When it comes to cheese, there are so many different types to choose from. But two of the most popular types of cheese are ricotta and cottage cheese.
While these two slices of cheese may look similar, They have some dissimilarities; ricotta has sweet and smooth, while the cottage has a tangy flavor with a grainy texture.
This continues; they actually have quite a few differences. Here’s a closer look at the difference between ricotta cheese vs cottage cheese.
What kind of cheese is Ricotta Cheese? What does ricotta cheese taste like?
Ricotta cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is made from leftover whey. Whey is the liquid that stays after milk has been curdled and strained.
Ricotta is also made from buffalo, sheep, and goat’s milk. It is typically white in color and has a sweet, mild flavor and a slightly grainy texture.
There are two main types of ricotta cheese: fresh and aged. Fresh ricotta is soft and has a creamy texture with a sweet taste. Aged ricotta is firmer and has a stronger flavor. It is also low in calories and fat.
The shelf life of ricotta cheese depends on the type of cheese. Fresh ricotta cheese will last for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator, while aged ricotta cheese can last up to 2 weeks.
Ricotta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator. It should be covered tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to stop it from drying out.
What is ricotta cheese mainly used for?
Ricotta can easily pair with both sweet and savory dishes. It is most commonly used in lasagna, but it can also be used in other dishes like cannelloni, ravioli, and stuffed shells.
It can also be used as a filling for pies and pastries. Ricotta cheese is also a common ingredient in Italian cheesecakes and desserts. It is the key ingredient of Neapolitan Tart.
Ricotta is the best substitute for Mayonnaise and Paneer as well.
What kind of cheese is Cottage Cheese? What is the flavor of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese is a type of fresh cheese that is made from whole milk or cream. It has a mildly acidic flavor and a slightly granular, mainly soupy texture. Cottage cheese is typically off-white or pale yellow in color.
It is made from whole milk that has been pasteurized and then curdled. The curds are then drained but not strained like they are for ricotta cheese. As a result, cottage cheese has a chunkier texture than ricotta cheese.
Cottage cheese goes well with Tomatoes, Mandarin Oranges, pear pineapple, and peaches.
Cottage cheese that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 7 to 10 days after opening.
What is Cottage cheese mainly used for?
Cottage cheese is the best way to eat as a snack or is used in salads. Also, dips and topping for baked potatoes or pasta dishes.
Cottage cheese is also a good replacement for Yogurt, Mayonnaise in tuna salad, and Paneer. It is also a suitable Meat replacement.
It can be used in savory dishes such as casseroles and soups or sweetened and served as a dessert.
Ricotta Cheese VS Cottage Cheese- Comparison
Made of:
Ricotta Make from whey protein, whereas cottage cheese makes from whole skimmed milk.
Taste:
Ricotta is mild with a slightly sweet flavor, while cottage cheese has a more milky and acidic taste.
Texture:
Ricotta is smooth and creamy, while cottage cheese has a lumpier texture. Cottage cheese also has a higher moisture content than ricotta.
Aging period:
Ricotta Cheese can age up to one year, but cottage cheese is fresh.
Ricotta Cheese VS Cottage Cheese Nutrition
Ricotta cheese has a higher fat content than cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is more healthy and high in protein with low-fat content.
Carbohydrates– Ricotta has 4.09 g and cottage 3.38 g,
Fat– Ricotta has 10.44 g and cottage 4.3 g
Ricotta cheese vs. cottage cheese calories
100 gm Ricotta contains 156 cal, and 100 gm cottage cheese contains 98 cal.
Which is more expensive, cottage cheese or ricotta?
Ricotta is likely to be more expensive than cottage cheese. This is because ricotta is made from whey, which is a byproduct of cheese production.
Therefore, it takes more time and effort to produce ricotta than cottage cheese. As a result, ricotta typically costs more than cottage cheese.
Which is better- ricotta cheese vs cottage cheese in lasagna?
Ricotta is better in lasagna than cottage cheese. It has a richer flavor that goes well with the other ingredients in the dish.
It is more creamy and cheesy in lasagne. However, ricotta is good for savory dishes, whereas cottage goes for sweet dishes.
Can You use cottage cheese instead of ricotta and vice versa?
Of course, you can! They’re very similar in taste and texture, so feel free to substitute one for the other in your favorite recipes.
Cottage cheese has a slightly tangier flavor than ricotta, so you may want to add a bit more salt to your recipe if you’re using it as a replacement.
Ricotta is slightly creamier and sweeter than cottage cheese, so keep that in mind when making substitutions. Whichever cheese you choose, your dish will be delicious!
So, is ricotta cheese and cottage cheese similar?
Well, they are both soft, white cheeses made from cow’s milk. They also have a similar mild, slightly sweet flavor. However, that’s about where the similarities end.
Ricotta cheese is produced from whey, the liquid left over from making other types of cheese. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is made from curds of fresh milk that have been drained and then combined with cream.
This difference in production results in a few key textural distinctions.
Ricotta cheese is smooth and creamy, while cottage cheese has a more crumbly texture with small chunks of curd throughout.
Additionally, ricotta cheese has a higher fat content than cottage cheese, making it richer and more indulgent.
So, if you’re looking for a cheese to add creaminess and body to dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells, ricotta is the way to go.
If you want a lower-fat option for snacking or adding a boost of protein to salads and other recipes, cottage cheese is your best bet.
However, both kinds of cheese are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
FAQs on Ricotta cheese vs Cottage cheese
Which one is healthier, ricotta or cottage cheese?
Both are made from milk and have similar nutrient profiles. Cottage cheese is less protein than ricotta cheese. Cottage cheese is less carbohydrate. Cottage cheese is less fat.
Cottage cheese has more sodium than ricotta and is not as high in protein. Ricotta Cheese has more calcium (240mg), Potassium (115 mg), and Magnesium (13 mg).