15 Best Ricotta Cheese Substitutes For Any Need

These 15 ricotta cheese substitutes are perfect if you are out of ricotta cheese or have a dietary preference.

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, from lasagna to cannolis.

However, there may be times when you need a ricotta substitute, whether due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply running out of the cheese.

Fortunately, there are several tasty alternatives that can work well in recipes calling for ricotta.

From cottage cheese and mascarpone to tofu and cashew cream, this roundup covers 15 ricotta cheese substitutes to consider.

Each option offers its unique flavor profile and texture, allowing you to find the perfect replacement to suit your needs.

Explore this comprehensive guide to discover the ricotta alternatives that can elevate your cooking and baking.

For more cooking tips, check out my can you freeze Greek yogurt, and my can you freeze almond milk posts.

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What is ricotta cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy dairy product that originated in Italy. Made from the whey leftover from the production of other cheeses, ricotta has a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet, mild flavor.

It is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, from lasagna and stuffed shells to cannolis and cheesecakes.

Ricotta is high in protein and relatively low in fat, making it a nutritious addition to many recipes.

What is ricotta cheese mainly used for?

Known for its light, creamy texture, ricotta is primarily used as a filling for pasta dishes like lasagna and manicotti.

It also serves as a key component in sweet treats such as cannoli and cheesecake, providing a delicate flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

Whether savory or sweet, ricotta's adaptability makes it an essential staple in Italian cuisine.

1. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese makes an excellent substitute for ricotta cheese. With its creamy texture and mild, tangy flavor, cottage cheese can seamlessly replace ricotta in a variety of dishes.

In fact, the soft curds of cottage cheese often mimic the consistency of ricotta, making it a convenient and cost-effective alternative.

Whether you're preparing lasagna, stuffed shells, or a creamy dip, cottage cheese is a versatile option that delivers the same great taste and mouthfeel as traditional ricotta.

2. Sour Cream

Sour cream makes an excellent substitute for ricotta cheese in many recipes. Its thick, creamy texture closely mimics that of ricotta, and the tangy flavor profile complements a variety of dishes just as well.

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for ricotta cheese. With its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor, it can seamlessly replace ricotta in a variety of dishes.

The high protein content of Greek yogurt also provides a nutritional boost compared to traditional ricotta.

Top of a bowl with full fat Greek yogurt.

4. Crème Fraiche

Crème fraîche is an excellent substitute for ricotta cheese, offering a luxuriously creamy texture and a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that elevates any dish.

Its rich, velvety consistency provides a luxurious mouthfeel that can seamlessly replace the traditional grainy texture of ricotta, making it a versatile choice for everything from lasagna to stuffed shells.

5. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a rich, creamy texture and subtly tangy flavor, cream cheese can easily stand in for ricotta in a variety of recipes.

Whether you're making lasagna, stuffed shells, or a decadent cheesecake, the smooth, spreadable consistency of cream cheese provides a comparable mouthfeel and taste to traditional ricotta.

6. Silken or Firm Tofu

Silken or firm tofu has its delicate, creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, tofu seamlessly mimics the qualities of traditional ricotta.

Whether you're looking to create a dairy-free lasagna or craft a vegan spin on classic stuffed shells, tofu provides the perfect replacement, delivering the same rich, indulgent mouthfeel without any of the lactose.

Make sure that you drain the tofu from all the excess liquids and blend it into a smooth and creamy texture.

A rectangle white plate with silken tofu.

7. Mascarpone

Mascarpone has a rich, and creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, it can seamlessly replace ricotta in a variety of dishes.

The smooth, velvety consistency of mascarpone lends an indulgent quality that ricotta simply cannot match, making it a superior choice for recipes requiring a luxurious dairy component.

8. Feta Cheese

With its crumbly, creamy texture and tangy, salty flavor, feta can seamlessly replace ricotta in dishes like lasagna, stuffed shells, and baked ziti.

The bold taste of feta also complements other ingredients just as well as the milder ricotta. For a healthier, more flavorful alternative, reach for feta the next time a recipe calls for ricotta.

9. Fromage Blanc

This French soft cheese boasts a texture remarkably similar to ricotta, with a delightfully mild and tangy flavor.

Fromage Blanc's velvety consistency makes it an exceptional substitute, seamlessly blending into both savory and sweet dishes.

This versatile cheese delivers the same creamy indulgence as ricotta - but with its unique flavor and texture.

A glass bowl with fromage blanc and a basil leaf.

10. Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese has a creamy, soft texture and tangy, slightly sweet flavor, goat cheese can seamlessly replace ricotta in a variety of dishes.

Goat cheese often has a richer, more complex taste that can elevate recipes beyond what traditional ricotta can provide.

For those seeking a healthier, more flavorful alternative to ricotta, fresh goat cheese is truly a superior choice.

Cubes of goat cheese in a large white bowl.

11. Queso Fresco

Queso Fresco has a soft, crumbly texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor, it can easily stand in for ricotta in a variety of dishes.

Whether you're making lasagna, stuffed shells, or a creamy dip, Queso Fresco provides the same creamy richness as ricotta but with a unique flavor that can elevate your culinary creations.

12. Buttermilk Cheese

Buttermilk cheese has a similarly creamy texture and tangy flavor, and can seamlessly replace ricotta in many recipes. In fact, the unique taste of buttermilk cheese can even enhance the overall dish.

Next time you're reaching for ricotta, consider giving buttermilk cheese a try - it just might become your new favorite cheese for all your Italian-inspired creations.

Sliced buttermilk cheese on a white plate.

13. Clabber Cream

When it comes to achieving the perfect creamy texture and rich, tangy flavor in your recipes, Clabber Cream is a game-changing substitute for ricotta cheese.

With its smooth, spreadable consistency and subtly sweet notes, Clabber Cream seamlessly stands in for ricotta, elevating everything from lasagna to cannolis with its delectable creaminess.

14. Vegan Ricotta Cheese

Vegan ricotta cheese is a fantastic substitute for traditional ricotta. With its creamy, smooth texture and mild, fresh flavor, it seamlessly replaces dairy-based ricotta in a wide variety of recipes.

Whether you're making lasagna, stuffed shells, or a decadent dessert, vegan ricotta delivers the same rich mouthfeel and taste as the original - without any of the animal products.

A block of vegan ricotta cheese on a wooden plate.

15. Coconut Cream

Coconut cream has a rich, creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor, and can seamlessly replace ricotta in a variety of dishes.

Whether you're whipping up a decadent lasagna or crafting a delectable dessert, coconut cream provides the same luscious mouthfeel as traditional ricotta, making it a versatile and dairy-free option that's sure to impress.

Ricotta Cheese Substitutes Faq's

What can I use in place of ricotta cheese?

Some good alternatives include cottage cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, or even tofu. Each has a slightly different texture and flavor, so you may need to adjust seasoning when swapping them in.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta cheese?

Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese in many recipes, as they share similar thick, creamy textures.

When substituting, use an equal amount of Greek yogurt in place of the ricotta. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a tangier flavor profile compared to the milder ricotta, so it may alter the taste of the final dish slightly.

Can I use mozzarella instead of ricotta?

While mozzarella and ricotta are both Italian cheeses, they have distinct textures and flavors that make them suitable for different culinary applications.

In some recipes, you may be able to substitute mozzarella for ricotta, but the texture and flavor of the dish will be different. It's best to use the cheese specified in the recipe for the best results.

Is ricotta cheese healthy?

It is relatively low in fat and calories compared to other cheeses, while providing a good amount of protein.

Ricotta also contains calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, it's important to consume ricotta in moderation as part of an overall healthy eating plan.

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