How to Make a Simple Ricotta Cheese Substitute

Use your hands to combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

There are many simple substitutions for ricotta cheese, including fresh goat cheese, drained cottage cheese, pot cheese, buttermilk cheese, requeson cheese and clabber cream. All of these options work well in various ricotta cheese recipes, such as pasta fillings or desserts. However, if you're looking to make your own substitute from scratch, try the vegan approach with some tasty tofu. The tofu ricotta cheese will look and feel like the real deal.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup firm tofu
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of basil
• Pinch of oregano
• Pinch of black pepper, ground
• Large mixing bowl

1. Crumble tofu into a large mixing bowl.

2. Mix in the salt, pepper, lemon juice, basil, oregano and garlic. Use your hands to form the mixture into a ricotta cheese look alike.

3. Add olive oil and nutritional yeast. Mix in thoroughly.

4. Refrigerate.

Tips & Warnings

• Omit the Italian herbs if using the ricotta substitute in desserts.

References

• Vegan Nutritionista: Delicious Bean Recipes
• Cook's Thesaurus: Fresh Cheeses

Resources

• Savvy Vegetarian: Vegan Baking Substitutes, Egg & Dairy Free Desserts