• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Urban Farmie
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Resources
    • Gardening
    • Substitutes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Resources
    • Gardening
    • Substitutes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Substitutes

    Published: May 18, 2022 | Last Modified: May 17, 2022 by Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju | This post may contain affiliate links. 💬 - No Comments

    The 14 Best Cotija Cheese Substitutes!

    Shares25FacebookPin25

    Cotija, which originated from the town of Cotija in Mexico, is a Mexican hard cheese with a mild, salty taste. It's crumbled on tacos, Mexican street corn, and I love using it on shakshuka. It has been gaining popularity because of its bold flavors (and can sometimes add a little heat to dishes too!). However, don't fear if cotija isn't readily available, because we have rounded up 14 great cotija substitutes in this post!

    Image of block of cotija cheese with green garnish, and text overlay with title.

    This post might contain affiliate links. If you click on those and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to:
    • Best substitute for both flavor and texture
    • Best substitute for flavor 
    • Best substitute for texture 
    • Make your own cotija cheese! 
    • Best vegan substitute for cotija 
    • FAQs 

    Best overall substitute: Feta cheese is the best like-for-like substitute for cotija cheese. You can use it exactly as you would use cotija (either as a filling or garnish). It has a very similar crumbly texture, salty and mild flavor, and can be found at most local grocery stores. It's also cheaper than cotija!

    However, it's not the only replacement. There are better replacements based on texture or flavor, as well as price and dietary restrictions! So read on to find out more.

    Best substitute for both flavor and texture

    Three panel collage showing best cotija substitutes for texture and flavor - feta, queso fresco, and anejo.

    If you want the best cotija cheese substitute similar in both texture and flavor, you have three options. Feta is likely most readily available in local grocery stores , but all three are great replacements.

    Feta 

    When it comes to taste and texture, feta cheese has a salty, somewhat tangy flavor similar to cotija. This makes it a great addition to salads, tacos, pizzas, and everything in between. It's also quite crumbly in texture, and hence, makes a good substitution for cotija cheese. Feta is the most commonly available substitute. You can find it in the cheese aisle of most grocery stores. So, in a pinch, feta is the first cheese I grab to replace cotija.

    Queso Fresco 

    Mexican queso fresco is an often overlooked substitute for cotija cheese, especially in baking dishes. It is usually made with skimmed cow's milk, has a milder flavor and is much softer than cotija. The flavor of this cheese is typically salty and it also crumbles easily, especially when heated, worked, or sliced!

    It delivers most of the flavor and texture, but at a fraction of the cost. Queso fresco is usually cheaper than cotija, so this might save you some money!) It also has low-fat content and works well as a replacement for cotija cheese in any recipe. However, it is not as easily available as cotija. You might find it in the Mexican aisle of a grocery store, but most likely, you will need to go to a Mexican specialty store.

    Añejo

    We are cheating here a bit. Añejo is an aged version of cotija cheese (has to be aged for at least 1 year). It's a great substitute if you can get your hands on it!

    This aged cheese is smoked or air-dried for about a month during the aging process. It has a buttery and nutty taste, which can match well with most flavors that cotija is used with. As a result, you can use this as a great substitute for cotija, especially in Mexican dishes. However, this is the hardest option to find, so you might be in for a scavenger hunt.

    Best substitute for flavor 

    If texture is not a consideration and you're just looking for a good flavor substitute, there are plenty of other options you can consider!

    Four panel collage showing pictures of substitutes for flavor: clockwise from top left: Grana Padano, Parmesan, Romano, and Pecorino.

    Grana Padano 

    Grana Padano is an Italian cow's milk hard grainy texture cheese. It's almost 10% salt and derived from long-aged souring of pasteurized cow's milk. The flavor is mellow and nutty but the texture is much firmer than crumbly cotija, making it a delicious cotija cheese alternative if you're not looking for the same texture. Plus, it's never a bad idea to have some extra Grana Padano in the house!

    Parmesan

    Parmesan cheese is a great alternative for cotija. It is prepared from raw cows' milk, has a salty flavor, and a crumbly but hard texture that makes it a perfect substitute. Look for vegetarian versions since they're often made with animal rennet if unspecified! They're available at most grocery stores so can be a very easy substitute to find.

    Psst: Parmigiano-Reggiano is the version that's produced in Italy, and parmesan is the domestic version of the same cheese. One unknown fact is that Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parmesan don't have any lactose, so if you're lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy these cheeses!

    Pecorino Romano 

    Pecorino Romano is a denomination-controlled cheese made from sheep’s milk ("pecora" means sheep in Italian!) It has to be from Lazio, Grosseto (Tuscany) or Sardinia in Italy, similar to how sparkling wine can only be labeled champagne if it's from Champagne in France! There is a consortium that regulates production of authentic Pecorino Romano!

    The cheeses are aged for a period of at least 16 months in traditional caves and under ventilation. Pecorino Romano has a sharp, nutty flavor and is slightly salty. 

    Romano

    What's the difference between Romano and Pecorino Romano, you ask? Well, American cheesemakers who don't have access to sheep’s milk, make the same cheese with cow’s milk. In the same way that Parmesan is the "domestic" American version of Parmigiano-Reggiano, Romano is the American version of Pecorino Romano.

    Romano cheese tends to be milder, and more like Swiss cheese, than the crumbly Pecorino Romano, but can still be a good substitute for cotija cheese in a pinch (and way less expensive!)

    Best substitute for texture 

    Sometimes, you actually want the perfect replacement for texture instead of taste. If so, the following cheeses will be the best cotija substitutes for you.

    Pictures of best substitutes for texture: top to bottom: Ricotta Salata, Goat Cheese and Cottage Cheese

    Ricotta Salata 

    Ricotta Salata is a very salty sheep's milk cheese from Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a crumbly texture similar to cotija. However, it has a much milder flavor that lacks the sharp edge of cotija cheese.

    Goat cheese crumbles

    Goat cheese crumbles are produced by removing some of the moisture from goat's milk and adding a little salt. In contrast to a soft goat cheese log, crumbled goat cheese has a texture that is more comparable to that of feta or cotija cheese.

    To make it taste better, manufacturers often add herbs and other flavors (e.g., chives) to give the crumbles their unique flavor. This can be a great replacement for cotija cheese and you might be able to find a flavor of goat cheese that works well with the dish you're preparing too.

    Cottage cheese 

    Cottage cheese (as well as pot cheese and farmer's cheese) is a fresh cheese curd that has been drained, but not pressed. It is a soft cheese that can be eaten by itself, used in dips and spreads, or as an ingredient replacement in savory dishes.

    Cottage cheese has a texture that bears close resemblance to that of cotija and ricotta cheese. While more watery than some hard cheeses, cottage cheese is firmer than cream cheese and mozzarella. So it can be a great replacement for cotija.

    Make your own cotija cheese! 

    Of course, this is really the last option but you could actually make cotija cheese at home using a cheese kit. It's not a super complicated process! But you need to get your hands on some bacterial cultures and rennet (microbial, so it's still vegetarian-friendly!)

    Best vegan substitute for cotija 

    If you have dietary restrictions and prefer to opt for a non milk-based cotija cheese, you can either make your own vegan cotija at home or buy a great replacement.

    Make your own: almond-based cotija

    Making your own almond-based cotija is a great way to enjoy the flavors and textures of cotija in a vegan cheese alternative. This fresh, vegan version of cotija has more protein than regular dairy-based cotija because of the nuts used in its preparation!

    You can do this by grinding almonds and boiling them in water, then straining the mixture to get nut milk. Then, boil the almond milk again and mix with lime juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or paprika to give it more flavor! Leave the mixture to curdle for a few hours, then strain into a cheesecloth or muslin cloth.

    Make your own: tofu-based cotija 

    Tofu is one of the best vegan substitutions you can use when you run out of cheese. To make a vegan, tofu-based cotija replacement, boil the tofu in a medium saucepan with water for about 5-7 minutes. Drain and cool.

    After draining excess water with a cheesecloth, add the tofu to a food processor along with apple cider vinegar, lime juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pulse until you get a crumbly cotija-like texture. Press the cheese firmly to remove any air pockets. Store in the fridge for 2 hours. When ready to use, it should crumble easily!

    Violife: Just Like Feta or Just Like Parmesan

    Violife's "Just like Feta" and "Just like Parmesan" have similar texture and flavor to cotija cheese, except they're both vegan! The main ingredient is soy protein buttermilk. These are gluten-free, low-fat, and cholesterol-free cheese products.

    FAQs 

    How long does cotija cheese last after opening? 

    Cover the cotija in new parchment paper prior to putting it in a plastic storage container after each usage. That way, pure cotija would last around one month in the refrigerator, while aging cotija could last up to 3 months.

    Does cotija cheese melt easily? 

    Cotija softens but does not melt when heated, making it ideal for crushing and sprinkling. It was most commonly found in Mexican cuisine, where it's used as a garnish on tortillas, Doritos, quesadillas, and chilaquiles.

    Does cotija cheese shred easily? 

    Though cotija is typically marketed in a brick form, it can be broken, shredded, or grated super easily without melting or applying heat!

    « Avocado Deviled Eggs
    How to Dry Dill! (Four Easy Methods) »

    Download your seasonal eating guide!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Shruthi Baskaran - Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, and Blogger at Urban Farmie

    I am Shruthi, the recipe developer, photographer and blogger behind Urban Farmie. I have two graduate degrees from Stanford, one focused on food systems. And I hope to bring you everything you need for healthy-ish, comforting, nourishing vegetarian cooking.

    Read more →

    Recipe Key

    Dairy free
    Gluten free
    Nut free
    Vegan
    Vegetarian

    Fall Favorites

    • Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
    • No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup
    • Ethiopian Cabbage
    year-round produce guide

    Get Every Recipe To Your Inbox!

    As Seen On

    Footer

    Urban Farmie

    Urban Farmie

    Seasonal, global, vegetarian recipes and the stories behind them. Inspired by life and travels to 60+ countries. Always authentic, never boring.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Popular Posts

    Nigerian Jollof Rice

    Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

    Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread (or Quiche!)

    Chana Masala

    Healthy Samosas

    Moroccan Shakshuka

    Back To Top

    Copyright Black Bicycle LLC. © 2023
    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Disclosure Policy | Website Accessibility Statement