Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (2024)

By: AlyssaRating 5 Comments on Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu

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This vegan ricotta is made with tofu, lemon juice and garlic is a creamy, fluffy, versatile plant-based cheese for your favorite Italian recipes. Whether it's lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti and more, you can easily make all your favorites vegan!

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (1)

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Have you noticed a trend around here lately? I'm obsessed with all things comfort food. From slow cooker stews, amazing vegan pasta recipes, and even lasagna roll ups, cozy food is my jam.

One of my newest obsessions: recipes that use fresh ricotta. You know, things like lasagna, stuffed shells, stuffed mushrooms. Basically, anything that's stuffed with a cheesy filling, I'm here for it.

So much so that I decided I needed to finally create a post all about my homemade vegan ricotta recipe. This ricotta is quick to make, can be used 1:1 in nearly every recipe AND it's high protein because it's made with tofu.

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (2)

How to Make Vegan Ricotta

This recipe couldn't be simpler to make. You will need a food processor, but you essentially just dump your ingredients in, whizz it up and you have your tofu ricotta. No straining, no draining, no waiting 24hrs. It's ready to use instantly!

And the ingredient list is simple as well. All you'll need is:

  • Tofu: you can use super firm or extra firm. If you use anymore less firm than those, you'll want to reduce the amount of milk you use as those have more water (i.e. more liquid)
  • Nutritional yeast: to give our tofu that “cheesy” flavor we're adding nutritional yeast. Taste it when it's done and free to go with even more if you want an even cheesier flavor.
  • Non-dairy milk: you'll want a little liquid to get it smooth – any type will work, just make sure it's unsweetened.
  • Lemon juice: lemon (and acid in general) brightens up the flavor of a recipe and gives the ricotta that “zing” or “tang” that you get from traditional ricotta.
  • Olive oil: adding a little fat helps with the texture – you can leave this out, but I think since it's just a tablespoon, go for it 😉
  • Spices:and for our flavorings, we're keeping it simple yet again. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano.

And that's all you'll need to make this fabulous recipe!

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (3)

How to Store Tofu Ricotta

One of the other great things about this recipe is you can make it ahead if you want to meal prep a bit. This will keep in the fridge for 4 – 5 days, just keep it in a sealed container.

I recommend transferring the vegan ricotta into a container that fits the amount as close as possible (so not much air), to keep it as fresh as possible.

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (4)

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (5)

Can You Buy Vegan Ricotta Cheese?

If you're really not feeling like making your own ricotta, you can buy it at the store as well. The only brand I've seen (and liked) is Kite Hill. Their vegan ricotta is made from an almond base, so if you're allergic to nuts, it's not for you. It is delicious though!

But my guess is you wouldn't have landed on this page if you weren't interested in making your own ricotta. And once you do, you'll realize you won't ever need to buy store-bought again! This is so simple, so versatile, and super delicious.

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (6)

Recipes that Use Vegan Ricotta Cheese

  • Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups
  • Easy Vegan Manicotti
  • Vegan Zucchini Lasagna
  • 5-Ingredient Vegan Spinach Lasagna

How To Make Tofu Ricotta

4.9 from 17 votes

Vegan ricotta with tofu, lemon juice and garlic is a creamy, fluffy and versatile plant-based cheese for your favorite Italian recipes.

author: Alyssa

yield: 2 cups

Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (7)

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Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the tofu on a paper towel-lined plate. With another paper towel or clean dish towel, press the tofu to remove some of the water.

  • Crumble the tofu into a food processor and pulse together until crumbly. Add the remaining ricotta ingredients (minus the spinach) and pulse until mostly smooth.

  • Use the ricotta as you would traditional dairy ricotta. Or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 4 days.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1322mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 3mg

cuisine: American

course: Condiment

★★★★★

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Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (8)

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  • Quick Recipes
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Creamy Vegan Ricotta Recipe with Tofu - Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan ricotta made of? ›

In general, there are two main methods for making vegan ricotta: one with soy milk and the other with blended nuts and tofu. They are both delicious. However, we recommend you try the soy milk method, which yields ricotta that is ridiculously similar to real Italian ricotta.

Can you buy vegan ricotta? ›

Similar to a dairy ricotta, Kite Hill's version is lightly sweet, a tad tangy and bears a delicate nuttiness owing to its almond milk base.

Do they sell vegan ricotta cheese? ›

Tofutti Better Than Ricotta Cheese Cholesterol Free, 16 Ounce (Pack of 12)

What is a healthy substitute for ricotta cheese? ›

Cottage cheese: As far as ricotta substitutes go, light and mild cottage cheese is your best bet. In fact, some people prefer to use cottage cheese because it has a similar flavor and fewer calories.

Why use an egg with ricotta cheese? ›

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny.

Is it cheaper to buy or make ricotta? ›

Ricotta cheese is especially reasonably priced, so it is a toss-up if you want to make ricotta to save money. It is cheaper to make your own, if you are going strictly on the price of ingredients, but you do have to factor in your time.

What is a good Indian substitute for ricotta cheese? ›

Paneer: Paneer is a soft cheese common in India. It is more firm in texture, but can be crumbled to resemble the grainy texture of ricotta. Clabber Cream: Think of clabber cream as a thicker version of crème fraîche with a tangier flavor profile. It can work well as a topping, spread, or dip in place of ricotta.

What vegan cheese actually tastes like cheese? ›

Parmela Shreds

Parmela nailed it (don't ask us how). These cashew-based shreds not only taste like cheese, but they also melt perfectly. Varieties include Mild Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Fiery Jack.

Is Tofutti ricotta vegan? ›

- Dairy-Free, Vegan.

What are the ingredients in Kite Hill almond milk ricotta? ›

Our dairy free whipped ricotta alternative is incredibly soft and spreadable. The lighter consistency is perfect on your favorite crackers, toast or crostini. Almond Milk (Water, Almonds), Salt, Rice Starch, Enzymes, Tartaric Acid, Guar Gum, Cultures.

What was vegan cheese made out of? ›

Usually, they're made from soy; nuts, such as cashews and macadamias; and vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. You can also find cheeses that derive from agar, tapioca, peas and arrowroot.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese? ›

Best ricotta cheese substitute for baking

If you're short on time, however, blended cottage cheese is an ideal substitute in savory dishes, while whipped cream cheese makes a good alternative in sweeter baked goods. For a vegan alternative, tofu works well in baking and gives you control of the flavor.

Why is ricotta not vegetarian? ›

Is ricotta cheese suitable for vegetarians? - Quora. It depends on how hard core they are and what the quality of the ricotta is. Traditional ricotta is made with rennet, which is an animal product, so kinda a no-no for vegetarians.

What is a vegan substitute for farmers cheese? ›

Nut-Based Cheeses:Cashew, almond, and macadamia nuts are commonly used to create creamy vegan cheese alternatives. These cheeses are rich and flavorful, making them excellent for mac and cheese, lasagna, or as a dip.

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