Ricotta cheese is one of the most versatile forms of cheese and can significantly improve the flavor of the dish. It has an Italian origin, but surprisingly, it’s no longer restricted to milk that’s sourced from one animal. Instead, ricotta cheese is made from sheep, goat, and cow milk. In addition, some manufacturers add Italian milk whey during the production process. It has a consistency of whey cheese. However, this is an expensive form of cheese, which is why people ask if they can use Greek yogurt in its place. So, with this article, we are sharing if it’s possible or not!
Can You Substitute Greek Yogurt For Ricotta Cheese?
Yes, it’s completely possible to use Greek yogurt in place of ricotta cheese but you need to remember that both these ingredients have extremely different textures, which is why you should add less Greek yogurt while using it in place of ricotta cheese. For instance, if the recipe asks for one cup of ricotta cheese, you can opt for ¾ cup of Greek yogurt. In addition, it’s recommended that you use plain Greek yogurt because flavored yogurt can negatively impact the flavor. All in all, Greek yogurt can be used in place of ricotta cheese but you’ve to be careful about the texture and how much yogurt you use.
Other Substitutes For Ricotta Cheese
At this point, it’s clear that Greek yogurt can be used to replace ricotta cheese. However, if you are worried about the change of texture, there are various other substitutes that can be tried out!
- Fromage Blanc
The first and most delicious substitutes for ricotta cheese include Fromage blanc if you are ready to pay a higher price. However, it has a similar texture to ricotta cheese, which is why it makes a suitable alternative. In addition, it has a butter flavor and is considered healthier when compared with ricotta cheese. It has a French origin and many people find its flavor tangy yet mild. The best thing about Fromage blanc is that it’s versatile and you can use it in cooking recipes without worrying about the runny texture. In fact, you can also whip it.
- Cottage Cheese
The second alternative is cottage cheese and it’s a great choice for people who need an easy-to-find option and is much more affordable. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that its flavor is quite similar to ricotta cheese but there is a difference in texture – cottage cheese tends to be firm and solid as compared to ricotta cheese’s soft texture. In fact, ricotta cheese is a suitable choice for people who are looking for a healthy alternative. To use it in place of ricotta cheese, it’s recommended that you opt for a small and curd form. Keep in mind that cottage cheese might feel thicker, so it’s best that you blend it with a light hand to achieve a similar texture.
- Tofu
To be honest, it might feel weird to use tofu in place of ricotta cheese, but since it has a similar consistency and texture as ricotta cheese, it will make a great addition to the recipes. The best thing about using tofu is that there are no dairy products, which makes it suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant. In addition, tofu is a promising choice for people on a vegan diet.
- Buttermilk Cheese
You can use buttermilk cheese to replace ricotta cheese in pasta recipes as well as cheesecakes. It’s easily available in grocery stores but you can also make your own. For this purpose, you have to add buttermilk to a colander that’s lined with cheesecloth and put it in a bigger container to make sure it keeps draining – you should put it in the refrigerator. As a result, it will achieve a firm yet spreadable texture, which can be used to replace ricotta cheese.
- Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a promising choice for people who want to replace ricotta cheese but make sure you purchase fresh cheese. That’s because aged goat cheese has a strong aroma and tough texture, which is why it’s not considered a suitable alternative. However, the fresh cheese has a light consistency and mild flavor!