Mozzarella Substitutes

Out of mozzarella? These are the swaps that actually work, with conversion ratios for any recipe size and notes on how each one changes the result.

Need to convert mozzarella between cups, grams, or ounces first? Open the mozzarella converter.

What to use instead of mozzarella

  • Bocconcini

    Ingredient swap

    230 g bocconcini = 113 g shredded mozzarella (adjust by weight, not cups)

    Bocconcini are fresh mozzarella balls and taste identical to shredded mozzarella, but they weigh far more per cup (230 g vs 113 g) because fresh balls retain more moisture. Measure by weight rather than volume for consistent results. Use bocconcini halved or sliced on pizzas and in salads; use shredded mozzarella when you need even melting coverage.

    See bocconcini substitutes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for mozzarella?
There are 1 workable substitutes for mozzarella, depending on what you have on hand and which property of mozzarella matters most for your recipe. The closest swap is usually 230 g bocconcini = 113 g shredded mozzarella (adjust by weight, not cups). Each option below lists the conversion ratio for any recipe size, plus notes on how the swap changes the texture, flavour, rise, or browning.
Will substituting mozzarella change how my recipe turns out?
Yes, every swap trades one property for another: fat content, moisture, acidity, or protein. The notes on each substitute describe what changes in texture, flavour, rise, or browning, so you can choose the swap that matters least for your recipe. Open the mozzarella converter
How do I measure mozzarella accurately?
Weighing in grams is more reliable than scooping cups, especially when a substitute has a different density from what the recipe expects. The mozzarella converter on this site converts between cups, grams, ounces, tablespoons, and teaspoons, so you can scale a recipe up or down without losing the ratio. Open the mozzarella converter

Other ingredient and produce substitutes

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