Out of Ricotta cheese, one case
Ricotta cheese substitutes for lasagna
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cottage cheese
Same amount as the ricotta cheese
For lasagna, the best ricotta cheese substitutes are Cottage Cheese, Mascarpone, and Cream Cheese. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these lasagna-specific techniques for optimal results.
- Best for —
- lasagna
One casethe full ricotta cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ricotta cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cottage cheeselasagna | Same amount |
| 2 | Mascarponelasagna | Same amount |
| 3 | Cream cheeselasagna | Same amount |
| 4 | Greek yogurtlasagna | 1 cup Greek yogurt + ¼ tsp salt per 1 cup ricotta |
| 5 | Sour creamlasagna | Start with half the amount |
| 6 | Tofuvegan lasagna | 1 cup crumbled firm tofu + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup ricotta |
Cottage cheese
mild, slightly tangy · similar texture
Fresh cheese with curds that can be blended smooth. Similar texture and mild flavor to ricotta. Good for lasagna applications.
- Best for
- lasagna, baked pasta, stuffed shells, manicotti, when you want similar texture
Cottage cheese has similar texture to ricotta. Use in equal amounts by volume. May need to be drained if very wet. Ideal for lasagna applications.
Mascarpone
sweeter, more delicate · similar texture
Italian cream cheese with sweeter, more delicate flavor. Higher fat content than ricotta. Good for rich, creamy lasagna.
- Best for
- lasagna, baked pasta, when you want rich flavor, creamy texture, sweet applications
Mascarpone has a sweeter flavor but similar texture to ricotta. Use in equal amounts by volume. Ideal for lasagna applications.
Cream cheese
tangy, slightly different · similar texture
Soft, spreadable cheese with mild, tangy flavor. Similar texture to ricotta. Good for lasagna applications.
- Best for
- lasagna, baked pasta, when you want tangy flavor, creamy texture, spreadable consistency
Cream cheese has a tangy flavor but similar texture to ricotta. Use in equal amounts by volume. May need to be softened at room temperature.
Greek yogurt
tangy, slightly different · similar texture
Thick, tangy yogurt that mimics ricotta texture. Lower in fat and higher in protein. Good for healthier lasagna options.
- Best for
- lasagna, baked pasta, when you want lower fat, protein-rich lasagna, tangy flavor
Greek yogurt is already tangier than ricotta, so season it with salt and skip any acid. Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. May need to be thickened with a little flour.
Sour cream
tangy, slightly different
Tangy and much looser than ricotta. Works as a thin layer or stirred into a thicker cheese, not as a thick layer on its own.
- Best for
- lasagna, baked pasta, when you want tangy flavor, creamy texture
- Texture
- looser
Sour cream thins as it bakes, so a full ricotta-sized layer runs. Spread a thinner layer, or stir it into cottage cheese to add tang.
Tofu
neutral, can be seasoned
Vegan alternative made from crumbled tofu. Neutral flavor that can be seasoned. Good for vegan lasagna.
- Best for
- vegan lasagna, dairy-free lasagna, when you want neutral flavor, protein-rich lasagna
- Texture
- similar when crumbled
Crumble firm tofu and season with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Use in equal amounts by volume. Ideal for vegan lasagna.
How it behaves in this recipe
In lasagna, ricotta is the soft, mild layer between the sauce and the pasta, usually mixed with egg so it sets. A substitute has to be thick enough to stay in its layer as it bakes, which is why drained cottage cheese works and loose dairy like sour cream needs help.
Tips for substituting ricotta cheese
9 tips- Drain wet cottage cheese in a sieve before using it, or the layer turns watery as it bakes
- Blend or mash cottage cheese briefly for a smoother layer closer to ricotta; leave the curds if you do not mind them
- Most ricotta fillings include an egg; keep it, because it helps a softer substitute set as it bakes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature so it spreads in an even layer
- Let the lasagna rest 10 to 15 minutes after baking so the layers set before you cut it
- For similar texture, use cottage cheese or mascarpone
- For tangy flavor, use Greek yogurt, or a thin layer of sour cream
- For rich flavor, use mascarpone or cream cheese
- For vegan lasagna, use seasoned tofu
Notes on ricotta cheese
- Béchamel (white sauce) is the classic layer in lasagna alla bolognese and replaces the ricotta layer entirely
- Mix cottage cheese with grated Parmesan and an egg, as you would ricotta, for a filling that sets
- Leave the ricotta layer out and use extra mozzarella and Parmesan between the layers
Questions
4 questionsCan I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for lasagna?
Yes, cottage cheese is an excellent substitute for ricotta in lasagna. It has similar texture and mild flavor that works well in lasagna applications.
What's the best ratio for ricotta substitute in lasagna?
Cottage cheese, mascarpone, cream cheese, Greek yogurt and seasoned tofu replace ricotta cup for cup. Sour cream is looser, so start with half the amount.
Why doesn't my lasagna turn out right with ricotta substitutes?
The usual cause is water. Wet cottage cheese, yogurt or sour cream thins as it bakes and the layers slide. Drain the substitute, keep the egg in the filling so it sets, and let the lasagna rest before cutting.
Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta for lasagna?
Yes, mascarpone can work for lasagna, though it has a sweeter flavor. It has similar texture and works well in lasagna applications.