Looking for a delicious topping for your tacos, soups, or salads? Cotija cheese is the perfect addition! While it’s a staple in Mexican cuisine, chefs in the Western world are starting to catch on and make it a regular in their recipes.

1.Feta Cheese

Looking for a stellar substitute for Cotija cheese? Feta cheese is your answer! Made from a mix of goat and cow’s milk, this cheese is creamy yet crumbly in texture.

With its bold, tangy, and salty flavor, it’s a perfect addition to Mediterranean dishes and beyond. Use it in salads, wraps, or baked recipes for a burst of flavor.

Plus, it’s widely available, making it an easy swap. Substitute at a 1:1 ratio and enjoy the delicious results!

2.Añejo

Añejo is another delicious variety of aged Mexican cheese. Traditionally made from skimmed goat’s milk, it’s now more commonly crafted with cow’s milk.

This cheese is a fantastic stand-in for Cotija, offering that same salty, tangy flavor with an extra spicy kick. The outside is coated in paprika, giving it a vibrant brick-red hue.

When substituting Añejo for Cotija, use a one-to-one ratio but dial back some of the other spices in your recipe for a balanced taste.

Or, if you prefer, use a bit less Añejo and let the flavors naturally even out.

3.Romano Cheese

Romano cheese is a salty, cow’s milk cheese with a texture that’s a bit harder than crumbly Cotija. It brings a rich, umami flavor that adds depth to any dish.

Hailing from Rome, Italy, it’s important to note that Romano is different from Pecorino Romano, which is made from sheep’s milk. This cheese is just as tasty and works perfectly as a substitute for Cotija.

Plus, it’s easy to use–just swap it in at a one-to-one ratio.

4.Cotija Molido

Cotija molido is a finely grated version of the popular Cotija cheese, making it a breeze to use in soups, pasta dishes, and pizzas.

This convenient form eliminates the need for chopping or crumbling, saving you time in the kitchen. Best of all, it packs the same rich, tangy flavor as traditional Cotija cheese.

Use it at a one-to-one ratio for an effortless way to add that authentic Cotija taste to your favorite recipes.

5.Grana Padano

Meet Grana Padano, a classic Italian cheese with a rich, nutty flavor.

This hard cheese is made from cow’s milk that’s been aged to perfection, giving it a crumbly, grainy texture and a salty kick–it’s about 10% salt!

Sprinkle it over pasta or add it to a cheese board for a burst of flavor.

While it’s not a perfect substitute for Cotija (the textures are different), Grana Padano brings a delicious, savory element to any dish. Use it at a 1:1 ratio for a tasty twist on your favorite recipes.

6.Queso Fresco

Looking for a fresh twist on cheese? Queso fresco, which means ‘fresh cheese’ in Spanish, is a fantastic option. This semi-soft cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, salty taste.

It’s a great substitute for Cotija because they share a similar flavor profile and crumbly texture. Use queso fresco in tacos, soups, or any dish where you’d use Cotija.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly–costing less than Cotija–though it might be a bit harder to find. Swap it in at a 1:1 ratio for a delicious, cost-effective alternative.

7.Goat Cheese Crumbles

Goat cheese is a fantastic crumbly cheese that works perfectly as a substitute for Cotija in any recipe. It brings a delightful salty flavor that adds a nice kick to any dish.

Plus, it’s super easy to find in most grocery stores, so you won’t have to hunt it down.

Made by removing moisture from goat’s milk and adding a touch of salt, goat cheese has a texture similar to Cotija and feta.

Use it in the same amount as you would Cotija – a one-to-one ratio works great. It’s a simple way to add a burst of flavor to your meals.

8.Cottage Cheese

Discover a fresh twist for your recipes with cottage cheese as a fantastic substitute for Cotija cheese. Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese curd that’s drained but not pressed, keeping it nice and moist.

It works perfectly when you need to mix cheese into a dish rather than sprinkling it on top.

Use a one-to-one ratio when substituting, and don’t hesitate to taste as you go for the perfect flavor. This simple swap is a great hack to keep in your kitchen arsenal!

9.Parmesan Cheese

Meet Parmesan, the Italian cheese with a bold, one-of-a-kind flavor and a gorgeous pale yellow hue. Crafted from raw cow’s milk, Parmesan is super versatile–it can be grated, shaved, or crumbled to fit your needs.

Here’s a fun fact: Parmesan is naturally lactose-free! That makes it a fantastic option if you’re lactose intolerant but still want to enjoy cheese.

Plus, it’s a perfect substitute in recipes–just use it in a one-to-one ratio.

10.Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is a classic Italian cheese hailing from Tuscany or Sardinia. Made from sheep’s milk, it has a firm texture and a bold, slightly salty flavor with a hint of earthiness.

Aged for a minimum of six months in cheese caves, this cheese is full of character. It’s a fantastic alternative to Cotija and adds a rich, savory touch to any dish.