Basket cheese is a fresh, mild, and slightly tangy cheese traditionally made from cow’s or sheep’s milk. It has a soft yet firm texture, similar to Ricotta but with enough structure to hold its shape.
Often used in Easter pies, baked dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine, it’s a great cheese for spreading, slicing, and baking.
But Basket cheese isn’t always easy to find. If your recipe calls for its mild, creamy texture and subtle tang, you’ll need a substitute that can match its soft consistency and delicate flavor.
We’ve tested different cheeses in baking, stuffing, and slicing applications to find the best replacements for Basket cheese. Whether you need a firmer alternative, a smoother spread, or a tangier cheese, these seven substitutes will keep your dish balanced and flavorful.
7 Substitutes for Basket Cheese
Each of these cheeses brings something unique. Some replicate Basket cheese’s fresh, soft consistency, while others provide a firmer texture for slicing and baking.
1. Ricotta – The Closest Match for Fresh Texture
Ricotta is one of the best substitutes for Basket cheese, offering a creamy, mild taste with a soft, moist texture.
Unlike Basket cheese, Ricotta is more spreadable and slightly grainier, but it works well in stuffings, pies, and baked goods. If you need a firmer texture, drain Ricotta using a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
Best for: Baking, stuffing, and spreads.
How to use: Replace Basket cheese with Ricotta in equal portions. If Ricotta is too soft, mix it with a firmer cheese like Queso Fresco.
For more creamy cheese options, check out these Ricotta cheese substitutes.
2. Queso Fresco – A Mild and Crumbly Alternative
Queso Fresco is a fresh Mexican cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a firm but crumbly texture.
It’s slightly firmer than Basket cheese but still retains a delicate, soft consistency, making it great for baking, topping, and slicing. While it doesn’t spread as easily, it melts well in hot dishes.
Best for: Stuffed pastries, enchiladas, and baked goods.
How to use: Replace Basket cheese with Queso Fresco in equal portions. If you need more creaminess, mix it with Ricotta.
For more fresh cheese alternatives, check out these Queso Fresco substitutes.
3. Paneer – A Firmer Option for Slicing and Cooking
Paneer is a firm, non-melting cheese that works well as a substitute for Basket cheese in cooked dishes.
Unlike Basket cheese, Paneer holds its shape when heated, making it perfect for cubing, frying, and grilling. It has a mild, milky taste that won’t overpower your recipe, making it a versatile alternative.
Best for: Cooking, grilling, and stuffing.
How to use: Replace Basket cheese with Paneer in equal portions. If you need a softer texture, mix it with Ricotta.
For more firm cheese options, check out these Paneer cheese substitutes.
4. Farmer’s Cheese – A Mild, Slightly Tangy Substitute
Farmer’s cheese is a fresh, soft cheese with a mild tang, similar to Basket cheese but slightly drier.
It’s crumbly yet moist, making it great for spreads, fillings, and cheese-based pastries. If you need a closer match in texture, blend it with a bit of cream or Ricotta.
Best for: Spreads, fillings, and baking.
How to use: Use Farmer’s cheese in equal amounts as a Basket cheese substitute. If it’s too dry, mix it with a bit of cream or milk.
For more fresh cheese alternatives, check out these Farmer’s cheese substitutes.
5. Feta – A Tangier Alternative with a Crumbly Texture
Feta is a saltier, tangier alternative to Basket cheese, with a crumbly texture and bold flavor.
While it’s stronger than Basket cheese, Feta works well in stuffings, salads, and baked dishes where a little extra tang is welcome. If you need a milder flavor, soak Feta in water to reduce its saltiness.
Best for: Salads, stuffing, and baking.
How to use: Replace Basket cheese with Feta in equal portions. If Feta is too tangy, blend it with Ricotta for a milder taste.
For more tangy cheese options, check out these Feta cheese substitutes.
6. Mascarpone – A Creamy Alternative for Spreads and Desserts
Mascarpone is a soft, creamy Italian cheese that makes an excellent substitute for Basket cheese in spreads and desserts.
Unlike Basket cheese, Mascarpone is ultra-rich and slightly sweet, making it a great option for desserts, pastries, and creamy fillings. If you need a firmer texture, blend it with Ricotta.
Best for: Desserts, spreads, and fillings.
How to use: Swap Basket cheese with Mascarpone in equal amounts. If it’s too rich, mix it with Ricotta or Queso Fresco.
For more soft cheese alternatives, check out these Mascarpone cheese substitutes.
7. Crescenza (Stracchino) – A Soft Italian Alternative
Crescenza, also known as Stracchino, is a soft, creamy Italian cheese with a mild tang and spreadable texture.
It’s softer than Basket cheese, making it ideal for spreading on bread, using in creamy fillings, and baking into dishes. If you want a fresh, delicate flavor with a hint of tang, this is a great substitute.
Best for: Spreads, cheese dips, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace Basket cheese with Crescenza in equal portions. If you need a firmer texture, blend it with Queso Fresco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ricotta is the best substitute for Basket cheese due to its mild, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. If you need a firmer alternative, Queso Fresco or Farmer’s Cheese are great options.
Yes, Queso Fresco works well as a substitute in baked dishes. It has a similar crumbly texture but is slightly firmer. For a closer match, blend it with Ricotta for a smoother consistency.
Farmer’s Cheese is a great alternative for stuffing since it holds its shape well while remaining slightly creamy. If you prefer a softer texture, Ricotta can also work.
Yes, Mascarpone is a good substitute for Basket cheese in desserts. It has a richer, creamier texture, so if you need a firmer consistency, mix it with Ricotta.
