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| 3 |  | theMilkman Feta & Chevre Cheese Making Kit | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
Yes, goat cheese and feta are often interchangeable in recipes. They’re both tangy, crumbly, and white, so most people won’t even notice the switch.
There are a few differences worth knowing about before you make the swap, though.
Can I substitute goat cheese for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese in place of feta in most recipes at a 1:1 ratio. The biggest difference is that goat cheese (chevre) is softer and creamier, while feta tends to be drier and saltier.
Here’s something most people don’t realize: traditional feta is actually made from sheep milk, or a blend of sheep and goat milk. It’s not a goat cheese at all.
So when you’re swapping in pure goat cheese, you’re changing the milk source, which changes the flavor slightly.
What’s goat cheese and where does it come from?
Goat cheese, also called chevre, is made from goat’s milk that’s been curdled with an acid or bacterial cultures. Fresh chevre is soft, spreadable, and has a mild tangy flavor that gets stronger as the cheese ages.
People have been making goat cheese for thousands of years across Europe and the Middle East. Today you can find it in everything from grocery store logs to artisan aged varieties at farmer’s markets.
What are the benefits of eating goat cheese?
Goat cheese is lower in calories and fat than most cow milk cheeses. It’s also easier to digest because the fat globules are smaller and the protein structure breaks down more readily in your stomach.
It’s a solid source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A. People who are sensitive to cow dairy often tolerate goat cheese well, though it still contains lactose, so it’s not a safe choice for someone with a true lactose intolerance.
What’s feta cheese and where does it come from?
Feta originates from Greece, where it’s been made for centuries from sheep’s milk or a sheep-goat milk blend. True Greek feta is brined, which gives it that characteristic salty, tangy bite.
In the European Union, feta has a protected designation of origin, meaning only cheese made in certain regions of Greece from specific milk types can legally be called feta. You can also freeze goat cheese for longer storage, which is handy when you buy in bulk.
What you find labeled as “feta” in American grocery stores is often made from cow milk.
How do goat cheese and feta cheese compare in terms of flavor, texture, and nutrition?
Goat cheese is milder and creamier than feta. If you want to try making your own goat dairy products, goat milk yogurt is a great starting point.
It melts smoothly when heated, making it better for warm dishes like pasta, pizza, or baked eggs.
Feta holds its shape better when crumbled and has a stronger, saltier punch. Nutritionally, they’re similar in protein and calcium content, but feta is higher in sodium because of the brining process.
If you’re watching your salt intake, goat cheese is the better pick.
Which type of cheese would be best for a particular dish?
For cold dishes like Greek salads or grain bowls, crumbled goat cheese works just as well as feta. The texture is slightly different, but the flavor fits right in.
For baked dishes where you want the cheese to melt and spread, goat cheese actually works better than feta. Goat cheese pairs beautifully with dishes like kabuli palao made with goat meat for a full goat-centric meal.
Feta can dry out and turn rubbery in the oven, while goat cheese gets creamy and golden. For stuffed peppers, flatbreads, or quiches, goat cheese is the stronger choice.
Final Thoughts
Goat cheese is a great substitute for feta in nearly every recipe. The flavor is milder and the texture is creamier, but those differences work in your favor more often than not.
Use the same amount as you’d feta, and just keep in mind that goat cheese is less salty. You might need to add a small pinch of salt to match the flavor profile of the original recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can substitute goat cheese for feta cheese because they have a similar taste and texture. Both kinds of cheese are tangy and slightly salty with a crumbly texture. They also have a similar white color and can be used in similar ways.
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a popular type of soft cheese that's typically made from the milk of goats. This delicious and versatile cheese can be used in a wide variety of recipes and dishes, and it can be found in grocery stores and markets all around the world.
Goat cheese is a nutritious food that offers various health benefits. This cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and it also contains high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin A.
Feta cheese is a type of savory cheese that has a crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor. This popular cheese originates from Greece, where it has been produced for centuries.
