Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese (Easy Nut-Free Recipe) (2024)

Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and easy to make in just 5 minutes. This nut-free vegan ricotta is perfect for pizza, baked pasta, and crostinis!

The best vegan ricotta recipe comes together in a matter of minutes with instant flavor! ​Plus, since this recipe uses tofu, it is great for anyone who wants a delicious vegan cheese that has nut allergies or is nut-free.

Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein because it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It is also super versatile as it comes in different forms, from silken to extra firm.

It can take on many flavors and be transformed into so many delicious things! In this case... ricotta!

Use this easy vegan tofu ricotta just like regular ricotta cheese. You can incorporate it in any dish–sweet to savory, breakfast to dinner!

With all the ways you can customize this recipe's flavors, it tastes better than the real thing!

It’s perfect for lasagna, baked ziti, stuffed shells… really any recipe that you would use ricotta.

Use it as a dip with fresh veggies or chickpea chips for a tasty snack. Or make a delicious vegan crostini with pickled tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze.

On the flip side, this recipe can easily be customized for dessert recipes to make delicious vegan cannolis or a parfait with berry salad and maple vanilla granola.

Ingredients

To make vegan ricotta cheese, you will need these simple ingredients:

• Firm or Extra Firm Tofu yields the best results. This helps to achieve the right texture and consistency of ricotta cheese.
  • Silken tofu will not work because it is too soft to make a proper ricotta.
• Lemon Juice or any acid such as apple cider vinegar.
• Nutritional Yeast gives a cheezy flavor to the ricotta.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder enhance the flavor but can be omitted or swapped for other spices.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper are added to taste to complete the ricotta.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Equipment

To make vegan tofu ricotta cheese, you will need a food processor. This ensures the best texture! A blender or NutriBullet should also work. You may need to pulse and shake the mixture a few times or stop and scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.

Directions with Pictures

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making tofu ricotta:

1. Crumble the tofu into the bowl of a food processor.
2. Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Pulse the mixture until the desired consistency is reached. The longer you process it, the creamier it will become. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
4. Scrape the ricotta into a bowl and stir in any optional herbs or additions.

Variations

Plain ricotta is great as it is, but it is also a great canvas for many flavors:

• Herb Infusion - Experiment with different fresh or dried herbs to infuse your tofu ricotta with unique flavors. Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley can all add a delightful twist.
• Citrus Zest - Add a burst of freshness by incorporating citrus zest. Lemon or lime zest can bring a zesty, tangy note to your ricotta.
• Miso Paste - Blend in a teaspoon of miso paste for a rich, savory, and slightly salty flavor.
• Roasted Garlic - Roast a few garlic cloves and blend them into the tofu ricotta for a sweet, mellow garlic flavor. This can add depth and complexity to your dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Chop up some sun-dried tomatoes and fold them into the tofu ricotta for a burst of umami and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
• Spicy Kick - If you enjoy some heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Spinach or Kale - Incorporate finely chopped fresh spinach or kale to make a green tofu ricotta. This not only adds a pop of color but also boosts the nutrition of your dish.
• Fruit Swirl - Blend in pureed fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mango for a fruity and naturally sweet twist.
• Cinnamon Spice - Add ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of cinnamon buns.
• Vanilla Bean - Use a fresh vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste for an intense vanilla flavor.

Ways to Use

Tofu ricotta works great in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use it:

• Stuffed Pasta Shells - Fill cooked pasta shells with vegan tofu ricotta mixed with herbs and spinach, top with marinara sauce and vegan parmesan cheese, then bake until bubbly.
• Vegan Lasagna - Layer vegan tofu ricotta between sheets of lasagna noodles with marinara sauce and vegan mozzarella for a satisfying lasagna.
• Eggplant Rollatini - Roast eggplant, stuff it with tofu ricotta, and roll it up. Bake it in red sauce for a hearty and decadent eggplant rollatini.
• Vegan Pizza Topping - Spread tofu ricotta on gluten-free pizza dough as a creamy and protein-rich alternative to traditional pizza sauce. Top with your favorite vegetables and vegan cheese.
• Tofu Ricotta Dip - Serve tofu ricotta as a dip with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or chickpea chips. Add herbs and spices for extra flavor.
• Vegan Tofu Ricotta Crostini - Spread tofu ricotta on toasted bread and top with sliced fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a quick and satisfying vegan crostini appetizer.
• Pinwheels - Spread tofu ricotta over a vegan flour tortilla or chickpea flour tortilla, layer with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, roll tightly, and cut into 1" slices to make vegan pinwheels.
• Vegan Cannoli Filling - Use vegan tofu ricotta as a filling for cannoli shells. Mix the tofu ricotta with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Pipe this creamy filling into vegan cannoli shells for a sweet and indulgent dessert.
• Tofu Ricotta Parfait - Layer sweetened tofu ricotta and coconut whipped cream with berry fruit salad, maple vanilla granola, and a drizzle of maple syrup to create a delicious and wholesome parfait.

Storage

Store tofu ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always stir the ricotta before eating it to ensure all the lemon juice is fully combined.

You can also put it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before using.

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