Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, ricotta cheese can be used in savory dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers, or it can be used in sweet recipes like cheesecake or cannoli. Ricotta cheese is also a great way to add creaminess and body to soups and sauces.
Whether you’ve run out of ricotta cheese in a pinch, or are looking for a non-dairy substitute, don’t worry, we have you covered. We’re going to break this down into two different categories – dairy based ricotta cheese substitutes, and vegan ricotta replacements.
What is ricotta cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy Italian cheese made from whey. Whey is the liquid that remains after milk has been curdled and strained. It also contains other dairy ingredients like cream and sometimes whole milk. Ricotta is most popularly used in lasagna, cannelloni and ravioli dishes but it’s been found in various other recipes as well.
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, ricotta cheese can be used in savory dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers, or it can be used in sweet recipes like cheesecake or cannoli. Ricotta cheese is also a great way to add creaminess and body to soups and sauces.
Whether you’ve run out of ricotta cheese in a pinch and don’t have time to hit the grocery store, or are looking for a non-dairy substitute, don’t worry, we have you covered. We’re going to break this down into two different categories – dairy based ricotta cheese substitutes, and vegan ricotta replacements.
Ricotta Cheese Substitutes
If you’re looking for ricotta cheese substitutes for your favorite dishes, we have you covered with some of the best ricotta cheese substitutes.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the most common ricotta substitute. It has a soft, creamy cheese that has a mild taste and a slightly grainy texture. It is made from whole milk or cream and is high in protein and calcium. It can be used in savory dishes or desserts, and it is a good choice for those who have lactose intolerance.
Cottage cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in place of ricotta in most recipes. It can be substituted for equal amounts of ricotta in most cases, if you are making lasagna or another Italian style pasta dish that calls for Italian cheese like ricotta cheese, this is one of the best substitutes.
Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone cheese is a perfect substitute for ricotta cheese because it has a similar flavor and texture. It’s also a bit creamier, which makes it perfect for dishes like lasagna or pasta bakes. Plus, mascarpone cheese is a bit lower in calories than ricotta, making it a healthier option.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a popular soft cheese used in many recipes, both sweet and savory. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor that makes it a versatile ingredient. Cream cheese is made from milk and cream, while ricotta is made from whey, the liquid that remains after milk has been curdled and strained.
It’s perfect for sauces and dips. However, cream cheese does not contain the same amount of protein as ricotta cheese, so keep that in mind when choosing this for a substitute if that is of importance to you or your recipe.
While they may seem like similar cheeses, there are some key differences between cream cheese and ricotta. Ricotta is a softer cheese with a grainier texture, while cream cheese is firmer and smoother. Ricotta is also lower in fat than cream cheese.
To get closer to the texture of ricotta, mix the cream cheese well with a little liquid before adding it to your dish. It is a great replacement for sweet and savory dishes.
Greek Yogurt
If you’re looking for a replacement for ricotta cheese in your recipes, Greek yogurt is a great option. Ricotta cheese is a type of fresh cheese that is made from whey, the liquid left over from making other types of cheese.
Greek yogurt is also made from whey, so it has a similar texture and taste. Greek yogurt is a good replacement for ricotta cheese because it is lower in fat and calories, and higher in protein. It also has a tangy flavor that can enhance the flavor of your recipes.
Formage Blanc
Formage Blanc is a good replacement for ricotta cheese in recipes because it has a similar texture and can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It is also lower in fat and calories than ricotta cheese, making it a healthier option and a great alternative. When substituting Formage Blanc for ricotta cheese, use an equal amount of the cheese.
Formage Blanc is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients, making it a good choice for recipes that call for ricotta cheese.
Paneer
Paneer is a good replacement for ricotta cheese in recipes because it is a fresh cheese that has a similar texture and flavor. It also has a high level of protein and calcium, which makes it a healthy option. When substituting paneer for ricotta cheese, use a slightly lower amount of paneer.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a good replacement for ricotta cheese in recipes because it has a similar consistency and dairy flavor. Additionally, sour cream is a good source of fat and protein, which can help make dishes more filling. Finally, using sour cream in place of ricotta can help cut down on calories and fat without sacrificing taste.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to ricotta cheese, consider using sour cream instead. Sour cream is lower in calories and fat than ricotta, but it still has a creamy texture that works well in recipes. What’s more, sour cream is a good source of protein and can help make dishes more filling. So next time you’re looking for a ricotta cheese substitute, reach for the sour cream.
Feta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a popular replacement for feta cheese in recipes because it is a mild cheese that doesn’t overpower the flavor of other ingredients. Feta cheese is also a good replacement for ricotta because it is a crumbly, salty cheese that pairs well with sweet and savory flavors.
When substituting feta cheese for ricotta, it is important to remember that feta is a stronger flavor cheese, so you may need to adjust the amount of other ingredients in the recipe so the strong flavor from the cheese doesn’t overpower everything else.
Gruyere
Ricotta cheese is a common ingredient in many recipes, but it can be replaced with Gruyere cheese with good results. Gruyere is a hard, Swiss cheese that has a nutty flavor and a creamy texture. It melts well and is a good choice for dishes like lasagna and stuffed shells.
The flavor of Gruyere cheese is nutty and mild, while ricotta cheese is tangy and slightly sweet. Ricotta is also softer and more watery than Gruyere. If you are looking for a good replacement for ricotta in recipes, Gruyere is a good option.
Soft Goat Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes, but it can be expensive and difficult to find in some areas. Soft goat cheese is a good replacement for ricotta because it has a similar texture and flavor, and it’s easier to find and cheaper than ricotta cheese. Aged goat cheese also has some health benefits, including being high in calcium, protein and vitamin B12.
If you’re looking for a ricotta cheese alternative, soft goat cheese is a great option. It’s versatile, easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Plus, it has some health benefits that make it a good choice for those watching their diet.
The flavor of soft goat cheese is similar to ricotta cheese, but it has a slightly tangier taste. Goat cheese is also a bit creamier than ricotta, which can make it a good replacement for recipes that call for cream or milk. If you’re looking for a ricotta cheese alternative that has a slightly different flavor, soft goat cheese is a good option.
Non-dairy Ricotta Cheese Substitutes (vegan)
Now let’s take a look a non-dairy options when it comes to substituting ricotta. These are perfect if you are following a vegan diet or dealing with a milk protein allergy or just simply don’t care for cow’s milk.
Non-dairy ricotta
This may seem silly, but there are a number of non-dairy ricotta options out there that can be used in your favorite recipes. It is important to try a few different brands out there to see if you prefer one over the other. Keep in mind that some may do better in certain recipes over others, so don’t completely rule out a brand until you’ve used it in various recipes or pasta dishes where it calls for ricotta cheese. Just remember that not all brands are created equal and some are better than others for certain things.
Non-dairy yogurt, cream cheese, or sour cream
Just like the dairy based substations, many of your favorite non dairy options can also be substituted for ricotta.
Tofu
Tofu is a suitable alternative for ricotta cheese in recipes because it has a similar texture and is able to absorb flavors from other ingredients in a dish. Additionally, tofu is high in protein and calcium.
Tofu can easily be substituted for ricotta cheese in most recipes. Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Then, crumble the tofu into a bowl and mix in your desired seasonings. For example, you could add garlic, salt, and pepper, and nutritional yeast to give the tofu a cheesy flavor. You could also combine it with olive oil. Finally, use the tofu mixture in place of ricotta cheese in your favorite recipes.
Coconut cream
Coconut cream is high in fat and calories, but it also contains many nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with savory dishes. Coconut cream can be used in place of ricotta in most recipes, and it can also be used to make creamy sauces and dressings.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to ricotta cheese, consider using coconut cream. It is lower in fat and calories, but it is still high in nutrients all while providing that milky flavor. Coconut cream can be used in many different ways, so get creative and see what dishes you can make with this versatile ingredient.
Ground nuts
Nuts are a good substitute for ricotta cheese in recipes because they have a similar texture and can be blended into a smooth consistency. Additionally, nuts are high in protein and healthy fats.
To use nuts as a substitute for ricotta cheese in recipes, simply blend them in a food processor or blender until they are smooth. For every 1 cup of ricotta cheese called for in a recipe, use 1 cup of blended nuts.
There are many different types of nuts that can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts. Experiment with different types of nuts to find the flavor and texture that you like best.
No matter if you are making baked ziti, lasagna, or a dessert, there is something for you on this list when it comes to substituting ricotta in recipes. There are plenty of alternative options out there, including vegan options. So, depending on your dietary preferences and lifestyle, you can find the perfect ricotta cheese substitute for your recipes. With a bit of experimentation and creativity, you’ll soon be creating delicious dishes that don’t call for any dairy products.
Need more substitutes?
Sometimes when you’re out of certain ingredients it can be confusing and you don’t know what to do. Here are a few more posts where we discuss many substitutions for other ingredients.