When I was living in Mexico, cotija cheese was a staple in my kitchen. I used it to make tacos, enchiladas, and salads.
However, since moving to the United States, I have had a hard time finding cotija cheese in stores.
So, what’s a girl to do when she wants her cotija cheese fix?
Of course, I could always order cotija cheese online, but that’s not always feasible (or desirable) when you’re in the mood for a quick and easy meal.
So, over the years, I’ve experimented with different cotija cheese substitutes.
And, I’m happy to report that I’ve found a few that work well!
Substitutes for Cotija Cheese
- Romano Cheese
- Anejo
- Taleggio
- Cottage Cheese
- Parmesan Parmigiano
- Gorwydd Caerphilly
- Wensleydale
- Red Fox
- Ricotta Salata
- Feta Cheese
Romano Cheese
Romano cheese is an excellent substitute for Cotija cheese. Romano cheese is a hard Italian cheese that has a similar salty flavor to Cotija cheese.
It can be grated over dishes in the same way that Cotija cheese would be used.
Romano cheese is also a good substitute for Parmesan cheese, so it can be used in recipes that call for Parmesan cheese.
When substituting Romano cheese for Cotija cheese, there may be a slight difference in flavor, but the overall taste of the dish will not be affected.
Anejo
Anejo cheese is a great substitute for Cotija cheese. It has a similar flavor and consistency, making it a good choice for dishes that call for Cotija cheese.
Anejo cheese is also a good substitute for other cheeses, such as Parmesan or Asiago.
It can be used in all the same recipes, and it will result in a dish that is just as delicious.
The only difference is that the Anejo cheese will have a slightly richer flavor.
When substituting Anejo cheese for Cotija cheese, you may want to add a bit more salt to your recipe to compensate for the fact that Anejo cheese is less salty than Cotija cheese.
Overall, Anejo cheese is an excellent substitute for Cotija cheese and can be used in any recipe that calls for Cotija cheese.
Taleggio
Taleggio is an Italian cheese that has a similar texture and taste to Cotija. It is also relatively easy to find and is quite affordable.
When used as a substitute for Cotija, Taleggio will give your dish a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Additionally, Taleggio can be used in a variety of recipes, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect one for you.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese has a similar texture to Cotija, although it is not as crumbly.
It also has a milder flavor, making it a good choice for dishes where you do not want the cheese to overpower the other flavors.
In addition, cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories than Cotija, making it a healthier option.
When substituting cottage cheese for Cotija, you may need to add a little extra salt to your dish to offset the milder flavor.
However, overall, cottage cheese is an excellent substitute for Cotija cheese.
Parmesan Parmigiano
Parmesan cheese is a good substitute for cotija because it is similar in taste and texture.
Parmesan is also a hard cheese, so it will last longer in the fridge than cotija.
The main difference between the two kinds of cheese is that cotija is typically used as a topping, while Parmesan is used as an ingredient.
This means that you may need to adjust the amount of Parmesan you use in a recipe depending on how much cotija the recipe calls for.
In general, Parmesan is a great substitute for cotija cheese in any recipe that calls for hard, salty cheese.
Gorwydd Caerphilly
Gorwydd Caerphilly is a Welsh cheese that shares many similarities with Cotija. It’s dry and crumbly, with a sharp, salty flavor.
Best of all, it’s readily available and reasonably priced. Moreover, Caerphilly can be used in all the same recipes as Cotija since it melts and browns in the same way.
So, if you’re looking for a Cotija cheese substitute, Caerphilly is a great option.
Wensleydale
Wensleydale cheese is a suitable substitute for Cotija cheese. It is a type of English cheese that is similar in taste and texture.
Wensleydale cheese is also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.
When substituting Wensleydale cheese for Cotija cheese, it is important to keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
However, the overall taste and texture of the dish will remain the same.
Red Fox
The Red Fox as a substitute for Cotija Cheese has many wonderful benefits.
For one, it is a healthier choice for those who are looking to cut down on saturated fat and cholesterol.
Additionally, the Red Fox provides a creamier texture and richer flavor than Cotija cheese; perfect for those dishes that require a little extra oomph!
And because it is less acidic than Cotija cheese, the Red Fox will not make your recipe overly salty.
Finally, this versatile cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, both savory and sweet.
So whether you’re looking to add a gourmet touch to your macaroni and cheese or create a decadent chocolate cheesecake, the Red Fox is the perfect substitution for Cotija cheese. Enjoy!
Ricotta Salata
Ricotta Salata is a type of cheese that can be used as a substitute for cotija cheese.
Ricotta Salata is a type of cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. This type of cheese has a milder flavor than cotija cheese.
It is also less salty than cotija cheese. Ricotta Salata can be used in many recipes that call for cotija cheese.
For example, you can use ricotta Salata in a recipe for enchiladas. The flavor of ricotta Salata will not change the flavor of the enchiladas, but the texture may be slightly different.
Ricotta Salata is also a good substitute for cotija cheese in a recipe for tacos. The flavor of the tacos will not be changed, but the texture may be slightly different.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a popular substitute for cotija cheese. It has a similar flavor and can be used in many of the same dishes.
Feta is made from sheep’s milk, while cotija is made from cow’s milk. This gives feta a slightly tangier flavor.
Feta is also lower in fat than cotija. Cotija is a dry, crumbly cheese, while feta is moister.
This means that feta will not provide the same crunch when used as a topping on salads or tacos.
However, feta will melt more easily than cotija, making it a better choice for use in recipes that call for melted cheese.
When substituting feta for cotija, it is important to keep these differences in mind.
The final dish may not taste the same as if cotija had been used, but it will still be delicious.
FAQ
What is the best cotija cheese substitute?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a cheese with a similar texture, then cottage cheese or feta are your best bet.
If you’re looking for a cheese with a similar flavor, then I would recommend either Romano or Parmesan.
What is the best cotija cheese substitute for tacos?
If you’re looking for a cheese with a similar texture, then cottage cheese or feta are your best bet.
When it comes to flavor, I would recommend either Anejo or Taleggio.
What is the best cotija cheese substitute for enchiladas?
If you’re looking for a cheese with a similar texture, then I would recommend either cottage cheese or feta.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! A list of substitutes for cotija cheese that are sure to please.
No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a cheese on this list that will fit the bill.
So, next time you’re in the mood for cotija cheese but can’t find it in the store, don’t despair!
Just try one of these substitutes and you’ll be cotija-cheese-less no more!