Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

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Tofu Ricotta – Nothing beats a fresh homemade batch of creamy ricotta that’s vegan and 100% dairy-free! Made with 7 simple ingredients, ready in 5 minutes and easily customizable using herbs or spinach!

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (1)

I’ve been making this Cashew Ricotta for years and thought it was time to add a tofu-based vegan ricotta for those with nut allergies. And let me say, it’s absolutely amazing!

As much as I love my cashew ricotta, this tofu ricotta is just as wonderful with much less fat and calories. It’s perfect for those watching their numbers without losing any flavor.

This vegan tofu ricotta only requires 7 simple ingredients and is super quick and easy to make. Leave it plain or add fresh basil, parsley or chives to make deliciously herbed ricotta.

Use it for lasagna, stuffed shells, spreading on sandwiches and bagels, dip for veggies, as a pizza sauce, and more. It truly is a perfect dairy-free, nut-free, creamy plant-based tofu ricotta and can be used anywhere traditional ricotta is used!

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2)

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Tofu is blended with umami, flavor enhancing ingredients creating a thick, spreadable vegan tofu ricotta cheese that can be used in a variety of ways.

Here is everything you’ll need:

  • Tofu – soft, firm or extra-firm all work well. Some tofus are a little chalky tasting, so you’ll need to find the perfect brand for you.
  • Nutritional yeast – feel free to omit if you don’t care for it.
  • Mellow white miso – I love miso in this tofu ricotta as it adds umami, but you can opt to leave it out if needed. Miso can be found in most grocery stores in the refrigerated plant-based section.
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Lemon – sub with a little apple cider vinegar.
  • Salt + pepper

Can I Add Herbs?

Yes, you make an herbed tofu ricotta by simply adding a few tablespoons of chopped basil, parsley or chives. Adjust the amount to make it as herby as you like!

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (3)

How To Make Tofu Ricotta

  • To make tofu ricotta, add crumbled tofu, miso, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and lemon to the bowl of food processor or blender and blend until creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Taste for spices adding anything you may like.

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (4)

How To Make Tofu Ricotta with Spinach

Adding spinach to tofu ricotta is super easy and only takes a minute. Use frozen or fresh spinach, following these steps:

  • Frozen: To make tofu ricotta with frozen spinach, simply chop frozen spinach that has been drained and squeezed (10 – 12 oz package). Add it to the finished ricotta and mix well.
  • Fresh: To make tofu ricotta with fresh spinach, give the fresh spinach a rough chop and mix well by hand (use 6 oz. or so). The spinach will soften a bit as it’s mixed and left out. Alternatively, after tofu ricotta is done, add the spinach and pulse a few times.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, in a covered container. Just give it a good stir before using.

Freezer: Tofu ricotta is freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place in freezer safe jars or containers, leaving 1/2 inch head space for expansion. Let thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (5)

Serving Suggestions

So now onto the good stuff and how to use your freshly made tofu ricotta! Use anywhere ricotta is called for. Here are a few delicious options:

  • The Ultimate Vegetable Vegan Lasagna
  • Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
  • Persimmon Ricotta Scones
  • Vegan White Pizza(zucchini flatbread)
  • Simple Vegan Cheese Manicotti
  • toss with raw or lightly steamed spiralized zucchini noodles
  • or simply serve with crackers and fresh fruits and veggies!

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (6)

More Easy How-To Recipes

  • Almond Butter
  • Homemade Tahini
  • Cashew Ricotta
  • Almond Parmesan
  • Coconut Bacon
  • Vegan Kimchi

If you try this vegan tofu ricotta recipe, please let me know!Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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TOFU RICOTTA

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Made with only 7 simple plant-based ingredients, this Tofu Ricotta recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for vegan lasagna, stuffed shells, and more.

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: puree
  • Cuisine: Vegan, American

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 block (14oz.) tofu, soft, firm or extra firm
  • 12 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 teaspoons mellow white miso
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt + pepper, to tate
  • juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

To make tofu ricotta, add crumbled tofu, miso, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and lemon to the bowl of food processor or blender and blend until creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Taste for spices adding anything you may like.

Makes about 2 cups.

Store: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to 5 days.

Notes

Keep in mind that some tofus once blended have a slight chalky taste. You’ll need to find the perfect brand for you.

Herbed Tofu Ricotta: Add a few tablespoons of chopped basil, parsley or chives, with the other ingredients to make an herb tofu ricotta.

For use when baking: Omit the nutritional yeast and go easy on the pepper.

Spinach Tofu Ricotta:

  • Frozen: Simply chop frozen spinach that has been drained and squeezed (10 – 12 oz package). Add it to the finished ricotta and mixing well.
  • Fresh: Give fresh spinach a rough chop and mix well (use 6 oz. or so) The spinach will soften a bit as it’s mixed and left out. Alternatively, add it the processor when done and give a few pulses.

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Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

FAQs

Tofu Ricotta (Quick + Easy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista? ›

There are a few plant-based ricotta cheese brands and alternatives out there. I've used Tofutti ricotta and made my own tofu ricotta to make baked ziti, and both were good.

Do they sell vegan ricotta cheese? ›

There are a few plant-based ricotta cheese brands and alternatives out there. I've used Tofutti ricotta and made my own tofu ricotta to make baked ziti, and both were good.

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.

Is ricotta vegetarian? ›

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. It can be made with vinegar instead, but that creates a different flavor.

What vegan cheese tastes like Parmesan? ›

Violife carefully blends plant-based ingredients to deliver the beloved Parmesan cheesy zest but without any dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, or preservatives. With our Just Like Parmesan Wedge, eating vegan and dairy-free has never been so easy, or delicious.

What is a cheaper alternative to 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.

What is tofu made of? ›

What is tofu? Tofu, or bean curd, is a popular food derived from soya. It is made by curdling fresh soya milk, pressing it into a solid block and then cooling it, in much the same way that traditional dairy cheese is made by curdling and solidifying milk.

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 ricotta healthy? ›

Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated. It's light and creamy with a slightly grainy texture and delicate flavour that can be used on its own or in sweet and savoury dishes.

What is rennet made of? ›

Rennet is made of enzymes that are found in the lining of un-weened mammal stomachs, usually from a cow (calf), sheep (lamb) or goat (kid). Young mammals' main source of food is milk.

Does ricotta have rennet in it? ›

Cheeses That Don't Use Rennet

"Many softer styles of cheese like mozzarella, paneer, ricotta, and cream cheese use whey or another type of acid as their coagulant instead of rennet, so they will be safe for vegetarians," says Birnbaum.

Can dairy free eat ricotta? ›

Ricotta is lower in lactose than other types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. This means that people with lactose intolerance may be able to enjoy ricotta cheese without experiencing as many symptoms. Ricotta is also a good source of calcium, which is an important nutrient for people with lactose intolerance.

Is there a dairy free alternative to cottage cheese? ›

Add the silken tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer the silken tofu mixture to a medium bowl, then use your hands to crumble the firm tofu on top. The crumbled tofu will act as the "curds" of the dairy-free cottage cheese.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna? ›

What can I use in place of ricotta cheese in lasagna? Instead of ricotta cheese, use cottage cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, or mascarpone.

What is McDonald's vegan cheese? ›

The cheese is made with a main ingredient of coconut oil and tapioca starch, this is a common pairing of main ingredients you'll find in mass produced vegan cheeses around the world.

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