Creamy, dairy-free tofu ricotta cheese that’s ready in under 10 minutes! With its smooth, rich texture and classic flavor, this high-protein vegan ricotta is perfect for lasagna, stuffed shells, or as a tofu cheese pizza topping—easy, delicious, and family-friendly.
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Jump to:
- 😍Why You'll Love This Recipe
- 🧠Why Eat This? Nutrient Highlight
- 🧀Ingredients
- 🔄Substitutions
- 👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
- 💡Recipe Tips: Get the Best Texture
- ⏲️ Meal Prep This
- 🧒Tips for Kids: Will They Eat This?
- 🍴Tofu Ricotta Leftover Ideas
- 🥡How To Store Vegan Ricotta
- ❔Recipe FAQ
- 🥣More Dairy-Free Recipe
- 📖 Recipe
- Information Source:
Today, we’re sharing our versatile, high-protein favorite—vegan ricotta. Ready in under 10 minutes, our version of dairy-free ricotta cheese uses tofu to keep this recipe high in protein, nut-free, nutritious, and easy to make!
With a creamy, smooth texture similar to traditional ricotta, our dairy free version of tofu cheese is perfect for layering into your favorite dishes like vegan lasagna, stuffed shells, or even as a pizza topping.
This recipe came out of necessity for our family. Store-bought ricottas often rely on nuts, making them off-limits for school lunches or dinners with my mother-in-law, who’s allergic. And since she’s our go-to babysitter, keeping her happy at the dinner table is part of the deal—we feed her, she helps with the kids. It’s a win-win! So, I decided to make a version that’s totally nut-free, allergy-friendly, and still full of that creamy goodness (and you know I am a sucker for a high-protein twist!).
The best part? It’s so easy—just one bowl and 10 minutes, and you've got a batch of dairy-free tofu cheese ready to transform your meals into delicious allergy-friendly goodness!
😍Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Cooking Required: Put away the pots and pans. This recipe comes together without any cooking using straightforward techniques that anyone can follow!
- Simple Prrotein-Rich Ingredients: Made with minimal, unprocessed ingredients, this tofu cheese is as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Allergy-Friendly: Because our vegan ricotta is made with tofu, it is not only dairy-free and gluten-free but nut-free to!
- Versatile and Creamy: Whether you're spreading our vegan ricotta on a cracker, stuffing it into pasta shells, layering it on lasagna, or topping your pizza, this creamy tofu cheese recipe is a perfect cheesy filling!
More Dairy-Free Recipes:
Need more savory recipes that are dairy-free or have a dairy-free option:
🧠Why Eat This? Nutrient Highlight
As a mom and someone with a background in health science, I often get asked about protein in plant-based diets. Our dairy-free ricotta cheese is a fantastic recipe to help boost protein and is packed with essential nutrients perfect for busy families:
- Rich in Protein: Tofu provides about 10 grams of protein per serving and is a great source of plant-based protein. It's low in fat and contains all essential amino acids (USDA).
- Supports Overall Health: Beyond protein, tofu cheese is a good source of calcium (434 mg per cup), iron (6.2 mg per cup), and other minerals necessary for healthy development and maintaining strong bones (USDA).
- Boosts Brain Health: Tofu contains nutrients that support brain function and development, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Regular consumption of tofu products is linked to better cognitive function and may protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases (1,2,3,4,5).
This combination of benefits makes our homemade vegan ricotta cheese not just a dietary substitute but a smart choice for enhancing your family's meals with essential nutrients. Whether you're addressing nut allergies or just seeking a versatile, healthy ingredient, tofu ricotta is up to the task!
🧀Ingredients
Our simple recipe for dairy-free ricotta cheese uses just a few key ingredients, making it perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet. Here is everything you need to make vegan ricotta:
- Extra-Firm Tofu: I like to use extra-firm tofu so that I get a creamy texture that isn't runny or too soft. This helps keep the texture of our plant-based alternative similar to traditional ricotta cheese. If you prefer a softer texture, you can opt for soft tofu.
- Nutritional Yeast: This adds that classic cheesy flavor to the recipe without the need for dairy. I love using nutritional yeast because it’s a great way to add that cheesy note while keeping our tofu cheese recipe gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Plant-Based Milk: I prefer oat milk for its neutral taste and thicker consistency. But any unsweetened neutral plant-based milk (like almond or soy) should work here. I don't recommend using coconut milk.
- Lemon Juice: I like to add a bit of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors and help balance out the richness from the tofu and olive oil.
- Fresh Dill: Dill adds a subtle herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the tofu and lemon.
- Olive Oil: I add a bit of olive oil to help achieve a smooth texture, deepen the flavor, and add richness to the tofu cheese.
- Fresh Garlic Clove: Garlic adds a savory kick to this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work as well.
- Salt: A pinch of sea salt combines all the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Full quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
🔄Substitutions
Here are a few ingredient substitutions that have worked for us when making our vegan ricotta cheese recipe!
- Tofu: If extra firm tofu isn’t available, you can use firm tofu—just make sure to press it well to remove as much moisture as possible. Silken tofu won’t work here, as it’s too soft.
- Lemon Juice: For a similar tangy flavor, you can substitute lemon juice with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar.
- Fresh Herbs: No fresh dill? Swap it with fresh basil, parsley, or even chives. You can also use dried herbs—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about half the amount.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
Remove the block of tofu from its packaging and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to absorb the excess moisture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to ensure you remove all the excess water to get the best texture for your tofu ricotta recipe.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Once the tofu is prepped, add it to a large food processor along with the lemon juice, olive oil, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, fresh garlic, and salt. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh dill and pulse a few times to incorporate the herbs evenly. If using a high-powered blender, keep an eye on the texture to avoid making it too liquid.
Step 3: Serve your Dairy-Free Ricotta
Your dairy-free ricotta cheese is ready to enjoy! Use it as a dip, spread it on pizza, or stuff it into pasta shells for a delicious meal. (You can check out my recipe for vegan ricotta stuffed pasta shells here).
💡Recipe Tips: Get the Best Texture
- Choose the Right Tofu: Extra-firm tofu is your go-to when making tofu cheese. It has the best texture for a creamy consistency that’s perfect for vegan ricotta and won't get soggy. If you’re using firm tofu, be sure to press out any excess moisture first.
- Drain Access Liquid: Taking the time to press your tofu for about 10 minutes helps remove that extra water. This ensures the tofu soaks up all the seasonings and gives you that smooth texture like traditional ricotta.
- Use a Food Processor: I find a food processor works best to balance creamy and structured, much like regular ricotta cheese. You don’t want it to be too runny or too chunky. If you use a high-speed blender, pulse and don't over-blend.
- Season Generously: Tofu is a blank canvas, so don't be shy! A good pinch of salt, some fresh herbs like dill, or a squeeze of lemon can really boost the flavor, giving your dairy-free cheese a bright, fresh taste.
⏲️ Meal Prep This
One of my favorite things about this dairy-free ricotta is how well it fits into meal prep. We make a big batch of this vegan herbed ricotta over the weekend and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. We then add it to dishes throughout the week. A versatile, plant-based option packed with protein for a great plant-based alternative to your favorite Italian recipes or when you need a dairy-free alternative!
🧒Tips for Kids: Will They Eat This?
I wish I had a magic crystal ball that could tell me if your kids would eat our creamy tofu ricotta, but all I can do is share my experience as a mom of 3! Introducing new foods can be a challenge, but here is why our perfect vegan ricotta cheese recipe might be appealing to your selective eater:
- It’s Subtly Familiar: This tofu cheese has a creamy texture similar to traditional ricotta they might already know, making it less intimidating.
- Easy to Customize: Follow your kids' lead and adjust the seasonings to their liking—leave out anything they’re not into.
- Mild Flavor: Our dairy-free ricotta cheese's mild, creamy taste is ideal for kids who prefer foods that aren't too strong or overwhelming.
- Serve it With Their Favorite: My boys love pasta, so when I first made this, I stuffed it into shells. Another option is to serve it on the side and let them dip their pasta into the tofu ricotta for a fun, interactive meal.
🍴Tofu Ricotta Leftover Ideas
The best thing about our vegan ricotta is how versatile it is. It's an easy recipe to customize and works well in many dishes. Here are a few ways we like to enjoy our tofu cheese recipe:
- Stuffed Pasta: My kids favorite! Our vegan ricotta is perfect for stuffing to giant pasta shells, and we have a great recipe for gluten-free stuffed shells here.
- Vegan Lasagna: Our vegan ricotta works great in lasagna! Need a recipe? We have you covered with our dairy-free lasagna recipe (with 2 vegan cheese options)
- Tofu Pizza: Spread a layer of this vegan ricotta on your favorite gluten-free pizza crust and top with fresh veggies. It’s an easy way to add a dairy-free twist to pizza night.
- Dip It: My little guy loves eating our dairy-free ricotta cheese recipe as a snack. Just use it as a dip with fresh veggies or crackers. It’s a great addition to any party platter too!
- Almond Ricotta: If you want to really change things up and aren't allergic to nuts, you can try making almond ricotta. We like this recipe from Conscious Plant Kitchen.
🥡How To Store Vegan Ricotta
To keep your dairy-free ricotta cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, cover the top with plastic wrap or drizzle a little olive oil over it to keep the creamy texture intact and prevent it from drying out. If you’re meal prepping, don’t forget to label the container with the date so you know when it’s time to use it up.
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as it can negatively affect the texture of the tofu ricotta.
❔Recipe FAQ
For the best results, use extra-firm tofu when making tofu ricotta. It creates a smooth, creamy consistency without being too watery. If you only have firm tofu on hand, it can work, but be sure to press out as much moisture as possible to avoid a runny texture.
Yes! This tofu ricotta recipe works as a 1:1 substitute for dairy ricotta in most dishes. Whether you're making dairy-free lasagna, stuffed shells, or pizza, this dairy-free version provides the same creamy texture without the dairy.
No, freezing is not recommended to freeze tofu ricotta. The texture changes too much when thawed, becoming grainy and watery.
If you want a more pronounced cheesy flavor, try adding extra nutritional yeast or a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang to your tofu cheese. You can also include roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more savory taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add more depth too.
🌟 Loved our dairy-free ricotta cheese recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!
🥣More Dairy-Free Recipe
Need more dairy-free options? We have tons of savory dishes and vegan cheese recipes? Be sure to check them out here:
📖 Recipe
Creamy Tofu Ricotta (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 extra firm tofu (14oz) pressed
- 3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoon oat milk unsweetened
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Wrap the block of extra firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel and press it for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Blend the Ingredients: Crumble the pressed tofu into a food processor. Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, oat milk, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.1 extra firm tofu (14oz), 3 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoon oat milk, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon salt
- Process: Pulse the mixture until it reaches a creamy consistency, scraping down the sides as needed. Add fresh herbs if desired, and pulse a few more times to incorporate.1 bunch dill
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, lemon juice, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the tofu ricotta to a container for serving or storage.
Notes
Nutrition
Information Source:
- Messina M. Soy and health update: evaluation of the clinical and epidemiologic literature. Nutrients. 2016;8(12):754.
- Weaver CM. Nutrition and bone health. In: Weaver CM, ed. Calcium in Human Health. Humana Press; 2006:213-227.
- Yoon-Bok L., Hyong J. L., Heon S. S. (2005) Soy isoflavones and cognitive function. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 16 (11) pp. 641-649.
- Szczerba E., Koch M., Schlesinger S., (2022) Soy consumption, cognitive function, and dementia. Current Opinion in Lipidology. 33(1) pp. 68-75(8).
- Jang, C. H., Oh, J., Lim, J. S., Kim, H. J., & Kim, J. S. (2021). Fermented Soy Products: Beneficial Potential in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Foods, 10(3), 636.
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