Best Cheese Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Cheese in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Use 1:1 by volume. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
Looking for the best Cheese substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 3 reliable Cheese replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store or keep things plant-based. The top pick is Vegan Cheese — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 1:1 by volume. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Cheese →All Cheese Substitutes (3 options)
Concentrated dehydrated cheese. Use about 1/3 cup powder per 1 cup cheese needed. Reconstitute with liquid for sauces or use for seasoning.
Pre-shredded cheese melts quickly. Anti-caking agents may slightly affect texture compared to freshly shredded.
Use 1:1 by volume. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Cheese
For most recipes, Vegan Cheese is the best starting point. Use 1:1 by volume. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture. Going plant-based? Vegan Cheese is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Cheese Powder is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Cheese substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Cheese Substitutes
The best substitute for Cheese is Vegan Cheese. Use the same amount. Use 1:1 by volume. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
Vegan Cheese is the closest substitute for Cheese — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
Vegan Cheese is the closest substitute for Cheese — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
Vegan Cheese is the closest substitute for Cheese — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
Vegan Cheese is the closest substitute for Cheese — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
This guide lists 3 Cheese alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Vegan Cheese is a great plant-based alternative to Cheese. Use 1:1 by volume. Quality varies by brand; Violife and Miyoko's perform better in cooked applications. Expect differences in flavor and texture.
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee