Cotija cheese is a bold, salty, and crumbly Mexican cheese that’s a staple in dishes like elote (Mexican street corn), tacos, enchiladas, and refried beans.
It comes in two varieties: fresh Cotija (soft and moist) and aged Cotija (firm, dry, and similar to Parmesan). The aged version brings a sharp, salty bite, while fresh Cotija has a milder, milky flavor.
But if you don’t have Cotija on hand, don’t worry! Several cheeses can step in while keeping the authentic flavor and texture of your dish intact. Some substitutes offer a similar crumbly texture, while others bring a strong, salty kick that enhances Mexican cuisine.
We’ve tested different cheeses in Mexican dishes, salads, and garnishes to find the best replacements for Cotija cheese. Whether you need a crumbled alternative, a grated cheese with bite, or even a mild swap, these seven substitutes will work beautifully in your recipe.
7 Substitutes for Cotija Cheese
Each of these substitutes offers something unique. Some replicate Cotija’s crumbly and salty texture, while others provide a sharp, aged bite that enhances your dish.
1. Feta Cheese
Feta is one of the best substitutes for Cotija cheese, offering a similar crumbly texture and salty, tangy bite.
Why it works: Feta has a moist yet firm texture that can be crumbled over dishes just like Cotija. It’s slightly tangier but works well in Mexican and Latin-inspired recipes.
Best for: Tacos, elote, salads, and enchiladas.
How to use: Replace Cotija with Feta in equal portions. If Feta is too tangy, soak it in water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
If Feta isn’t available, check out these other useful Feta cheese substitutes.
2. Queso Fresco
Queso Fresco is another Mexican cheese that makes an excellent Cotija substitute, especially if you need a crumbly texture with a milder, fresher flavor.
Why it works: Queso Fresco has a soft, crumbly texture and a slightly salty taste, making it a great option for dishes where Cotija is used as a topping.
Best for: Tacos, beans, salads, and grilled meats.
How to use: Use Queso Fresco in equal portions as a Cotija substitute. If you need a stronger flavor, mix it with a bit of Parmesan or Feta.
For more Mexican cheese alternatives, check out these Queso Fresco substitutes.
3. Parmesan Cheese
Aged Cotija (Cotija añejo) is drier and firmer, resembling Parmesan in both texture and salty intensity. If you need a grated cheese with bite, Parmesan is a fantastic substitute.
Why it works: Parmesan has a similar aged, salty flavor and works well as a topping for Mexican dishes like elote, tacos, and soups.
Best for: Sprinkling over tacos, pasta, beans, and grilled corn.
How to use: Replace Cotija with Parmesan in equal amounts. If using fresh Cotija, mix Parmesan with Queso Fresco for a better texture match.
For more aged cheese options, check out these Parmesan cheese substitutes.
4. Pecorino Romano Cheese
Romano cheese is another great replacement for aged Cotija, offering a strong, tangy, and salty flavor that works well in grated applications.
Why it works: Romano is firm, crumbly, and intensely salty, making it a perfect swap for Cotija añejo in garnishes and toppings.
Best for: Sprinkling over enchiladas, grilled corn, and beans.
How to use: Use Romano in equal portions as a Cotija substitute. If the flavor is too strong, blend it with Queso Fresco.
For more sharp cheese alternatives, check out these Pecorino Romano cheese substitutes.
5. Ricotta Salata
If you need a drier, milder cheese that crumbles like Cotija, Ricotta Salata is a great choice.
Why it works: Ricotta Salata is pressed and aged Ricotta, meaning it has a firm, sliceable, and crumbly texture, making it ideal for topping Mexican dishes.
Best for: Tacos, salads, pasta, and grilled vegetables.
How to use: Replace Cotija with Ricotta Salata in equal amounts. If you need more saltiness, mix it with a bit of Parmesan.
For more dry cheese alternatives, check out these Ricotta Salata substitutes.
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6. Dry Jack Cheese
Dry Jack is a fantastic substitute for aged Cotija, as it offers a salty, nutty taste with a firm texture.
Why it works: Dry Jack has a similar crumbly, slightly dry texture, making it great for grating over dishes like tacos and pasta.
Best for: Grated over elote, tacos, and soups.
How to use: Replace Cotija with Dry Jack in equal portions. If it’s too firm, blend it with Queso Fresco for a softer finish.
7. Tilsit
If you want a semi-soft cheese with a hint of tang, Tilsit is a good alternative for fresh Cotija.
Why it works: Tilsit has a creamy texture with a mild but slightly tangy taste, making it ideal for melting over Mexican dishes or crumbling over salads.
Best for: Cheese boards, tacos, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Cotija with Tilsit in equal portions. If you need more saltiness, add a sprinkle of sea salt or blend it with Romano.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feta is the closest substitute for Cotija due to its similar crumbly texture and salty bite. It works well as a topping for tacos, elote, and salads, though it has a slightly tangier flavor.
Yes, Parmesan is a good substitute for aged Cotija (Cotija añejo) because of its firm, crumbly texture and salty umami taste. It works best for grating over dishes like tacos and beans.
Queso Fresco is the best substitute for fresh Cotija. It has a similar crumbly texture and mild saltiness, though it’s a bit softer and less tangy than Cotija.
Yes, Romano cheese can replace aged Cotija in grated applications. It has a stronger, saltier taste, so it’s best to use it in moderation or blend it with a milder cheese like Queso Fresco.
For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based Cotija alternative from brands like Violife or homemade cashew-based crumbles seasoned with salt and nutritional yeast to replicate the salty, tangy profile.
