This easy Tofu Ricotta recipe is perfect for lasagna, ravioli, pizza, calzones, or served as a dip. No one will even notice it is tofu!
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"Excellent recipe. My meat eating friends have no idea that this is vegan tofu ricotta. I have made this 6+ times so far. - Doug"
This Tofu Ricotta recipe is the perfect substitute for classic ricotta. It has the texture of ricotta and is full of flavor. No one will notice you're using a vegan ricotta substitute!
It spreads nicely, and it is creamy and savory. There are plenty of ways to use it, from Vegan Skillet Lasagna to a dip with veggies. Use it in your favorite Italian recipes.
There's no soaking time, like with cashews. This vegan ricotta cheese is nut-free and gluten-free, so it's perfect for people with nut allergies.
Another recipe using tofu as a cheese substitute is my Tofu Feta recipe.
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❤️ Why You'll Love It
- It is made in minutes with simple ingredients.
- It is really versatile. It's a great addition to a lasagna recipe, on a vegan pizza, or in sandwiches. Add some cooked or fresh spinach for a Spinach Tofu Ricotta Dip.
- Even the pickiest eaters will love it! They won't even notice you're not using regular ricotta.
🧾 Ingredients
- Firm tofu: I used firm tofu packed in water found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Extra firm tofu would work as well. Silken tofu won't work because it is too thin and creamy.
- Lemon juice: Adds a sour flavor. I recommend fresh lemons instead of store-bought lemon juice.
- Dried basil: I have only made this recipe with dried basil, so I cannot speak to how it tastes with fresh basil. I'm sure it would be just as good, if not better.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy
- Raw garlic: Adds a pungent flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a creamy texture and adds flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances flavors and adds flavor. I like to use sea salt.
To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Drain and press the block of tofu to get rid of the excess water. If you do not have a tofu press you can place the tofu in between a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Place a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet, on top of the towel for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add all the ingredients to a food processor.
Step 4: Blend until smooth and creamy.
This vegan tofu ricotta cheese recipe not only tastes great in lasagna but tastes good with crackers as well. The crackers in the photo are my Pizza Crackers, which work really well with this basil-flavored Tofu Ricotta.
Ways To Use It
This easy vegan tofu ricotta recipe works great in savory dishes.
- Pizza
- Vegan lasagna: Vegan Mushroom Lasagna or Vegan Spinach Lasagna
- Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
- Calzones: Spinach and Tofu Ricotta Calzones or Vegan Calzones
- Pancakes and waffles - omit basil and nutritional yeast and add sweetener
- Ravioli
- Pasta: Vegan Manicotti
- Crostini
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Toast
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Tofu Ricotta Stuffed Breadsticks
It is versatile, to say the least!
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
This easy tofu ricotta recipe will last 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
This vegan ricotta recipe is made with firm tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, dried basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
🧀 Other Vegan Cheese Recipes
🎥 Video
If you tried this Tofu Ricotta Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!
If you are looking for a dairy-free ricotta, you have come to the right place.
📋 Recipe
Tofu Ricotta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 ounces firm tofu drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Notes
Nutrition
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*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
jasmin says
Going from vegetarian to vegan is so hard when you love cheese (like me), so recipes like this are like little gems I'm always eager to try... I've done several vegan cheeses, but I've never tried a tofu cheese. And it's quite easy to make, too...
Willow Moon says
When I went from vegetarian to vegan 17 years ago, it was hard for me too. Then after being vegan for a few months in, I couldn't stand the smell of cheese in the deli. It literally grossed me out. It is funny how smells and tastes change!
Jan Jorgensen says
Does anyone have an idea what could be substituted for the nutritional yeast - I can't eat it. It's three tablespoons of something dry ... I will think about this, but if you have any suggestions, I'll be grateful ...
Willow Moon says
I would do a blend of sunflower seeds, pine nuts, and salt. You could also experiment with other nut / seed blends.
sylvie says
i'm so thankful my little loves tofu as much as my husband and i do....so i cannot WAIT to try this tofu ricotta and pizza cracker recipe! delicious post, my dear! xx, sylvie
Willow Moon says
Thanks!
AvocadoPesto says
I would looove to try making vegan ricotta. I probably last had ricotta a few years ago but am super pumped to try making a vegan version!
confettiandbliss says
I love that your Tofu Ricotta recipe is quick and easy to make! I have all of the ingredients on hand right now except for the tofu. I must admit, I've never cooked with tofu before, but your recipe and photos have inspired me to give something new a try!
Willow Moon says
Glad to inspire! I love trying new things too! Just remember, tofu is only as good as the other ingredients with it. By itself it is pretty bland.
Ashleigh says
Wow, this tofu ricotta recipe looks amazing! Thank you for sharing... I can't wait to try it!!
lydiaf1963 says
I am intrigued by the possibilities 🙂 I've made tofu "feta" and it was ok, but this sound like a better option.
Willow Moon says
Ooh, maybe I'll have to make a feta next! I'll have to brainstorm what herbs could make it taste good! Maybe some dill, mint, basil, or oregano!
hilkayaker says
Wow that is super easy, I was expecting it to be more intense than that. I'll have to try it!
I would love it if you came to link up at our party tonight:
http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.com/category/bloggers-spotlight/
It's a link party and pin-up party, two parties in one! All posts will get pinned to our group pinterest board.
Willow Moon says
You're right, tofu ricotta is really easy! Thanks for the invite to the Linky party Hilary! I checked it out and wasn't sure where I was supposed to link up. I saw the December 10th post, but only saw a "subscribe to mailing list" to see when the posts go live.
hilkayaker says
Ha ha it is live now, went live Thursday night. There are two sections, one for posts and one for pins, so you can get a whole bunch of posts and pins in for exposure!
Willow Moon says
Thanks, I added my pin!
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
What a great recipe! So nice to be able to easily whip up some homemade vegan ricotta. I love that you added basil to it, that must give it such a nice flavor! I bet it is perfect in the eggplant lasagna.
Willow Moon says
You're right, I think the basil really made the recipe. I don't think I would have liked it as much without the basil!
katie says
Looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing.
xx katie