Ricotta Cheese Vs Cottage Cheese What’s the Difference? Best Guide
Ricotta Cheese Vs Cottage Cheese
Ever wondered what the difference is between cottage cheese and ricotta cheese? Today I’ll be sharing the key differences as well as the health benefits of each. I’ll also share a few fresh cheese recipe options that I know you will love.
If you’ve heard the song about Little Miss Muffet eating her curds and whey then you’ll have some clue as to how cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are made.
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Ricotta Cheese Vs Cottage Cheese
There is quite a few difference when it comes to cottage cheese vs cottage cheese. These fresh cheeses are both made from cow’s milk but in different ways and they have different textures and tastes. Whilst ricotta and cottage cheese are used in many recipes interchangeably they are also very unique and different. Let’s find out how.
What Is Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is made from whey, the liquid leftover from making other cheeses. Ricotta cheese has a smooth texture and mild flavor.
Ricotta cheese can be made from the whey of cow’s milk or sheep’s milk. The word “ricotta” means “recooked” in Italian.
Health Benefits of Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
Ricotta cheese is also low in fat and calories making it a great cheese for those watching their weight.
Ricotta cheese has many essential proteins and amino acids making it great for bodybuilders and athletes.
The calcium in ricotta cheese is also beneficial for those who are looking to build strong bones and muscles.
It is good to add ricotta to one’s diet to provide nutrition, and vitamins and boost energy.
What Is Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is made from curds, the solid pieces of milk that form when milk sours. The curds are then washed and drained to remove any excess whey. This results in cottage cheese having a dryer, crumblier texture than ricotta cheese.
Cottage cheese is made from whole milk that has been curdled and then strained. The word “curdled” means that the milk has been turned into a solid by the addition of an acid, usually vinegar or lemon juice.
Cottage cheese can be made from a small curd, a medium curd, or a large curd. The size of the curd will determine how dry or moist the cottage cheese is. It can also be made from sheep’s milk or cows’ milk.
While cottage cheese is traditionally made from whole milk, you can find low-fat and non-fat versions used with skim and milk low in saturated fat. Part skimmed cottage cheese can be popular when on a low-fat diet.
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a great cheese for those watching their weight.
Cottage cheese has all the essential proteins and amino acids that your body needs to build muscle. The calcium in cottage cheese can help with muscle building. The more calcium the better!
Adding cottage cheese to your diet is a great way to get soft cheese into the diet without consuming a high level of saturated fats. It also has vitamin D and selenium, which are great for the immune system.
Whole Milk V’s Skim Milk Cottage Cheese
Whole milk cottage cheese has a higher fat content than skim milk cottage cheese. The fat content in whole milk cottage cheese can range from 1-5 grams per serving, while skim milk cottage cheese has 0 grams of fat.
The difference in fat content between these two types of cottage cheese is due to the different ways that they are made.
Whole milk or full-fat cottage cheese is made from whole milk that has been curdled and then strained. Skim milk cottage cheese is made by removing the cream from whole milk and then curdling and straining the part of skimmed milk.
The fat content in cottage cheese can also vary depending on the type of milk used to make it.
Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Low-fat cottage cheese is a great option for adding to salads, for eating as a healthy snack, or as part of a recipe.
Does Cottage cheese And Ricotta have Vitamin C?
Cottage cheese and ricotta do not have vitamin C.
What’s the Difference in Taste?
Cottage cheese has a milder flavor than ricotta cheese. Ricotta cheese is also less salty than cottage cheese.
Ricotta cheese can be used in savory or sweet dishes, while cottage cheese is mostly used in savory dishes.
Ricotta and Cottage Cheese both taste delicious in a variety of recipes as we will show further down the page.
Cottage Cheese Vs Ricotta Cheese: Which Has Less Sodium?
Cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are both low in sodium. A one-ounce serving of cottage cheese has about 55 mg of sodium, while a one-ounce serving of ricotta cheese has about 70 mg of sodium.
The difference in sodium content between these fresh cheeses is due to the different manufacturing processes.
Cottage cheese is made by adding an acid to milk and then straining it, unlike ricotta cheese which is made from the whey leftover from making other cheeses.
In a nutshell, cottage cheese has less sodium compared to ricotta cheese per ounce. Both large curd and small curd varieties of cottage cheese have less sodium than ricotta. Both are healthy options and are unlikely to take you over your daily values or sodium requirements.
Cottage Cheese V’s Ricotta Cheese Texture
There are distinct differences in the texture of ricotta and cottage cheese
Cottage cheese has a dryer, crumblier texture than ricotta cheese. This is because cottage cheese is made from curds, while ricotta is made from leftover whey. Therefore cottage cheese has a slightly grainy texture.
Both cottage cheese and ricotta are soft cheese but one is lumpy whereas the other is smooth. Having said this American ricotta is more like cottage cheese in texture, while Italian ricotta is creamy and smooth.
Learn about ricotta cheese substitutes here!
Ricotta Cheese Vs Cottage Cheese: Which Has More Protein?
A one-ounce serving of cottage cheese has about 5 grams of protein, while a one-ounce serving of ricotta cheese has about 8 grams of protein. So, ricotta cheese has more protein per ounce than cottage cheese.
Ricotta cheese and cottage cheese both have carbohydrates but ricotta has fewer carbohydrates.
Cottage cheese has about 2 grams of carbs per serving, while ricotta cheese has about 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Best Cottage Cheese Recipes
Cottage cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different recipes. Here are some of the best cottage cheese recipes that I know you are going to love.
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
This salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that is perfect for summer BBQs and picnics.
Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Pizza
Cottage cheese pizza is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pizza.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Dip
Cottage Cheese dip is perfect for parties and get-togethers. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Cottage Cheese pancakes are light and fluffy and make a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Cottage Cheese Pineapple Cheesecake
Try making a dessert with a healthier version of cheesecake using cottage cheese, pineapple, and Greek yogurt.
Cottaage Cheese Lasagna
If you’ve never tried a lasagna with this tasty cottage cheese then you’re in for a real treat. Lasagna can be made more healthy with this delicious Instant Pot Lasagna recipe. It will be fewer calories than regular cheese too.
Try adding cottage cheese to your recipes for something low in saturated fats and high in protein. We also use it in our popular Copycat Star Bucks Egg Bites Recipe.
Best Ricotta Cheese Recipes
Ricotta cheese is a great food to add to casseroles and family meals. Here are some great ricotta cheese recipes that are full of dietary fiber and nutrition.
Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
These stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Ricotta, Kale, and Mushroom Pizza
Try a rich protein ricotta cheese pizza. This is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pizza.
Zucchini Ricotta Fritters
Ricotta fritters are a great way to use up summer zucchini. They are perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ricotta Stuffed Chicken
This chicken dish is full of flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables.
Ricotta Ravioli
Ravioli is a great meal and when you stuff it with ricotta you’ll be in for a treat. That’s for sure.
We use ricotta in our Bacon Alfredo Pasta and Instant Pot Lasagna Soup recipe.
Ricotta Cheese Vs Cottage Cheese: Which is Better for You?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your individual dietary needs and requirements.
Both cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are good for you and are packed full of nutrients.
Cottage cheese is lower in sodium than ricotta cheese, but ricotta cheese has more protein.
Both cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.
So, which is better for you? It depends on your individual dietary needs.
If you are looking for a lower sodium cheese, then cottage cheese is a good choice. If you are looking for a cheese with more protein, then ricotta cheese is a better choice.
Both ricotta cheese and cottage cheese are healthy choices and can be part of a nutritious diet.
So, what’s the difference between cottage cheese and ricotta?
The difference is the way they are made, the way they taste, look and feel. Both are loaded with protein and are lower in fat compared to other cheeses and they also have less salt. Try some ricotta cheese and cottage cheese recipes today!
Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!
