Farmer’s cheese is a fresh, slightly tangy, and crumbly cheese that’s popular in Eastern European and American cuisines. It’s made by pressing cottage cheese to remove excess moisture, creating a firm yet spreadable texture.
This cheese works well in pierogies, blintzes, cheesecakes, dips, and even savory dishes like stuffed peppers. It’s mild, making it a great base for both sweet and savory applications.
But if you can’t find it, don’t worry. Several cheeses can step in and deliver the same creamy, crumbly texture and light tang. Some offer a firmer bite, while others bring a richer, creamier spreadability that works well in both hot and cold recipes.
We’ve tested different cheeses in baking, cooking, and fresh dishes to find the best replacements for Farmer’s cheese. Whether you need a spreadable option, a firmer variety, or even a dairy-free alternative, these seven substitutes will keep your recipe on track.
7 Substitutes for Farmer’s Cheese
Each substitute offers something unique. Some replicate Farmer’s cheese’s fresh, mild tang, while others provide a firmer or softer texture depending on your dish.
1. Ricotta Cheese
If you need a soft, mild substitute for Farmer’s cheese, Ricotta is your best bet. It’s creamy, slightly grainy, and works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
Why it works: Ricotta has a similar mild flavor and a spreadable consistency, making it great for cheesecakes, blintzes, and pasta fillings.
Best for: Desserts, pasta fillings, dips, and blintzes.
How to use: Replace Farmer’s cheese with Ricotta in equal amounts. If you need a firmer texture, drain Ricotta using a cheesecloth for a few hours.
If Ricotta isn’t available, check out these other useful Ricotta cheese substitutes.
2. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the closest fresh cheese to Farmer’s cheese, though it contains more moisture. It’s soft, slightly tangy, and works well in many of the same recipes.
Why it works: When drained and pressed, Cottage cheese takes on a firmer, drier consistency similar to Farmer’s cheese.
Best for: Stuffed pasta, pierogies, and baked goods.
How to use: Drain Cottage cheese and press out excess moisture before using it as a 1:1 substitute for Farmer’s cheese. If you need a smoother consistency, blend it briefly.
For more cottage cheese alternatives, check out these Cottage cheese substitutes.
3. Queso Blanco
Queso Blanco is a fresh, firm Mexican cheese that resembles Farmer’s cheese in texture and taste. It’s slightly firmer but still mild and adaptable.
Why it works: Queso Blanco has a fresh, slightly tangy flavor and crumbly texture, making it a good replacement in stuffed dishes and casseroles.
Best for: Savory dishes, stuffed peppers, and cheese crumbles.
How to use: Replace Farmer’s cheese with Queso Blanco in equal portions. If you need a softer consistency, mix it with a bit of cream.
For more crumbly cheese alternatives, check out these Queso Blanco substitutes.
4. Paneer Cheese
Paneer is an excellent substitute when you need a firmer cheese that holds its shape. It’s mild, slightly tangy, and doesn’t melt, making it great for stuffed and baked dishes.
Why it works: Paneer has a dense, firm texture similar to pressed Farmer’s cheese, making it a solid option for recipes that require structure.
Best for: Stuffed pasta, blintzes, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace Farmer’s cheese with Paneer in equal amounts, crumbling it as needed to match the texture.
For other mild cheese alternatives, check out these Paneer cheese substitutes.
5. Feta – A Crumblier, Saltier Option
If you need a crumbly cheese with a stronger flavor, Feta is a good alternative. It’s tangier than Farmer’s cheese but still works in many of the same dishes.
Why it works: Feta is crumbly and slightly salty, making it a strong replacement in salads and stuffed dishes.
Best for: Salads, savory bakes, and dips.
How to use: Replace Farmer’s cheese with Feta in equal amounts. If the saltiness is too strong, soak it in water for 10 minutes before using.
For more Feta alternatives, check out these Feta cheese substitutes.
6. Cream Cheese
If your recipe calls for a smooth, spreadable cheese, Cream cheese is a fantastic option. It’s richer and creamier than Farmer’s cheese, making it perfect for desserts and dips.
Why it works: Cream cheese has a tangy, rich taste and a smooth consistency, making it ideal for baking and spreading.
Best for: Cheesecakes, dips, and spreads.
How to use: Replace Farmer’s cheese with Cream cheese in equal amounts. If you need a drier texture, mix it with Ricotta.
For more creamy alternatives, check out these Cream cheese substitutes.
7. Dry Curd Cottage Cheese
Dry Curd Cottage Cheese (also called Pressed Cottage Cheese) is essentially Farmer’s cheese in its purest form. It’s drier than regular Cottage cheese, making it the closest match for Farmer’s cheese.
Why it works: This cheese is mild, crumbly, and firm, making it an almost identical replacement in both sweet and savory dishes.
Best for: Pierogies, blintzes, pasta fillings, and baking.
How to use: Replace Farmer’s cheese with Dry Curd Cottage Cheese in equal amounts. If you need a creamier texture, mix it with a splash of milk or cream.
