Substitute for Ricotta Cheese: 5 Best Cooking Options
The best substitute for ricotta cheese is Cottage Cheese (blended) at a 1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup ricotta ratio. It works best for lasagna, stuffed shells, pancakes. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Cottage Cheese (blended)
1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup ricotta
Blend until smooth for a nearly identical texture. Small curd cottage cheese works best. Similar protein and moisture content.
What are the other substitutes for ricotta cheese?
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.
Mascarpone
3/4 cup mascarpone + 1/4 cup milk, whisked
Very rich, so thin it out. Excellent in sweet applications like cannoli filling but too heavy for lighter dishes.
Tofu Ricotta
1 cup crumbled firm tofu per 1 cup ricotta
Crumble firm tofu with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt. Mash to a ricotta-like texture.
Greek Yogurt
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt per 1 cup ricotta
Tangier and smoother than ricotta. Works well in pancakes, dips, and some baked dishes. Drain excess liquid first.
What should you know before substituting ricotta cheese?
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.
How do you substitute ricotta cheese in a recipe?
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.
The best substitute for ricotta cheese depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Cottage Cheese (blended) (1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup ricotta), which works well for lasagna, stuffed shells, pancakes.
If you need a different option, Cream Cheese (softened) (1 cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup ricotta) is another reliable choice. Much richer and denser than ricotta. Thin with 1-2 tbsp milk if needed. Best for fillings and dips, not as a light substitute.
When substituting ricotta cheese, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for ricotta in lasagna?
Blended cottage cheese is the best substitute for ricotta in lasagna. Blend small curd cottage cheese until smooth and use it at a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar moisture and protein content.
Can I use cream cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, but cream cheese is much richer and denser. Soften it and thin with 1-2 tablespoons of milk. It works well in stuffed pasta and dips but changes the texture in lighter dishes.
What is a vegan substitute for ricotta?
Crumble firm tofu with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, minced garlic, and salt. Mash to a ricotta-like texture. It works perfectly in lasagna and stuffed shells.