16 Simple Ways to Substitute for Cottage Cheese

Here are 16 easy ways to substitute for cottage cheese when you’re in a pinch, plus several vegan and dairy-free options, too!

Cottage cheese is a popular dairy product and diet food due to its high protein content and low calories. The mild flavor of cottage cheese makes it a great base for many of our favorite recipes.

You can find it in pasta dishes, dips, and more. It has a unique, curd-like appearance and is rich in calcium and B-12. It was originally made from the leftover milk cottages from making butter, hence the name.

Cottage cheese is readily available, but if your store is out of stock or you happen to run out just when you need it, you may wonder what makes a good cottage cheese substitute.

Below are several great stand-ins you can use in a pinch, plus vegan and dairy-free options, too!

Common Ways to Substitute for Cottage Cheese

1. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese has a similar texture, taste, and production method when compared to cottage cheese. However, it’s more nutritious and richer in calcium, zinc and essential vitamins. It’s also slightly creamier and more easily spread, but does have more fat.

Use ricotta as a 1 to 1 substitute anywhere you would cottage cheese.

2. Fromage Blanc

This cottage cheese replacement originates from northern France and is also called white cheese. You can think of it as a creamier, more buttery Greek yogurt. Fromage blanc makes a great substitute for cottage cheese in desserts and dips. Eat it with fruit or with seasonings for a savory spread.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

3. Mascarpone

This fresh Italian soft cheese has a stronger flavor than cottage cheese and is also higher in fat and calories. But it makes a great replacement for desserts. Blend it up to get a texture more similar to smooth cottage cheese and use it as a 1 to 1 substitute.

4. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in calories. You can use it for dips and spreads and even baked recipes. However, if you do use it for baking, consider lowering the water content of your recipe to compensate.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

5. Sour Cream

Sour cream is best to replace cottage cheese in savory recipes. It has a tangier flavor and it works great for dips and spreads. Use as a 1 to 1 substitute, but note your recipe will be more creamy and have a higher moisture content.

6. Kefir

This cottage cheese alternative has a similar texture to yogurt and great health properties. It is much more liquid in texture than cottage cheese and doesn’t make a great replacement for baked recipes. But, it can stand in for dips, spreads, and toppings.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

7. Whipped Heavy Cream

If you need a replacement for blended cottage cheese, whipped heavy cream can make a suitable replacement. It will be sweeter than cottage cheese and have a more airy texture.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute for recipes with a light and airy consistency.

8. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can work well to replace pureed cottage cheese and in recipes like cheesecake, though it has a stronger flavor and creamier texture.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

9. Faisselle cheese

This thick, creamy cheese works great in both sweet and savory preparations. You can use it to replace cottage cheese in dips and spreads with herbs and seasonings. And it’s also great for cheesecakes or with a drizzle of honey and nuts.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

10. Feta cheese

Heavy cream combined with feta mimics the texture of cottage cheese fairly well, though it does have a sharper taste. Feta cheese is great for savory dips and spreads, but not suitable for desserts.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

11. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is a popular cheese that can stand in for cottage cheese in a pinch. You can use it on pizza and in lasagna and other savory, baked dishes.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

12. Goat Cheese

This soft and tangy cheese goes great with certain pizzas, salads, toast, and pasta. Goat cheese is a soft, reduced-fat cheese that is low in calories, making it a great replacement for the cottage variety.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

Non-Dairy and Vegan Substitutes

13. Tofu

This soy-based vegan alternative food makes a great cottage cheese substitute. Tofu is high in protein and has great nutrient value. Mashed, soft tofu mimics the texture of cottage cheese really well and has a mild taste.

Use it as a spread or dip and to fill pasta, 1 to 1.

14. Egg Whites

Egg whites are a great cottage cheese substitute for toast. They are highly nutritious and protein-rich just like cottage cheese. If you need to break up your healthy breakfast routine or simply run out of cottage cheese, use egg whites as a 1 to 1 substitute.

15. Hummus

Hummus can replace cottage cheese for spreads and to fill pasta. This versatile vegan alternative is readily available in stores and can easily be made at home.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

16. Red or White Bean Puree

If you need another vegan alternative or you’re in a pinch, pull out a can or two of red or white beans. Pureed beans will have a lower protein content, but are great for spreads and pasta fillings, especially ravioli just like hummus.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

Recipes with Cottage Cheese

Here are some delicious and easy recipes that call for cottage cheese. Use these to try out your favorite way to substitute for cottage cheese, above.

Best Ever Lasagna Made With Cottage Cheese

Healthy and Delicious Lasagna Zucchini Boats