What can I substitute for ricotta?
Running low on ricotta? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About ricotta
Ricotta is a soft, fresh Italian whey cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a grainy yet creamy texture. It is made by re-cooking the whey left from other cheese production, resulting in fine, moist curds. Ricotta is widely used in both sweet and savoury cooking, from pasta fillings and baked goods to desserts and spreads.
Best substitute
cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is the closest match to ricotta in flavour and moisture content. For a smoother texture that better mimics ricotta, blend it briefly until the curds are broken down.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of ricotta
pasta fillingsbakingdipscheesecakesNot suitable for: frying
Alternative
cream cheese
Cream cheese can replace ricotta in many recipes, though it is richer, denser, and more tangy. Thin it slightly with a splash of milk and beat until smooth to approximate ricotta's lighter consistency.
Use ¾ cup for every 1 cup of ricotta, thinned with 2–3 tbsp milk
cheesecakesdipsspreadspasta fillingsNot suitable for: light baked goods
Alternative
mascarpone
Mascarpone is creamier and higher in fat than ricotta, giving a richer, more indulgent result. It works well in desserts and creamy pasta dishes but will make baked goods denser.
What is ricotta called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | ricotta |
| IT | ricotta |
| United Kingdom | ricotta |
| United States | ricotta |
Common names for ricotta
fresh ricottaricotta cheesewhey cheese