Frederic Melton
Ricotta is a creamy Italian cheese that is traditionally made from the whey leftover from cheese-making. It is used in a variety of dishes, from lasagna to cheesecakes. However, if you're looking for a healthier substitute, there are several options to choose from. Cottage cheese is a popular alternative, as it has a similar moisture content and mild taste. For a vegan option, silken tofu can be used as a ricotta replacement, especially in pasta dishes. Other substitutes include cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and mascarpone, although the latter is more tart and flavorful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthy substitutes for ricotta cheese | Cottage cheese, silken tofu, goat cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mascarpone, queso fresco, paneer, sour cream, and fromage blanc |
| Best substitute | Cottage cheese |
| Reason for being the best substitute | Similar moisture content and mild taste, cheaper, fewer calories, and easily available |
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What You'll Learn
Cottage cheese
When substituting cottage cheese for ricotta, it is important to drain off as much liquid as possible and reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to compensate. This is especially important in dishes like lasagna, where the cheese is a key ingredient and needs to provide a creamy texture.
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Greek yoghurt
To substitute Greek yoghurt for ricotta cheese in lasagna, whisk it with cornstarch until completely smooth, with no small lumps. Then, add ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, and oregano, and whisk again. Layer this mixture with ground beef, marinara sauce, and grated Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese.
However, Greek yoghurt may not be the best substitute for ricotta in dishes like quiche or tarts, as it has a higher moisture content and a tangier, more creamy flavour than ricotta, which is grainier and less creamy. In these types of dishes, other substitutes like cottage cheese, paneer, or tofu may be more suitable.
Additionally, some people prefer to use a bechamel sauce instead of ricotta in lasagna, as it is considered the traditional way to make the dish in some places, such as the UK and Italy.
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Tofu
To make tofu ricotta, start by draining and drying a block of firm tofu. You can use a paper towel or a clean cloth to gently press out any excess liquid. Then, break the tofu into small pieces and add them to a food processor or blender. For a more rustic texture, you can also mash the tofu by hand.
Next, add your desired seasonings and other ingredients. At a minimum, you can season with salt and pepper, but you can also add ingredients like nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor, lemon zest for brightness, or fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, depending on your preference and the dish you're preparing.
Pulse the food processor or blender until the tofu reaches the desired texture, which should resemble that of traditional ricotta cheese. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water or plant-based milk to thin it out.
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Goat's cheese
Ricotta is a soft, fresh, mild, and milky Italian cheese with a fluffy, creamy, and grainy texture. It is traditionally made from the whey leftover from making other cheeses. Ricotta can be made from any kind of milk, including goat's milk.
Goat cheese, also known as Chevre, is a French cheese made from goat's milk. It is a popular choice for those eating healthier due to its high nutrient and protein content and low-calorie count. It has a strong tangy taste and a soft texture. Goat cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in bite-sized appetizers, dips, and spreads. It is not recommended for pasta dishes or baked goods.
When using goat cheese as a substitute for ricotta, it is important to use fresh goat cheese instead of aged goat cheese, as the latter has a stronger flavor. It is also important to note that goat cheese has a higher salt content than ricotta, so it is best to use it in savory dishes and reduce the salt in the rest of the dish.
Goat cheese has a thicker and creamier texture than ricotta, but it can still work well as a substitute in certain dishes. For example, it can be used in place of ricotta in lasagna, although it may not be the best choice for a large amount as it is more tart in flavor. If the dish already contains tart or acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice or zest, their quantity can be reduced to compensate for the tanginess of the goat cheese.
Overall, goat cheese is a suitable substitute for ricotta in certain dishes, particularly savory ones, but adjustments may need to be made to the recipe to account for its stronger flavor and higher salt content.
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Cream cheese
Sour cream is another substitute for cream cheese, sharing the same tang and richness. However, it differs in texture and is not recommended for baking. Fromage blanc, a French product, is another substitute for cream cheese, although it may not be easily available in the US.
Mascarpone is another Italian cheese that can be used as a substitute for cream cheese. It has a mild flavour and a creamy texture, making it a suitable substitute for cream cheese in most applications. However, it is less tangy than cream cheese, so additional lemon juice may be needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta cheese. It has a similar moisture content and mild taste, and it can be blended for a smoother texture.
If you want to reduce the creaminess of ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yoghurt. Greek yoghurt is strained after it's cultured, resulting in a thicker consistency.
Silken tofu is a good non-dairy substitute for ricotta cheese. It can be blended to achieve a similar texture to ricotta and will absorb the flavours of the dish.
Mascarpone is an Italian cheese that makes an excellent substitute for ricotta in sweet recipes. It has a mild, sweet flavour and can be thinned out with cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Cottage cheese is a low-calorie alternative to ricotta cheese. It has a similar taste and texture, and it can be blended to create a smoother consistency.
