Quick Answer
There are several good substitutes for mozzarella cheese depending on what you’re making. Some top options include:
- Provolone
- Swiss
- Monterey Jack
- Cheddar
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Queso fresco
- Burrata
- Mozzarella-style soy cheese
Provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and cheddar work well melted on pizza or in baked pasta dishes. Feta, goat cheese, queso fresco, and burrata make good substitutions in salads like caprese. For a non-dairy option, try mozzarella-style soy cheese. The choice depends on the specific recipe and your own tastes.
What Makes Mozzarella Cheese Unique?
Mozzarella is a soft, mild, white cheese originally from Italy. It has a distinctive stretchy, elastic texture that’s perfect for melting. Fresh mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) is made from the milk of water buffaloes and has a delicate, milky flavor. Regular mozzarella is made from cow’s milk and has a firmer texture and slight salty taste.
The unique properties of mozzarella come from how it’s produced. Mozzarella is made by stretching and pulling the curds by hand in hot whey (a process called pasta filata) until they reach the right smooth, elastic consistency. This aligns the proteins in a way that gives fresh mozzarella its signature melt and stretch.
Mozzarella melts at a lower temperature than many other cheeses. It gets soft and gooey without separating or turning oily. The mild flavor also complements both savory and sweet ingredients. These qualities make it popular for baking and cooking.
Best Substitutes for Melting/Baking
If you’re out of mozzarella for pizza, lasagna, or another baked dish, consider these substitutes that mimic the melting properties:
Provolone
Aged provolone has a firmer texture than mozzarella, but melts smoothly when cooked. It has a tangy, nutty flavor that’s more pronounced. Provolone piccante (sharp provolone) has a stronger, spicier taste.
Swiss
Swiss cheese is known for its excellent melting abilities. It has small holes and a rich, nutty taste that works well in baked dishes. Use shredded Swiss to get an even melt.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack has a similar taste and texture to mozzarella. It melts easily into a creamy, gooey consistency. Pepper jack (Monterey Jack with jalapeños) provides a spicy twist.
Cheddar
Sharp cheddar melts smoothly when heated. It has a sharper, tangier flavor than mozzarella. White cheddar produces a cleaner melt with less oil separation.
Fontina
This Italian semi-soft cheese has a creamy texture and rich, nutty taste. It melts well in gratins, lasagna, and stuffed pastas. Young fontina works best for melting.
Gouda
Aged gouda melts evenly into a stretchy texture with a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Younger gouda may have a milder taste closer to mozzarella.
Best Fresh Substitutes
For fresh mozzarella applications like salads, sandwiches, and snacking, try:
Feta
Crumble salty, tangy feta over Caprese salads, flatbreads, and antipasto platters. It has a drier crumbly texture compared to the softer fresh mozzarella.
Goat Cheese
Fresh goat cheese has a creamy, spreadable texture when warmed. It provides a distinctive tangy, goat milk flavor.
Queso Fresco
This fresh Mexican cheese made from cow or goat milk has a mild, milky taste. It doesn’t melt well when baked.
Burrata
Burrata is a decadent fresh Italian cheese made of mozzarella wrapped around a creamy filling. It has a rich, indulgent texture and buttery flavor.
Halloumi
Salty Cypriot halloumi has a firm, chewy texture that holds its shape when cooked. Fry or grill slices as a substitute for fresh mozzarella.
Non-Dairy Substitutes
If you need a vegan mozzarella alternative:
Mozzarella-Style Soy Cheese
Many brands like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Miyoko’s make realistic shredded mozzarella substitutes from soy milk, oils, and natural flavors. They melt smoothly for pizza and baked recipes.
Almond Mozzarella
Some specialty vegan brands offer artisanal nut-based mozzarella. Treeline Creamery makes one from cultured almond milk.
Coconut Oil and Nutritional Yeast
This quick homemade blend of coconut oil, non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast flakes makes a passable cheese sauce. Add tapioca starch to help it melt better.
Cashew Cheese
Blend soaked raw cashews with lemon juice and seasonings for a tangy, spreadable cheese you can use on crackers or sandwiches.
Tofu
Blend silken tofu with vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice for a creamy melted “cheese” topping for pizza and pasta.
What About Low Moisture Mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella (used on commercial pizzas) contains less whey than fresh mozzarella, giving it a firmer, drier texture. It needs to be melted to become stretchy. Good melty substitutes here include provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or low moisture whole milk mozzarella imitation cheeses.
Key Considerations When Substituting Mozzarella
- Match the consistency – substitute fresh mozzarella with softer cheeses and aged/low moisture mozzarella with firmer, sliceable cheeses.
- Consider melting properties if using in baked recipes.
- Choose a flavor profile that complements other ingredients.
- Adjust saltiness as needed – some cheeses like feta are saltier.
- For maximum stretch, use young cheeses around 1-3 months old.
- Shred or slice denser cheeses thinly so they melt better.
- Add a starch like cornstarch to help plant-based cheeses melt more like the real thing.
Mozzarella Substitution Amounts
Use the same amount of substitute cheese as mozzarella called for in the recipe. For example:
| Original Amount | Substitution Amount |
|---|---|
| 8 oz mozzarella | 8 oz provolone |
| 2 cups shredded mozzarella | 2 cups shredded Swiss |
| 5 oz fresh mozzarella (1 ball) | 5 oz fresh goat cheese |
Adjust to taste based on the flavor intensity and saltiness of the subtitute. Start with the same quantity and add more as desired.
Recommended Mozzarella Substitutes for Common Recipes
| Recipe | Best Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Pizza | Low moisture whole milk mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, Swiss, cheddar |
| Lasagna and baked pastas | Ricotta mixed with provolone, Swiss, or cheddar |
| Caprese salad | Fresh burrata, feta, goat cheese, halloumi |
| Sandwiches and panini | Provolone, Monterey Jack, Swiss, cheddar, goat cheese |
| Salads and appetizers | Feta, goat cheese, halloumi, fresh burrata, queso fresco |
Experiment with different types of cheeses to find your favorites for each recipe. Taste and texture preferences vary, so not every sub will work for everyone.
FAQs
Is provolone a good substitute for mozzarella?
Yes, provolone makes one of the best mozzarella subs, especially for melting applications. It has a similar fat content and texture when melted. The taste is more sharp and tangy compared to mild mozzarella.
What’s a quick sub for mozzarella?
For a quick melted mozzarella substitute, use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. For a fresh mozzarella replacement, crumbled feta or goat cheese works in a pinch.
Can I use Parmesan instead of mozzarella?
Parmesan doesn’t melt well and has a much stronger flavor. It won’t provide the same gooey, stretchy properties as mozzarella. Parmesan is better used as a topping or seasoning rather than a sub.
Is mozzarella and cottage cheese the same thing?
No, cottage cheese and mozzarella have very different textures. Cottage cheese has a loose, crumbly curd while mozzarella is stretchy when melted. They can’t be used interchangeably in recipes.
Can I substitute mozzarella for burrata?
Burrata makes a delicious upscale substitute for fresh mozzarella in Caprese salads or appetizers. However, mozzarella can’t mimic the soft creamy filling of burrata. Using fresh mozzarella is a more budget-friendly option.
The Bottom Line
While no cheese perfectly replicates mozzarella’s distinctive melting properties and mild flavor, several options like provolone, Swiss, and Monterey Jack can make solid substitutes. The best mozzarella swap depends on the specific recipe and cooking method. Feta, goat cheese, queso fresco, and other soft cheeses make quick fresh mozzarella subs. For vegan recipes, try mozzarella-style soy cheeses. With so many cheeses to choose from, you can find a tasty mozzarella alternative for any dish.