Substitute Guides
Ranked alternatives when you cannot find the cheese you need. How close each swap gets, and what to adjust when you cook with it.
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Parmesan Substitutes: 7 Best Alternatives for Pasta and Salads
Grana Padano is the closest Parmesan substitute, but Pecorino Romano, aged Asiago, Piave, Manchego, Dry Jack, and nutritional yeast each…
Feta Substitutes: Best Swaps for Salads, Baking, and Briny Crumble
Ricotta salata is the best feta substitute for salads. See all 6 alternatives ranked by tang, crumble, and use case…
Mozzarella Substitutes: 8 Best Alternatives for Pizza and Pasta
Provolone is the best mozzarella substitute for pizza, with similar melt and stretch. See all 8 alternatives ranked by use…
Latest Substitute Guides
Goat Cheese Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Salads, Cooking, and Boards
Feta is best when goat cheese supplies tang and crumble, but cream cheese, ricotta salata,…
Gouda Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Melting, Snacking, and Boards
Havarti is the best substitute for young Gouda, while aged cheddar, Edam, Comte, and smoked…
Blue Cheese Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Salads, Dressing, and Boards
Gorgonzola dolce is the best mild blue cheese substitute, while feta, goat cheese, Stilton, Roquefort,…
Ricotta Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Lasagna, Filling, and Baking
Cottage cheese is the best ricotta substitute for lasagna when drained and blended. See dessert,…
Mascarpone Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Tiramisu, Sauces, and Desserts
Cream cheese loosened with cream is the closest practical mascarpone substitute for tiramisu and dessert…
Fontina Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Melting, Fondue, and Sandwiches
Gruyere is the best fontina substitute for fondue and gratins, while Havarti works for softer…
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Melting and cooking swaps
- Brie Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Boards and Baking
- Feta Substitutes: Best Swaps for Salads, Baking, and Briny Crumble
- Fontina Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Melting, Fondue, and Sandwiches
- Gouda Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Melting, Snacking, and Boards
- Mascarpone Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Tiramisu, Sauces, and Desserts
- Mozzarella Substitutes: 8 Best Alternatives for Pizza and Pasta
- Ricotta Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Lasagna, Filling, and Baking
Fresh and soft swaps
The swaps that rescue the most recipes
Fresh, spreadable, and grillable cheeses go missing more often than any others.
Ricotta Substitutes
What holds a lasagna layer together and what turns it watery.
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Cream Cheese Substitutes
Swaps that keep the tang for dips and frosting, and the ones that break in cheesecake.
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Mascarpone Substitutes
How to hit the same fat level for tiramisu and cream sauces.
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Fontina Substitutes
Semi-soft melters for gratins and pasta bakes that will not turn greasy.
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Halloumi Substitutes
Which cheeses survive a hot pan without collapsing, and paneer is only the start.
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More substitute guides
Brie Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Boards and Baking
Camembert is the best Brie substitute for boards and baked pastry. Learn when triple-cream…
Cheddar Substitutes: 7 Best Alternatives for Cooking and Snacking
Colby is the best mild Cheddar substitute, but sauces, grilled cheese, sharp boards, and…
Cream Cheese Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Cheesecake, Frosting, and Dips
Neufchatel is the safest direct cream cheese substitute, while mascarpone, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt,…
Gruyère Substitutes: 7 Best Alternatives for Any Recipe
Comté is the closest match for Gruyère in fondue and gratins. Compare seven alternatives…
Halloumi Substitutes: 6 Best Alternatives for Grilling, Frying, and Warm Salads
Paneer is the best Halloumi substitute for hot pans and skewers. See the best…
