Patrick Oconnell
Ricotta is a soft, fresh, mild, and milky Italian cheese with a fluffy, pillowy texture and a ton of moisture. It is used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury, such as lasagna, cheesecake, and pancakes. If you're out of ricotta, there are several substitutes you can use. The best option is cottage cheese, which has a similar flavour and fewer calories. You can blend it in a food processor to make it smoother and more similar to ricotta. Other substitutes include Greek yogurt, cream cheese, goat cheese, sour cream, silken tofu, and mascarpone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best substitute | Cottage cheese |
| Other substitutes | Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cream cheese, goat cheese, sour cream, mascarpone, paneer, bechamel sauce |
| How to prepare cottage cheese | Blend in a blender or food processor |
| How to prepare Greek yogurt | Strain the yogurt to make labneh |
| How to prepare silken tofu | Blend |
| How to prepare cream cheese | Blend or whip with a hand mixer with a small amount of milk |
| Goat cheese type | Fresh goat cheese (chevre) |
| How to use sour cream | Best used in cold recipes |
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What You'll Learn
Cottage cheese
To make cottage cheese more similar to ricotta, it can be blended or processed to create a smoother texture. It is recommended to use small curd cottage cheese, as it has a finer grain texture that more closely resembles ricotta. If using cottage cheese in a recipe that calls for other liquids, it is advisable to reduce the amount of liquid added, as cottage cheese has a higher moisture content than ricotta.
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Greek yoghurt
However, it's important to note that Greek yoghurt has a more tangy flavour than ricotta, which is milder and creamier. This difference in flavour and consistency may not make Greek yoghurt an ideal substitute in certain recipes, such as quiches, where the more watery Greek yoghurt may not provide the desired structure.
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Tofu
To make tofu ricotta, you will need a food processor or blender. Firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for the best texture, although silken tofu can also be used. Nutritional yeast will add a "cheesy" flavour to the tofu ricotta, and lemon juice will add tanginess. You can also add olive oil for a rich flavour and fatty mouthfeel. Seasonings such as salt and pepper are essential, and you can add herbs such as basil or cilantro to customise the flavour profile.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor repeatedly until the tofu reaches the desired texture. For a grittier texture, similar to regular ricotta, pulse 10-12 times. For a super smooth and creamy texture, blend for up to 1 minute on high speed.
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Goat cheese
Other substitutes for ricotta include cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, cream cheese, sour cream, mascarpone, and silken tofu.
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Sour cream
When substituting sour cream for ricotta cheese, it is important to consider the flavor and texture differences. Sour cream is tangier than ricotta, so it should be used in moderation to avoid overpowering other flavors in the dish. It is also thinner than ricotta, so blending it with a small amount of milk or cream may be necessary to achieve a similar texture.
Additionally, sour cream has a higher fat content than ricotta, so it may not be suitable for low-fat or fat-free diets. If you are looking for a lower-fat alternative, blending cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with a small amount of milk can be a good substitute for ricotta.
In summary, sour cream can be a suitable substitute for ricotta cheese in cold recipes, but adjustments may be needed to match the flavor and texture of ricotta. For cooked dishes, other substitutes like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt may be more suitable.
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Frequently asked questions
Cottage cheese is the best substitute for ricotta cheese. It has a similar flavour and fewer calories. You can blend it for a smoother texture.
Tofu is a good vegan substitute for ricotta cheese. The combination of silken tofu and firm tofu can mimic the texture of ricotta.
Greek yoghurt can be used as a substitute for ricotta in baked goods. It has a thick and creamy texture.
Sour cream, goat cheese, and cream cheese can be used as substitutes for ricotta in savoury dishes.
Mascarpone, an Italian cheese, can be used as a substitute for ricotta in desserts. However, it is more tart and flavourful, so it should be used in dishes with other strong flavours.
