Ricotta Cheese Substitute (2024)

If you are looking for a ricotta cheese substitute, this will be your ultimate guide. Whether you have run out of it or are substituting because of a dietary preference, you'll find all the information you need to choose an effective alternative for ricotta cheese right here.

What is ricotta cheese?

Ricotta is a soft and creamy Italian cheese that is often used in cooking and baking recipes like the famous Italian Ricotta Pie. Ricotta has a mild, lightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that makes it a versatile ingredient in a wide range of recipes, both savory and sweet.

What is ricotta cheese made out of?

In theUnited States, American ricotta is almost always made of cow's milk whey, as opposed to Italian ricotta which is typically made from the whey of sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk. While both types are low in fat and sodium, the Italian version is naturally sweet, while the American is a little saltier and moister.

Either way, the whey is heated to a high temperature which causes the proteins to thicken and form curds. These curds are then drained, salted, and sometimes mixed with cream to create ricotta cheese.

Modern developments in the ricotta cheese-making process include using whole milk or skim milk mixed with acidic elements like lemon juice or vinegar to form the curds.

Is ricotta cheese healthier?

In addition to being generally lower in calories, ricotta can be considered a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat than other cheeses. Ricotta cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium.

What is ricotta cheese good for?

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a common ingredient in Italian savory cooking such as in pasta and pizza recipes, and can also be used in desserts and baked goods such as ricotta pie.

Is ricotta the same as cottage cheese?

Ricotta and cottage cheese are similar in texture and appearance, but they are made differently and have slightly different flavors. Though cottage cheese is one of the best substitutes for ricotta cheese, ricotta has a less salty flavor and a creamier consistency than cottage cheese.

Considerations when replacing ricotta

When replacing ricotta cheese in a recipe, it's important to consider the texture, flavor, and percentage of fat in the substitute. Some substitutes may be more watery or have a stronger taste than ricotta cheese, which could affect the overall final dish. It's also important to consider the cooking method as some substitutes may not hold up as well when baked for a long time or cooked on a stovetop.

What is the best ricotta cheese substitute?

Whether you're facing a ricotta cheese shortage or need to replace ricotta with a plant-based or dairy-free alternative, there are several ricotta cheese alternatives that will keep your dishes rich and creamy. From common, readily available substitutes like cottage cheese to lesser-known swaps like pot cheese, and even vegan alternatives like tofu, this guide is full of the best substitutes for ricotta cheese and how to use them;

1. Cottage Cheese
2. Cream Cheese
3. Mascarpone
4. Greek Yogurt
5. Queso Fresco
6. Sour Cream
7. Fresh Goat Cheese
8. Feta Cheese
9. Fromage Blanc
10. Buttermilk Cheese
11. Clabber Cream
12. Pot Cheese
13. Paneer
14. Tofu
15. Coconut Cream
16. Homemade Ricotta cheese

1. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a good replacement for ricotta cheese in savory recipes. This low-fat swap has a similar flavor, and its chunky texture can be altered to better match ricotta's. To make cottage cheese smoother, you can blend it in a food processor or blender until it reaches a similar consistency, then drain out any remaining liquid with a cheesecloth.

How to use it:

Use cottage cheese as a ricotta cheese substitute for stuffed shells and as a ricotta substitute lasagna can benefit from. It can also be a great, healthy substitute for ricotta cheese in dips and spreads. To have cottage cheese substitute for ricotta, use a 1:1 ratio.

2. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese makes an especially good ricotta cheese replacement in many dessert recipes and sweet-tasting spreads. It's thicker and creamier than ricotta, but with its mild taste, cream cheese can be adapted to both sweet and savory recipes.

With the addition of herbs and spices, cream cheese can be used as a replacement for ricotta in sauce recipes and even in baked pasta fillings. Cream cheese can also be a good substitute for ricotta cheese in pancakes and dips. Check out some of my cream cheese desserts as well!

How to use it:

In place of ricotta cheese substitute cream cheese using a 1:1 ratio. Start with softened cream cheese and blend it until it reaches a smooth consistency, especially if your recipe calls for whipped ricotta cheese. Softened and blended cream cheese will also be easier to whisk into sauces and casseroles.

3. Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a rich, soft Italian cheese. It's similar to cream cheese in texture but is made with heavy cream rather than milk. If you're wondering what is ricotta cheese substitute for desserts, mascarpone is a great option. Its lightly sweet flavor and creamy texture also make it an ideal addition to sweets such as tiramisu.

How to use it:

Replace ricotta with mascarpone at a 1:1 ratio. Mascarpone works well in cake recipes, such as lemon ricotta cake, and it can be a goodricotta cheese substitute for cannoli.

4. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt makes a suitable ricotta cheese alternative for dips, spreads, and some desserts. It has a similar tangy flavor but is lower in fat and contains more protein. Greek yogurt can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. This replacement will work best in recipes that don't call for very much ricotta and have a moist final texture.

How to use it:

Replace ricotta cheese with Greek yogurt in small amounts at a 1:1 ratio.

5. Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a mild-tasting, fresh cheese made from cow's milk. You may be surprised to learn that queso fresco is basically a ricotta cheese equivalent, with the exception of moisture content. Ricotta is spreadable, whereas queso fresco is drier and can be crumbled.

How to use it:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting queso fresco for ricotta cheese. You can use it for both fillings and toppings.

6. Sour Cream

Sour cream is one of the less common ricotta substitutes, but it can work in a pinch. Smooth and tangy sour cream can add fat and moisture to your savory dips and serve as a ricotta cheese substitute that baking enthusiasts can appreciate. Since sour cream is much thinner than ricotta, it's important to consider how the change in moisture may affect the texture of your dish.

How to use it:

To replace ricotta substitute sour cream at a 1:1 ratio in dips, desserts, and other recipes where ricotta is not the star of the show.

7. Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese, rather than aged goat cheese, can make an excellent replacement for ricotta even though it delivers a stronger flavor. It's important to use fresh goat cheese because mature goat cheese is firmer and takes on an even stronger taste that might not complement recipes as an alternative to ricotta.

How to use it:

Replace ricotta with fresh goat cheese at a 1:1 ratio. Fresh goat cheese is a good alternative to ricotta in savory recipes. It can be mixed into dips, spread on bread, and added to pasta. Keep in mind that goat cheese is saltier than ricotta, so be sure to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe.

8. Feta Cheese

Feta Cheese is an excellent substitute for ricotta salata. This variety of ricotta is salted, pressed, and aged. It is often served as a finisher for savory dishes such as pasta and roasted vegetables. Although it has a saltier flavor, feta makes a good ricotta salata substitute because of its similar crumbly texture.

How to use it:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting feta cheese for ricotta salata.

9. Fromage Blanc

Fromage Blanc is a creamy, soft cheese that can be a good substitute for ricotta in most recipes. Although it is a more expensive option, its smooth texture makes it a good replacement in spreads alongside fruit as well as egg-based dishes such as quiche.

How to use it:

To replace ricotta cheese with Fromage Blanc, use a 1:1 ratio.

10. Buttermilk Cheese

Buttermilk cheese is a tangy cheese made from cultured buttermilk. With its slightly sour flavor, buttermilk cheese can be paired with savory side dishes or crumbled on top of salads, casseroles, and pizzas.

How to use it:

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing ricotta with buttermilk cheese.

11. Clabber Cream

Clabber cream is made from unpasteurized milk that naturally ferments and turns sour. It has a rich flavor and thick consistency that make for a good ricotta substitute in savory dips and toppings.

How to use it:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting clabber cream for ricotta.

12. Pot Cheese

Pot cheese is a fresh cheese that's similar to cottage cheese but with less whey. Its moist crumbles can be blended to form a ricotta cheese substitute that has both a similar taste and texture.

How to use it:

Replace ricotta cheese with pot cheese at a 1:1 ratio. Blend pot cheese until smooth for a great ricotta cheese substitute in pasta dishes, baked goods, desserts, and vegetable tarts.

13. Paneer

Paneer is a fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It's often compared to ricotta and cottage cheese for its mild, milky flavor. Paneer can be a good substitute for ricotta cheese in recipes where you don't want the cheese to become excessively runny or melty. It can also be used in sweet dishes that utilize ricotta.

How to use it:

Paneer can stand in as a ricotta replacement at a 1:1 ratio. Depending on the nature of the recipe, you may want to blend the paneer to better mix with other ingredients. In savory dishes such as pasta, where crumbles of cheese are ideal, you can simply add it to the dish without blending.

14. Tofu

If you're wondering what can substitute ricotta cheese in plant-based recipes, you'll be happy to know that tofu is an excellent vegan alternative to ricotta cheese. When blended, tofu has a similar texture to ricotta. It also mimics the flavors of the dishes it's in, making tofu an especially great sub in savory dishes. For a creamier alternative, you can use silken tofu.

How to use it:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting tofu for ricotta cheese. Blend the tofu in a food processor or blender until it reaches a texture similar to ricotta cheese. Flavor it with herbs, spices, or sweeteners as desired.

15. Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative to ricotta cheese in soups and sauces. It has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that also make it a good stand-in for ricotta cheese in dishes that benefit from ricotta's creaminess, such as puddings, cookies, and cakes.

How to use it:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting coconut cream for ricotta cheese in recipes. Scoop out the cream from its can and use it as a direct replacement for ricotta cheese.

Homemade ricotta cheese recipe

If you'd prefer a homemade answer to the question, what can I use instead of ricotta or cottage cheese, you'll be happy to learn that making your own ricotta it's an easy process that only takes three simple ingredients. This will result in a creamy and delicious homemade ricotta cheese that you can add to your recipes exactly as you would use the store-bought variety. Be sure to use a digital thermometer for the most accurate results.

Ingredients for homemade ricotta cheese

1. 4 cups of whole milk
2. 1.5 tablespoons of acid (e.g., lemon juice)
3. ½ teaspoon of salt

How to make ricotta cheese from scratch

1. Heat the milk and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 185-190 degrees F / 85-87 degrees C.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice.
3. Cook for 2 minutes. During the cooking process, the mixture will curdle, with the solid portion forming into homemade ricotta cheese.
4. Place a sieve over a bowl and lay a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth over the top. Carefully pour the mixture over the bowl and let it strain for a few minutes.
5. For “drier,” less creamy ricotta cheese, drain the mixture for 30-60 minutes.
6. Use your homemade ricotta as a 1:1 substitute for any recipe that calls for ricotta cheese. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Best ricotta cheese substitute for baking

When it comes to baking, there are a few ricotta cheese substitutes that work particularly well. The best substitute for ricotta cheese in baking is to make your own homemade ricotta. If you're short on time, however, blended cottage cheese is an ideal substitute in savory dishes, while whipped cream cheese makes a good alternative in sweeter baked goods.

For a vegan alternative, tofu works well in baking and gives you control of the flavor.

What can I use in place of ricotta cheese in lasagna?

Cottage cheese is the ideal substitute to use in place of ricotta in lasagna. It doesn't have a strong taste and will give you a creamy consistency between layers. You can choose to blend it, mix it directly with parmesan cheese and form a spread, or simply add spoonfuls where desired.

For a vegan substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna, crumbled tofu can give you a similar texture to ricotta.

What can I use in place of ricotta cheese in ricotta pie?

To substitute ricotta cheese in ricotta pie, you can use a blended mixture of cream cheese and cottage cheese.

Drain the cottage cheese with a cheesecloth, then place it into a blender with cream cheese and blend until it's a texture similar to ricotta cheese. The most ideal substitute, however, would be homemade ricotta.

Ricotta Cheese Substitute FAQs

More Substitute Guides

Have you tried this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment as well! I would love to hear about how your dessert turned out and your feedback also helps other Readers!