12+ Delicious Buffalo Mozzarella Substitutes for Every Recipe!

Buffalo mozzarella, renowned for its creamy texture and mild, tangy flavor, is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, from classic Margherita pizzas to fresh salads and pastas. However, whether due to availability issues or dietary preferences, you might find yourself in need of a substitute.

Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives that can mimic the texture and flavor of buffalo mozzarella, each bringing its unique qualities to your dishes.

In this article, we’ll explore 12+ buffalo mozzarella substitutes, highlighting their uses, flavors, and how to best incorporate them into your recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth cheese for a pizza or a creamy addition to a salad, these substitutes offer diverse options to suit your culinary needs.

12+ Delicious Buffalo Mozzarella Substitutes for Every Recipe

Finding a suitable buffalo mozzarella substitute opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to adapt recipes to your taste and ingredient availability.

Each of the 12+ substitutes discussed provides its own unique flavor and texture, ensuring that you can enjoy delicious dishes even when buffalo mozzarella isn’t an option.

From creamy ricotta and tangy goat cheese to versatile fresh mozzarella and rich burrata, there’s a substitute for every occasion.

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is a suitable substitute for buffalo mozzarella, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.

Made from cow’s milk, fresh mozzarella has a soft, moist consistency that works well in dishes like Caprese salad, pizza, and lasagna. While it lacks the distinct tanginess of buffalo mozzarella, it still provides a comparable melt and flavor.

Use fresh mozzarella in equal amounts as a replacement, but be aware that it might be slightly less rich and creamy.

To maintain the dish’s overall quality, consider adding a touch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to mimic the subtle tang of buffalo mozzarella.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese can be an effective alternative to buffalo mozzarella in recipes where a creamy, slightly sweet texture is desired.

This cheese is ideal for stuffed pasta dishes, such as lasagna or ravioli, as well as baked dishes.

Ricotta’s mild flavor and creamy consistency make it a versatile replacement, though it lacks the melting properties of buffalo mozzarella.

To mimic the texture more closely, you can blend ricotta with a small amount of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan. Keep in mind that ricotta is less dense, so it might not provide the same bite as buffalo mozzarella.

Burrata Cheese

Burrata cheese is an excellent substitute for buffalo mozzarella, offering a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

This cheese, which is essentially fresh mozzarella filled with a creamy mixture of mozzarella and cream, provides a luxurious alternative for dishes like salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.

Burrata’s creaminess closely resembles buffalo mozzarella’s texture, though it is richer and more indulgent.

Use burrata in similar quantities, but be cautious of its higher fat content, which might affect the overall richness of your dish. It’s best to use burrata as a finishing touch rather than a cooking ingredient to preserve its delicate texture.

Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese, particularly the mild variety, can serve as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella, especially in dishes where a semi-firm texture and slightly tangy flavor are desirable.

It works well in baked dishes, sandwiches, and on pizzas

Provolone has a more pronounced flavor compared to the subtlety of buffalo mozzarella, so it may impart a slightly different taste profile to your dish.

Be mindful of provolone’s firmer texture, which might not melt as smoothly as buffalo mozzarella. To counteract this, you can blend it with some shredded mozzarella to achieve a more balanced melt and texture.

Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese can be a suitable substitute for buffalo mozzarella, especially when you need a cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

Fontina melts beautifully, making it ideal for dishes like pizza, fondue, and creamy sauces.

While it has a stronger, more robust flavor compared to the mildness of buffalo mozzarella, it can add a delightful depth to your recipes.

When using Fontina, consider adjusting the seasoning in your dish to balance its more pronounced flavor.

Its excellent melting properties make it a good choice for dishes that require a gooey, melted cheese effect.

Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is another good alternative to buffalo mozzarella due to its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor.

It works well in sandwiches, melted over dishes, and as a topping for baked recipes.

Havarti’s semi-soft consistency provides a comparable melt, though its flavor profile is a bit different from buffalo mozzarella.

To achieve a closer match to buffalo mozzarella’s taste, you might want to pair Havarti with a bit of tangy cream or yogurt in recipes where a subtle tanginess is desired.

Its smooth texture makes it versatile for various dishes, but it might not offer the same richness as buffalo mozzarella.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, can be a creative substitute for buffalo mozzarella, particularly in dishes where a tangy, creamy flavor is desirable.

Goat cheese adds a unique taste and a smooth, spreadable texture that works well in salads, sandwiches, and as a topping for baked dishes.

Although it doesn’t have the same melting properties as buffalo mozzarella, it can provide a delightful alternative in recipes where the cheese is used more for flavor than for melting.

Be aware that goat cheese has a distinct tanginess, so it might alter the flavor profile of your dish. To balance this, you can use it in combination with other milder cheeses.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in recipes where a creamy consistency is more important than the melting qualities.

It works well in dishes like baked pasta, dips, and creamy sauces where a smooth, rich texture is desired.

Cream cheese has a tangy flavor, though not as pronounced as buffalo mozzarella, and can provide a similar creamy mouthfeel.

However, it lacks the meltability of buffalo mozzarella, so it’s best used in recipes where the cheese is blended or incorporated into a creamy mixture rather than as a topping.

Adjust the seasoning and texture of your dish accordingly to accommodate the different flavor profile of cream cheese.

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is a rich and creamy alternative to buffalo mozzarella, offering a similar texture but with a sweeter, more buttery flavor.

It’s an excellent choice for dishes where creaminess is key, such as in pasta sauces, baked dishes, or even as a topping for certain pizzas.

While mascarpone doesn’t melt like buffalo mozzarella, its smooth texture and richness make it a good substitute for recipes where a soft, creamy consistency is desired.

To mimic buffalo mozzarella’s flavor more closely, you might want to add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice.

Keep in mind that mascarpone is richer and more indulgent, which can affect the overall flavor balance of your dish.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, particularly the mild variety, can serve as a viable substitute for buffalo mozzarella due to its smooth melting properties and mild, nutty flavor. It works well in baked dishes, sandwiches, and on pizzas.

Swiss cheese has a firmer texture compared to buffalo mozzarella, but it melts nicely and can provide a similar gooey effect.

To achieve a taste closer to buffalo mozzarella, consider pairing Swiss cheese with a small amount of ricotta or cream to soften its flavor.

Its melting qualities make it a versatile option, though the distinct nuttiness might alter the flavor profile of your dish slightly.

Paneer

Paneer, an Indian cheese, can be used as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella, particularly in dishes where a firm texture is acceptable.

Paneer does not melt like buffalo mozzarella but offers a mild flavor and a firm, slightly crumbly texture.

It works well in dishes such as curries, grilled recipes, and salads where the cheese needs to hold its shape.

To make paneer more similar to buffalo mozzarella, you might want to soak it in a bit of milk or cream to add some moisture.

While paneer won’t replicate the meltiness of buffalo mozzarella, it can still add a pleasant texture and flavor to your dishes.

Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco is a fresh, mild cheese that can be used as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in various recipes.

Its soft, crumbly texture and mild flavor make it suitable for dishes where buffalo mozzarella is typically used, such as in salads, casseroles, and as a topping for pizzas.

While queso blanco doesn’t melt as smoothly as buffalo mozzarella, it can still provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.

To better mimic the melt and richness of buffalo mozzarella, consider blending queso blanco with a bit of shredded mozzarella or cream.

This combination will help achieve a more balanced texture and flavor in your recipes.

How to Make Buffalo Mozzarella Substitute at Home

Creating a homemade buffalo mozzarella substitute involves combining ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of buffalo mozzarella, but with ingredients that are more readily available.

This recipe blends fresh mozzarella with cream and a touch of salt to replicate the creamy, tangy qualities of buffalo mozzarella.

While it won’t perfectly replicate the original, it provides a delicious and versatile alternative for various dishes, from pizzas to salads.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Cheese: Begin by cutting the fresh mozzarella cheese into small cubes. Place the cheese cubes into a mixing bowl.
Blend Ingredients: Pour the heavy cream over the cheese cubes. Add the lemon juice or white vinegar and salt. The acid from the lemon juice or vinegar helps mimic the tangy flavor of buffalo mozzarella.
Mix and Mash: Use a fork or a potato masher to gently mash the mixture until the cheese is well combined with the cream and seasoning. You should achieve a creamy, slightly chunky texture that resembles buffalo mozzarella.
Chill: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the consistency to firm up slightly.
Use: After chilling, your homemade buffalo mozzarella substitute is ready to use. It can be added to pizzas, salads, pasta dishes, or any recipe that calls for buffalo mozzarella.

This homemade buffalo mozzarella substitute is a practical solution for those who may not have access to buffalo mozzarella but still want to enjoy a creamy, tangy cheese in their recipes. While this substitute won’t perfectly replicate the unique taste and texture of buffalo mozzarella, it provides a delicious and versatile option for various dishes.

The blend of fresh mozzarella and cream with a touch of acidity closely mimics the richness and tanginess of buffalo mozzarella, making it a great alternative for pizzas, salads, and more.

Experimenting with this substitute allows you to enjoy the qualities of buffalo mozzarella without needing the original ingredient, and can be a handy addition to your culinary toolkit.

1. What can I use as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in pizza?

For pizza, fresh mozzarella is the closest substitute for buffalo mozzarella. It offers a similar texture and melting quality, although it lacks the distinctive tanginess.

If you want to replicate the richness of buffalo mozzarella more closely, you can mix fresh mozzarella with a bit of cream or ricotta. For a more flavorful option, try using burrata cheese, which adds a rich, creamy texture.

2. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of buffalo mozzarella in lasagna?

Yes, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in lasagna. It provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

However, ricotta lacks the melting properties of buffalo mozzarella, so it’s best used in combination with another melting cheese, like mozzarella or Parmesan, to achieve a similar consistency.

3. How does goat cheese work as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in salads?

Goat cheese can be a flavorful alternative to buffalo mozzarella in salads. It adds a tangy and creamy element that can enhance the overall taste of your salad.

However, goat cheese has a different texture and stronger flavor compared to buffalo mozzarella.

To balance the tanginess, you might want to pair it with milder ingredients or use a combination of goat cheese and another creamy cheese.

4. Is it possible to use feta cheese instead of buffalo mozzarella in baked dishes?

Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in baked dishes, though it will impart a different flavor and texture.

Feta’s crumbly texture and tangy flavor are distinct from buffalo mozzarella’s creamy and mild profile.

To better mimic the texture, you can blend feta with a softer cheese like cream cheese or ricotta. This combination will provide a creamier consistency while adding a bit of feta’s tangy flavor.

5. Can I use provolone cheese as a substitute for buffalo mozzarella in a grilled sandwich?

Yes, provolone cheese is a good substitute for buffalo mozzarella in a grilled sandwich. Provolone melts well and provides a mild, nutty flavor that works nicely in sandwiches.

While it differs from buffalo mozzarella in taste, its melting properties and semi-soft texture make it a suitable alternative.

If you prefer a more similar taste, consider blending provolone with a bit of mozzarella or adding a touch of cream to adjust the flavor and creaminess.

References

Maria G. Brooks

Hello! I’m Maria G. Brooks, a professional chef, passionate recipe maker, and a true food lover at heart. I wanted to create a space where anyone—from experienced chefs to beginners—could find delicious recipes, practical cooking tips, and simple kitchen hacks. My goal was to break down the barriers that often make cooking seem intimidating.

12+ Delicious Buffalo Mozzarella Substitutes for Every Recipe!