Ricotta cheese substitutes
Ricotta cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cottage cheese
Same amount as the ricotta cheese
Fresh cheese with similar texture and mild flavor to ricotta.
The best substitutes for ricotta cheese are cottage cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, or homemade ricotta made from milk and vinegar.
Ricotta is the soft wet body of a filling: mild and faintly sweet rather than tangy, mostly water with a moderate amount of milk fat, and enough loose curd that a lasagna or cannoli layer stays as one moist mass instead of running out of the slice.
- The tweak —
- Drain excess liquid and blend until smooth for better texture.
- Best for —
- lasagna
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Fat & richnessprimary
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
- Bindingsecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ricotta cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cottage cheeselasagna | Same amount |
| 2 | Cream cheesedesserts | Same amount |
| 3 | Mascarponedesserts | Same amount |
| 4 | Homemade ricottaall uses | Same amount |
| 5 | Greek yogurtdips | Same amount |
| 6 | Silken tofuvegan recipes | Same amount |
Cottage cheese
Similar mild, slightly tangy flavor to ricotta
Fresh cheese with similar texture and mild flavor to ricotta.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Moisture & hydration
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Binding
- Best for
- lasagna, cannoli, pancakes, when you want similar texture
- Texture
- Similar grainy texture when blended
- Prep
- Drain excess liquid and blend until smooth for better texture.
Most similar substitute, drain liquid and blend smooth.
Cream cheese
Rich and tangy, different from ricotta
Soft, spreadable cheese with rich, tangy flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Binding
- Misses
- Moisture & hydration — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- desserts, dips, spreads, when you want richer flavor
- Texture
- Smooth and creamy, different from ricotta
- Prep
- May need to soften at room temperature.
Smoother texture than ricotta, more tangy flavor.
Mascarpone
Rich and buttery, different from ricotta
Italian cream cheese with rich, buttery flavor.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Misses
- Moisture & hydration — not covered
- Binding — not covered
- Best for
- desserts, tiramisu, sauces, when you want rich flavor
- Texture
- Similar creamy texture to ricotta
More expensive than ricotta, similar texture.
Homemade ricotta
Same fresh, mild flavor as ricotta
Fresh cheese made from milk and acid.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Moisture & hydration
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Binding
- Best for
- all uses, when you want fresh flavor, customizing texture, avoiding preservatives
- Texture
- Same grainy texture as ricotta
- Prep
- Heat 4 cups milk to 185°F, add 3 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let curdle, then strain through cheesecloth.
Most authentic substitute, can customize texture and flavor.
Greek yogurt
Tangy and creamy, different from ricotta
Thick, tangy yogurt with similar texture to ricotta.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Fat & richness — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Binding — not covered
- Best for
- dips, spreads, baking, when you want healthier option
- Texture
- Similar thick, creamy texture
More tangy than ricotta, lower in fat.
Silken tofu
Neutral flavor, different from ricotta
Soft tofu that can be blended smooth for ricotta-like texture.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Binding
- Misses
- Fat & richness — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- vegan recipes, dips, spreads, when you want plant-based option
- Texture
- Similar creamy texture when blended
- Prep
- Blend silken tofu until smooth. Add lemon juice for tanginess if desired.
Vegan alternative, blend until smooth for best texture.
Questions
6 questionsCan I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is the closest substitute for ricotta. Drain any excess liquid and use it in the same way. The texture and flavor are very similar.
What's the difference between ricotta and cottage cheese?
Ricotta is made from whey and has a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor, while cottage cheese is made from curds and has a more tangy flavor.
Can I make ricotta cheese at home?
Yes, you can make ricotta at home by heating milk to 185°F, adding lemon juice or vinegar, and straining the curds. It's surprisingly easy and tastes great.
Why is ricotta cheese so popular in Italian cooking?
Ricotta cheese is versatile, mild, and works well in both sweet and savory dishes. It's also relatively easy to make, which made it popular in traditional Italian cooking.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese is the closest substitute for ricotta cheese, but blend it smooth for better texture.
Can I use ricotta cheese in desserts?
Yes, ricotta cheese is commonly used in Italian desserts like cannoli and cheesecake.
Tips for substituting ricotta cheese
10 tips- Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and mild flavor to dishes
- Ricotta cheese is often used in Italian desserts like cannoli and tiramisu
- Ricotta cheese can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Ricotta cheese pairs well with herbs, garlic, and lemon
- Ricotta cheese can be used as a filling for pasta and pastries
- Store ricotta cheese in the refrigerator and use within a week
- Ricotta cheese is mild and creamy, good for both savory and sweet dishes
- It's commonly used in Italian cooking, especially in lasagna and cannoli
- Ricotta cheese is high in protein and calcium
- For smooth texture, blend ricotta cheese before using in recipes