Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for fresh mozzarella cheese
Best swap for fresh mozzarella cheese: Ciliegine mozzarella, small fresh mozzarella balls; 1:1 by weight.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Fresh Mozzarella Cheese?
The best swap for Fresh Mozzarella Cheese is Ciliegine Mozzarella, small fresh mozzarella balls; 1:1 by weight. Another option is Burrata, 1:1; creamier center, richer; best fresh/uncooked. The table below also lists Low-Moisture Mozzarella and Bocconcini, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Ciliegine mozzarella | small fresh mozzarella balls; 1:1 by weight |
| Burrata | 1:1; creamier center, richer; best fresh/uncooked |
| Low-moisture mozzarella | 1:1 by weight; less milky, melts better but drier raw |
| Bocconcini | 1:1; small fresh mozzarella balls in water |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.