This vegan tofu ricotta cheese couldn't be simpler to make. You only need 6 ingredients and under 10 minutes to make it. Whizz it all together in a food processor and you have a creamy, cheesy vegan ricotta cheese that's the perfect addition to pizza, pasta or salads.
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So, if you ask most vegans what the one food they miss the most is, they'll probably say cheese....or bacon. Am I right?:)
With that in mind, I've started a collection of vegan cheese recipes that currently includes cream cheese, smoky cheese ball and vegan queso. And, today I'm super excited to add another vegan cheese to the collection - vegan tofu ricotta!
Creamy and rich, this dairy-free vegan ricotta can happily replace its non-vegan counterpart. And, oh, important - this recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, diary-free and lactose-free. If you want to also make it oil-free, that's totally possible too.
Let's get started!
🧡Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
🧡Vegan ricotta tofu cheese is a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It's also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, which makes it a healthier alternative to dairy-based cheese.
🧡This recipe is nut-free, making it a great alternative for those with allergies.
🧡This is a wonderful vegan cheese recipe for anyone with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
🧡Vegan ricotta tofu cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, from pasta dishes to pizza to salads. See it in use in my vegan baked ziti.
🛒Ingredients
- Tofu: Choose extra firm tofu for the best the best texture. In a pinch firm tofu would also work. For more information on tofu, and its suitability for a plant based diet, have a look at this post: Is Tofu Vegan? Everything You Need To Know
- Olive Oil: Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford. I've tested this recipe with and without olive oil, and while it does work both ways, I think it's got a fuller, rounder flavor with a bit of fat. Having said that, if you're avoiding fats, it's perfectly fine to make this recipe oil-free.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast, aka nooch, is what gives vegan ricotta its full, cheesy flavor. It's a must-use ingredient here.
- Lemon Juice: Ricotta cheese has a slightly sour, sweet taste and that's why we're using lemon juice in this recipe.
- Salt: Reduce the salt if you're planning on using you're vegan ricotta for a dessert recipe.
📝Substitutions & Variations
You can use this tofu ricotta recipe as a template. The great thing about recipes like these are that you can add spices and fresh herbs to suit the recipe you'll be using your vegan cheese in.
- Add some soaked and blended cashews to the tofu mixture to create a creamier texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Obviously, this will make your cheese not nut-free.
- Add fresh basil leaves to the tofu mixture along with garlic, lemon juice, and salt, and blend it all together for a delicious herb-infused ricotta.
- Add some cooked spinach to the tofu mixture, along with garlic, nutritional yeast, and salt, and blend it together for a green and healthy twist on traditional ricotta.
- Add some roasted red peppers to the tofu mixture for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Add 2 teaspoons of white miso paste for a rich umami flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like onion powder, chives, oregano, thyme and rosemary.
🔪How To Make Vegan Tofu Ricotta - Step By Step
- Chop the tofu into cubes and add it to a food processor or high speed blender.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until you achieve a creamy consistency. Depending on your food processor or blender, you may need to scrape the sides down a few times.
- Use your vegan tofu ricotta as you would traditional ricotta cheese.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
- Vegan tofu ricotta works really well in any pasta dish that calls for traditional ricotta cheese. You could make stuffed shells, baked ziti casserole or use it to make a vegan lasagna.
- Pass on the salt, and you could use tofu use tofu ricotta as a dessert cheese. Add a dollop to sweet air fryer apples for a nutritious sweet treat.
- Spread the ricotta cheese on toast or crackers and add toppings like tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a quick and delicious snack.
- Use tofu ricotta as a dip for raw veggies. Serve it alongside crackers or breadsticks on a vegan Charcuterie board.
- Use vegan ricotta cheese as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor and creaminess. It pairs well with avocado, sprouts, and sliced tomatoes.
- Add a creamy touch to your next pizza or calzone.
- Tofu ricotta would make an excellent filling for stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
❄️Storage Instructions
To store vegan tofu ricotta cheese, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If your ricotta cheese is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or non-dairy milk to it before storing it. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
When you're ready to use it, give it a good stir before serving to ensure it's well combined. If the cheese has been stored for a few days and has become too dry, you can add a bit more water or non-dairy milk to it to loosen it up.
Avoid freezing the tofu ricotta cheese, as the texture and consistency may change and become grainy when you thaw it.
🙋Frequently Asked Questions
Tofu is made from soybeans and is a good source of plant-based protein, which makes it an excellent alternative to animal protein for vegans and vegetarians. Tofu is also a good source of several essential nutrients, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. It's also low in saturated fat and calories, making it a good option for those watching their weight or trying to improve their heart health.
No, traditional ricotta cheese is not vegan as it's made from milk whey, which is a byproduct of cheese production. However, there are some vegan alternatives to ricotta cheese available, such as tofu ricotta, almond ricotta, or cashew ricotta, which are made from plant-based ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional ricotta cheese.
Nutritional yeast is a type of deactivated yeast that's sold in the form of yellow flakes or powder. One of the key nutritional benefits of nutritional yeast is that it is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body can't produce on its own. It's also rich in vitamin B12, a nutrient that is primarily found in animal products and is important for nerve function and red blood cell formation. Additionally, nutritional yeast is often fortified with other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, zinc, and iron.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese
Ingredients
- 15 ounces tofu extra firm
- 2½ tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice *approximately the juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Chop the tofu into cubes and add it to a food processor or high speed blender.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and whizz until you achieve a creamy consistency. Depending on your food processor or blender, you may need to scrape the sides down a few times.
- Use your vegan tofu ricotta as you would traditional ricotta cheese.
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