Quark cheese—mild, creamy, and a little tangy—is a staple in many European dishes.
It’s super versatile, showing up in everything from baked goods and cheesecakes to savory dips and spreads.
But here’s the thing—it’s not always easy to find, especially if you’re in the U.S., where this soft cheese isn’t as common. Don’t stress though.
If a recipe calls for quark and you’re out of luck, there are plenty of substitutes you can use without missing a beat.
Choosing the best alternative depends on your dish. Some substitutes copy the tanginess; others focus on texture or creaminess. Below, we’ve rounded up options that’ll work for all kinds of recipes, so you’ll never feel stuck again.
7 Easy Substitutes for Quark Cheese
These substitutes are easy to customize. Adjust the texture or flavor to fit your dish, and you’re good to go!
1. Greek Yogurt – The Tangy Go-To
Greek yogurt is a simple, healthy alternative for quark cheese. It’s got that tangy flavor, a creamy texture, and a good protein boost. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richness that comes close to quark, or go for the low-fat version if that’s your style.
For best results, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth for about 30 minutes before using it in recipes that call for thicker quark cheese, like cheesecake or filling-heavy pastries. A 1-to-1 ratio works for most dishes.
Get more tips on making swaps with Greek yogurt substitutes to keep your dishes exciting.
2. Cottage Cheese – Mild and Creamy
Cottage cheese might not seem like the obvious choice, but it works really well when blended to mimic quark’s texture. It’s mild and wholesome, making it great for dips, spreads, or recipes where tang isn’t the focus. Puree 1 cup of cottage cheese with a splash of milk until smooth, and use it in place of the same amount of quark.
This substitute works especially well in savory dishes like stuffed pasta shells or casseroles.
Learn more about creative uses for cottage cheese substitutes to boost your recipes.
3. Ricotta Cheese – Light and Simple
Ricotta cheese is another great option when you’re fresh out of quark. It’s slightly grainy and less tangy, but a quick whirl in the blender can smooth it out. To amp up the flavor, stir in a tiny splash of lemon juice.
Use a 1-to-1 ratio for recipes like baked goods or creamy fillings. Ricotta’s light nature complements desserts like cheesecake well, though it’s just as good in savory pies or sauces.
Check out more ideas with ricotta substitutes to expand your culinary roster.
4. Cream Cheese – The Versatile Option
If you’re looking for a substitute that’s rich and adaptable, cream cheese fits the bill. Its smooth texture makes it a great replacement, particularly in cheesecakes or thick spreads. However, it’s much richer than quark, so it’s a good idea to lighten it up.
Blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk or yogurt to get the consistency closer to quark. This combo is perfect for both savory and sweet dishes.
Need even more alternatives? Browse cream cheese substitutes for inspiration.
5. Mascarpone – Rich and Luxurious
Mascarpone is your go-to substitute when you want something extra creamy and decadent. It’s naturally sweeter and less tangy than quark, so it works best in desserts. For savory dishes, balance out its sweetness with a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Use an equal amount of mascarpone in recipes, but beware—its richness might need you to cut back on other fats in the dish, like butter or cream.
Looking for other ways to use mascarpone? Check out mascarpone substitutes to elevate your cooking game.
6. Fromage Blanc – The Perfect Match
Fromage blanc is probably the closest substitute for quark cheese, both in flavor and texture. It’s soft, tangy, and creamy without being too rich, making it an ideal one-to-one swap. You might have trouble finding this one unless you shop in specialty grocery stores, but if it’s available, it’s one of the best options.
Use fromage blanc in any recipe that calls for quark, from cheesecakes to creamy spreads.
Explore other cheese favorites with fromage blanc substitutes to mix up your recipes.
7. Yogurt Cheese – DIY and Fresh
If you’ve got plain yogurt at home, you can make your own quark substitute by transforming it into yogurt cheese. Simply strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth overnight to thicken it up. The result is creamy, tangy, and quite similar to quark in texture.
This works well in savory or sweet dishes, with a 1-to-1 swap for quark. Adjust the tang to suit your taste by blending in a little sugar or honey for desserts or a pinch of salt for savory dishes.
Discover more creative swaps at yogurt substitutes for endless versatility.
