semi-firm Italian cheese with a nutty flavor. It has a distinctive crumbly texture, with the consistency of a dry cheese.

The cheese is usually aged up for two hours and it helps to contribute in its sharp and pungent taste. 

How To Substitute

Parmesan cheese can be substituted for cottage cheese to create a cheese sauce with a richer flavor. One recipe calls for two cups of cottage cheese and two cups of parmesan cheese, but can be made with just one cup of each if desired.

14. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink. It is a probiotic drink, full of good bacteria that help to keep your digestive system healthy. With a distinctive sour and slightly tangy taste, the drink results in creamy, sour flavor. 

It is a good source of protein and calcium. It is a refreshing, slightly tart beverage that can be enjoyed plain, on cereal, in smoothies, or in baking.

It is a drink enjoyed by many people and it has many nutritional benefits. 

How To Substitute

A healthy alternative to cottage cheese, kefir is a fermented milk drink with a unique, slightly sour flavor. You can make many dishes with kefir instead of cottage cheese, including baked goods, smoothies, and desserts.

15. Egg whites

Egg whites are a type of protein found in eggs, which are white and edible. They are often used as a protein supplement, in baking, and as a protein drink.

The proteins can be used to create a wide variety of different foods, such as omelets, cakes, and meringue.

They are a vital part of a balanced diet, and are often consumed as an inexpensive source of protein in the form of a meal or as an ingredient in a dish.

It can be substituted for whole eggs in many recipes, with the exception of those that call for yolks.

How To Substitute

Egg whites are a versatile ingredient that can be used to substitute for many dairy products in baking. They are a great substitute for recipes that call for cottage cheese. This recipe shows you how to substitute cottage cheese with egg whites.

16. Cream cheese

Cream cheese is a soft, white, and slightly tangy, spreadable cheese. It is typically made with cow’s milk, but cream cheese can also be made with sheep’s or goat’s milk. It is soft, spreadable and lightly sweet. 

The cheese comes in different varieties and consistency. It is a soft cheese often used as toppings on bagels, toast or either on vegetables. It also has similar consistency to whipped cream.

Also, it is used for making sandwiches, and it is often used as a filling for pastries and pies or desserts.

How To Substitute

Substituting cream cheese for cottage cheese can be a way to reduce the amount of fat in a recipe. Substituting one ounce of cream cheese for one ounce of cottage cheese will reduce the fat content in a recipe by half.

17. Almond milk

Almond milk is made from almonds and water. It has a creamy texture and is a great source of protein. The milk has a mild flavor that is a bit earthy, slightly sweet, nutty and creamy taste that makes it perfect for cereal, smoothies and other recipes. 

The healthy and creamy milk is a vegan friendly option used in different ways and is perfect for cereal, smoothies or any base for coffee. 

The milk is generally sweet and thick, with a smooth, creamy texture. It is available in both unsweetened and sweetened versions.

How To Substitute

In order to substitute, add 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of almonds, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a blender and blend for 20 seconds. After blending, strain the mixture and use a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove the almonds.

18. Whipped Heavy cream

Whipped heavy cream is a type of cream that has been whipped into a light, fluffy consistency. It has a much higher fat content than light cream, and is usually used in desserts or as a filling for pastries.

It is a cream that has been whipped with a whisk or an electric mixer to a very soft, fluffy texture. It is often used in baking, desserts, and sauces.

Whip heavy cream is a sweet, thick, rich dairy product that has a high fat content. The cream is whipped by mixing it with a liquid, such as sugar or lemon juice, which creates air bubbles in the cream. 

The fat in the cream is then broken down into smaller droplets, which makes the cream easier to mix and incorporate into recipes.

How To Substitute

The cottage cheese and milk mixture can be substituted for heavy cream. It takes 1 cup of cottage cheese to make 1 cup of heavy cream.

19. Fish

The difference between fresh fish and frozen fish is that the fresh fish is alive and swimming in the water, while the frozen fish is thawed out, usually from frozen solid and stored in a fridge or freezer.

Huge, juicy, fresh, never frozen and wild caught fish fillets are the stars of the menu at this family-owned eatery. Whether you’re looking for some fish tacos or an order of fish and chips, this is the place to go.

It is a popular food around the world and is one of the most popular types of seafood. You can cook fresh or frozen fish and it is often used as sushi or other dishes. 

How To Substitute

In order to substitute cottage cheese with fish, you can simply replace the cottage cheese with white fish. White fish can be substituted for a lot of things like canned tuna, chicken, or beef. It is a versatile and healthy food.

20. Tofu

Tofu is a type of soybean curd that is made by coagulating soy milk that has a bland taste and is high in protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients.

Tofu is a type of soybean curd that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a light, mild flavor that absorbs the flavors of whatever it is cooked with. 

It is used in Asian dishes like soups, stir-fries, and curries. It is also used in a variety of desserts, like ice cream and cheesecake. Tofu can be fried, steamed, or baked, and it can be served cold or hot.

How To Substitute

For best substitute options, use ½ cup of silken tofu in place of ½ cup of cottage cheese.

21. Fromage blac

The creamy texture of a cheese spread with a smoky, savory taste is what defines this particular version of blac. It comes in a variety of flavors with a dark, buttery, rich, and pungent cheese with a very mild and velvety taste.

It is a type of soft cheese, and the main ingredient is milk. This cheese can be spread on toast, used as a dip, or used in a recipe.

How To Substitute

As the cottage cheese is similar to Fromage Blac, substitution is an easy way. For substitution, you can use ½ cup of Fromage Blanc for ½ cup of cottage cheese.

22. Hummus

Hummus is a popular dip made from ground chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It is often served as a dip for vegetables, pita bread, or chips.

It is made with a blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper. It’s a mixture of smooth and spicy that is perfect to spread on top of your favorite bread or use as a dip for vegetables.

It is a Middle Eastern dip made of mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is often served as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, and various other types of crunchy vegetables.

How To Substitute

To substitute cottage cheese with hummus, you will need to add a tablespoon of hummus to each 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. You can also add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of cumin to the mixture for a more flavorful flavor.

23. Chickpea puree 

Chickpea puree is a thick, creamy and nutritious vegan spread. It’s great for sandwiches, toast, and dipping veggies into. It is a thick, creamy and nutritious vegan spread. It’s great for sandwiches, toast, and dipping veggies into.

The puree is a paste made from chickpeas that is used in a variety of dishes and is a vegan substitute for butter. The puree is gluten-free, and it is also a good source of iron and protein.

This thick, rich, creamy and flavorful vegan cheese dip is perfect for entertaining guests. It can be served as a dip, spread or in burritos, tacos, and more.

How To Substitute

Cottage cheese is a creamier type of cheese that’s made from cow’s milk, but you can use chickpea puree instead of cow’s milk in many recipes that call for cottage cheese. You can substitute about 1 cup of cottage cheese for about 1/4 cup of chickpea puree.

24. Red Or White Beans

These large beans are often used in dishes like rice and beans, soups, and stews.

The red and white beans are more nutritious and a hearty, protein-rich stew that’s loaded with flavor. A bean is a small, seed-bearing fruit that grows in pods. It is the edible seed of a plant of the legume family. 

The dried beans are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and other vegetables. Beans come in many varieties and colors. White beans are a variety of white kidney beans, while red beans are actually a type of mung bean.

How To Substitute

If you want to substitute the cottage cheese with red or white beans, you can use a can of red kidney beans or cannellini beans.

25. Lean meat

Lean meat is a term used to describe meat that has less fat and more muscle. It is typically used as red meat, poultry, and pork. 

The meat can be purchased in stores, but it can also be made at home. It’s a great way to maintain a healthy weight and improve the quality of your life. 

It is often the hardest to find, and oftentimes has the most intense flavor. This recipe features a blend of beef and pork that is mixed with onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, and oregano.

How To Substitute

Some people have a hard time getting their daily protein intake. Substituting a few meals of cottage cheese with Lean meat can help. Lean meat can be substituted for cottage cheese in dishes such as cottage cheese and chicken soup, cottage cheese and tuna salad, and cottage cheese with honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Substitute For Cottage Cheese?

The best substitute for cottage cheese is ricotta cheese. Ricotta also has a taste and texture similar to that of cottage cheese, but it does not have as much protein as cottage cheese.

It also does not need to be cooked before eating like other substitutes. 

You can enjoy Ricotta on its own or in pasta dishes. Unlike the others, Ricotta tastes better when used in foods with acidic sauces because it cuts through the tartness of these sauces better than other substitutes do.

What Is The Difference Between Ricotta And Cottage Cheese?

Ricotta has a texture similar to that of cottage cheese, but it has less protein because it is made from whey (a watery liquid leftover from cheese production) instead of milk.

Ricotta also does not need to be cooked before eating as other substitutes do.

How Are Substitutes For Cottage Cheese Made?

Cottage cheese substitutes are traditionally made by culturing the milk of a nut or legume with a potassium-based culture, which thickens the milk.

The resulting product has a consistency similar to cottage cheese and can be used to make dips, salad dressings, and spreads.

What Is The Nutritional Information On Cottage Cheese Substitutes?

The nutritional information of cottage cheese substitutes varies depending on the type, but they are all high in protein and calcium.

Below are examples of how many grams of protein, calcium, and carbohydrates you would get from one cup of almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk.

• Almond Milk: 2.2 grams of protein, 85 milligrams of calcium, 14 grams of carbohydrates
• Soy Milk: 5.8 grams of protein, 18 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams of carbohydrates
• Coconut Milk: 6.9 grams of protein, 17 milligrams of calcium, and 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Where Can You Find Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese can be found in most grocery stores, including Kroger and Walmart. In addition to this, some health food stores may stock it as well.

You can also find it at local farmers’ markets selling fresh milk and other fermented products.