Cream Cheese (softened) Substitute for Ricotta Cheese: Exact Ratio
Looking for a ricotta cheese substitute? Cream Cheese (softened) works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup ricotta in any recipe that calls for ricotta cheese. This swap works best for stuffed pasta, dips, desserts.
Best Substitute
Cream Cheese (softened)
1 cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup ricotta
Much richer and denser than ricotta. Thin with 1-2 tbsp milk if needed. Best for fillings and dips, not as a light substitute.
Tips When Replacing Ricotta Cheese in Recipes
Ricotta's mild flavor and light, grainy texture make it versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. When substituting, consider whether the recipe needs the texture (grainy vs smooth) or just the moisture and mildness. Blended cottage cheese is the closest match overall.
What Is Ricotta Cheese and Why Substitute It?
A soft, creamy Italian whey cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and grainy texture. Used in lasagna, stuffed pasta, cannoli, pancakes, and as a spread.
Cream Cheese (softened) is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of ricotta cheese. For a complete list of ricotta cheese substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full ricotta cheese substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cream cheese (softened) instead of ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use cream cheese (softened) as a substitute for ricotta cheese. Use 1 cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup ricotta. Much richer and denser than ricotta. Thin with 1-2 tbsp milk if needed. Best for fillings and dips, not as a light substitute.
How much cream cheese (softened) equals ricotta cheese?
Use 1 cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup ricotta to replace ricotta cheese with cream cheese (softened). Works best for stuffed pasta, dips, desserts.
What is the best substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cream Cheese (softened) is a popular substitute for ricotta cheese. Use 1 cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup ricotta for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our ricotta cheese substitute page.