Here Are 10 Amazing Ricotta Substitutes You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen

Ricotta plays a key role in many delightful dishes, from creamy layers in lasagna to fluffy cheesecake and even light, airy pancakes. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it a staple in kitchens for both sweet and savory recipes.

But what do you do if you realize you’re out of ricotta just when it’s time to cook, or you open the container to find it almost empty too late to make a swap?

First off, making ricotta from scratch is actually quite simple. However, if you're not in the mood to whip up your own cheese, there are plenty of ready-made alternatives to choose from.

What Exactly Is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta, which means 'recooked' in Italian, is a soft, creamy, and mild cheese with a light, fluffy texture and high moisture content. Traditionally, it’s made from the whey leftover after producing other cheeses. This whey is reheated, using just a small amount of remaining curd to create a fresh cheese, which is how it gets its name.

In the US, ricotta is typically made from cow's milk and cream, although it can also be crafted from goat, sheep, or even water buffalo milk. It’s easy to find in most grocery stores, but you can also make it yourself without much effort.

Top Ricotta Replacements

While nothing can perfectly mimic the unique flavor and texture of ricotta, these substitutes come pretty close. Most of them can be used in equal proportions to ricotta, so swapping them out is a breeze.

Cottage Cheese

Often seen as a bland, chunky, and health-focused cheese, cottage cheese is proving to be just as versatile as ricotta, thanks to countless online videos. With its mild flavor and high moisture content, it’s perfect for dishes you’d normally use ricotta in—like lasagna, pancakes, quick breads, muffins, and more. Plus, it’s packed with protein.

Cottage cheese may be chunkier than ricotta, but a quick blend in a food processor or blender (on a low setting or pulse mode) can smooth it right out. It’s also a bit saltier, so it works best in savory dishes.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has a tangy flavor, but its rich, creamy consistency makes it a great stand-in for ricotta in dips or baked goods like pancakes or sheet cakes. What makes Greek yogurt different from regular yogurt is that it’s strained after culturing, resulting in a thicker texture that makes it a better alternative to ricotta. Use it in recipes where ricotta adds creaminess, like in sauces.

If you need 1 cup of ricotta but only have 1/2 cup, simply add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. If you’re completely out of ricotta, use 3/4 cup Greek yogurt for every 1 cup of ricotta the recipe calls for.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is thicker and creamier than ricotta, making it a good fit for dishes like warm pasta, where it can blend seamlessly into the sauce, or recipes that benefit from a richer taste. However, it’s more tart, so it’s not ideal for something like a big scoop in lasagna. If your dish already includes a tangy or acidic ingredient like lemon juice or zest, consider reducing it slightly to balance the flavors.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is definitely the tangiest option on the list, so it’s best used sparingly. It works well in dips or baked goods, much like yogurt, but it might not be the best choice for layering in lasagna—unless you’re making a fun twist like a Mexican lasagna. It could be a family recipe you’ll never hear the end of.

Créme Fraiche

This smooth, spreadable delight is essentially the French counterpart to sour cream. It’s richer, with a higher fat content, and less tangy. You can substitute it in equal amounts when you’re aiming for a creamy texture, whether you’re thickening sauces, soups, or baking a pie or cake.

Tofu

It might surprise you, but tofu makes an excellent ricotta alternative. Packed with protein, tofu absorbs the flavors it’s paired with. Silken tofu is the best option—just drain it and process it in a food processor. There are even vegan ricotta recipes online using tofu. This creamy blend works perfectly in dishes like lasagna or any pasta dish.

Goat Cheese

A mild chevre (young goat cheese) can step in for ricotta in a pinch. However, because it’s saltier, it’s best suited for savory dishes like meatballs. If you go this route, be sure to cut back on the salt elsewhere in the recipe to keep things balanced.

Recipe: Classic American Lasagna

Mascarpone

For any sweet treat, mascarpone is an excellent substitute—think cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake, and more. Its mild, sweet flavor adds a luxurious touch to desserts. If needed, simply thin it with a little cream, whisking until it reaches your desired consistency.

Other Italian Cheeses

Ricotta is an Italian staple, so substituting it with another Italian cheese works well, especially in dishes like ravioli fillings. While you may need to adjust proportions, softer cheeses like mozzarella or burrata should work smoothly, whereas harder cheeses like Parmesan may require more finesse.

Remember, mozzarella’s stringy texture or the firmer consistency of shaved hard cheeses might require some ratio adjustments. Don’t worry—cooking allows room for creativity, so feel free to experiment with your substitutions.

Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a mild, tangy cheese that works wonderfully for creamy, warm fillings and toppings, particularly in savory dishes. It’s an excellent choice for spicier recipes, but since it’s saltier than ricotta, you may want to adjust the seasoning. Adding a little water can help maintain the right moisture level.