The name Ricotta means “re-cooked” and is a famous Italian cheese. The fresh Italian cheese is pleasantly granular and lightly sweet. In Italy, most ricottas are made by cooking the whey drained from producing mozzarella, provolone, or other cheeses. Skim or whole milk is added in the U.S. to the whey.
Ricotta is filled with protein yet low in fat, so it is a good cheese for those seeking a healthy diet. Boiling the whey breaks down the proteins and makes them digestible for those with milk intolerance and allergies.
When cooking with Ricotta, know the cheese does not melt. Its best use is in sauces and liquid mixes, making them richer and smoother. Uncooked Ricotta is moist but not too spreadable as it is gritty and has a sound bite.
There are many substitutes for Ricotta, and they can all be exchanged in a one-to-one measure.
Contents
1. Myzithra
This cheese is also known as Mizithra. A Greek sheep’s milk cheese made from the whey of feta and kefalotyri, available both fresh and aged. The feta resembles cottage cheese, and the aged are pungent, somewhat like Italian Ricotta Salata, making an excellent grating cheese.
If you’re looking for a traditional Greek cheese to add to your dishes, Myzithra is a great option. This sheep’s milk cheese has a white or ivory color and crumbly texture. Myzithra is often used in spanakopita and tyropita, but can also be eaten alone or with bread and olives. Not only is Myzithra delicious, but it’s also healthy! So if you’re looking to add a little Greek flavor to your diet, this cheese is a great option.
= 1 ounce of Myzithra is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
2. Cottage Cheese
Strict Lacto-ovo vegetarians can enjoy cottage cheese because it contains no rennet. It’s an acid curd cheese, meaning the curds form by the natural tendency of warmed milk to curdle on its own.
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious cheese, cottage cheese is a great option. Cottage cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a slightly tangy flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and it’s also low in calories. Cottage cheese can be enjoyed on its own or used in recipes. Try it in a healthy wrap or add it to your favorite salad.
= 1-ounce Cottage cheese is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
3. Farmer Cheese
A drier, firmer version of cottage cheese is pressed into a loaf.
Farmer cheese is a type of cheese that is made from milk that has been fermented. The milk is then curdled and the whey is removed. The remaining curds are then pressed into a cheese mold. Farmer cheese has a mild flavor and a firm texture. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
= 1 ounce Farmer cheese is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
4. Pot Cheese
Pot cheese is a slightly drier, firmer version of cottage cheese. It’s a type of farmer’s cheese that originated in Central Europe. It is made by curdling milk with rennet, and then draining off the whey. The resulting cheese is dry and crumbly, with a slightly sour taste. Pot cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, or eaten on its own as a snack.
Pot cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. In sweet dishes, it can be used as a filling for pies and pastries. It can also be added to smoothies or yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast or snack. In savory dishes, pot cheese can be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or as a topping for salads or pizzas. It is also a popular ingredient in dips and sauces. No matter how you choose to use it, pot cheese is sure to add a delicious touch to your next meal!
= 1 ounce of Pot cheese is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
5. Hoop Cheese
An almost archaic cheese, hoop cheese is very similar to farmer cheese. In the late 1800s, special cutting devices were manufactured to cut precise portions of hoop cheese.
Hoop cheese is a type of American cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is named for the hoops that it is traditionally made in. Hoop cheese has a mild flavor and a creamy texture. It can be used in many different ways, including on crackers, in sandwiches, and melted on top of vegetables. Hoop cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also low in fat and calories. Hoop cheese is available in most grocery stores.
Hoop cheese can be enjoyed in many different ways. Try it on crackers, in sandwiches, or melted on top of vegetables. You can also use it as a dip for chips or pretzels. Hoop cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, so it’s a great snack for those who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, so you can indulge without guilt. So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some hoop cheese!
= 1 ounce of Hoop cheese is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
6. Fromage Blanc
This soft, fresh cream cheese is delightful when sweetened and served with fresh fruit. The French dessert Coeur à la crème it’s folded with meringue and chilled in a heart-shaped mold.
Fromage Blanc is a fresh cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a creamy texture. Fromage Blanc can be used in many different ways, including in spreads, dips, and sauces. It can also be used as a substitute for ricotta or cottage cheese. Fromage Blanc is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Thanks for reading! I hope you found this post informative. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time, happy cooking!
= 1 ounce Fromage Blanc is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
7. Mashed Firm Tofu
Also known as bean curd and soybean curd, it is used for texture but is less flavorful. Think of tofu as “cheese” made from “milk” extracted from cooked soybeans instead of cows. Those who love to hate tofu complain that it is bland, but that is one of tofu’s strengths. It absorbs flavors beautifully and adapts to numerous ethnic seasonings.
It’s processed into silken, soft, firm, and extra firm textures. Find it in supermarkets, water-packed in sealed containers, vacuum-packed without water, aseptically packaged, or freeze-dried. In some Asian markets, it is displayed in tubs of water.
= 1-ounce mashed firm tofu is equal to 1 ounce of Ricotta
If you want to get even more creative you can check out greek yogurt as a substitute.
FAQ
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
There are many substitutes for Ricotta, and they can all be exchanged in a one-to-one measure.
· Myzithra Cheese
· Cottage Cheese
· Farmer Cheese
· Pot Cheese
· Hoop Cheese
· Fromage Blanc Cheese
· Mashed Firm Tofu
My lasagna recipe calls for Ricotta cheese. What other cheese can I use?
Most cooks would agree that cottage cheese is a good substitute for Ricotta in a lasagna dish. It has a mild taste and is suitable for vegetarians because its curds form by natural tendency with no rennet added. Another option may be goat cheese, as its consistency and texture are more like Ricotta.
Can I use yogurt or sour cream instead of Ricotta?
In a pinch, you can substitute either plain yogurt or sour cream, but the consistency is different, as well as the taste. If the cheese is not the focus of the recipe, yogurt or sour cream can work; however, if making a dish like a lasagna, either cottage cheese or goat cheese would be better choices.
