Basket cheese, also known as ricotta infornata or ricotta al forno, is a traditional Italian cheese that is made by baking whey until it solidifies into a dense, white mass. This cheese has a unique texture and flavor that is difficult to replicate with other cheeses. However, there are several basket cheese substitutes available that can be used in recipes that call for this cheese.

So, if you’re looking for substitutes for basket cheese, consider the following options:

1. Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is similar in texture and mild flavor. It’s creamy and slightly grainy, which makes it suitable for both sweet and savory dishes.
2. Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese has a curd-like texture and a slightly tangy flavor, which works well in recipes that call for basket cheese.
3. Queso Fresco: This Mexican cheese has a crumbly texture and a mild, slightly salty taste that can complement a variety of dishes.
4. Feta Cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy flavor but saltier than basket cheese, so you might need to adjust the seasoning in your recipes.
5. Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is milder in flavor than some other options, it has a soft and slightly stringy texture when melted. It can be used as a substitute in dishes where texture is more important than flavor.
6. Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is quite different in texture from basket cheese, but it can work in certain recipes that require a creamy element. It has a tangy flavor and a smoother texture.
7. Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre): Goat cheese has a tangy and slightly earthy flavor. It’s creamy and can be crumbled, making it a decent alternative for recipes that use basket cheese.

Basket Cheese Texture and Flavor

Before we discuss basket cheese substitutes, let’s take a closer look at what basket cheese is and how it is made. Basket cheese is a cheese made from whey, which is the liquid that is left over after curdling milk to make cheese. The whey is heated until the proteins coagulate and form curds. The curds are then drained and pressed into baskets or molds to form the cheese.

Basket cheese has a soft, spongy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often eaten fresh, sometimes with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, or used in savory and sweet dishes. In Italy, basket cheese is often served as a dessert with honey and walnuts or used in the filling of savory pies and lasagnas.

When to Choose Various Basket Cheese Substitutes

Now let’s explore these great basket cheese substitutes in detail and when to use them:

1. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a good substitute for basket cheese because it has a similar texture and flavor. It is made from the curds of cow’s milk, which are pressed and drained until they form a soft, lumpy cheese. Cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a texture that is similar to basket cheese.

To use cottage cheese as a substitute for basket cheese, you can simply drain it in a colander to remove any excess liquid. If you want to make it even firmer, you can press it with a weight for a few hours to remove more moisture. Once it is firm enough, you can use it in recipes that call for basket cheese.

2. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is another good substitute for basket cheese. It is made from the whey that is left over after making other cheeses, such as mozzarella and provolone. The whey is heated until the proteins coagulate and form curds, which are then drained and pressed to form ricotta cheese.

Ricotta cheese has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. It is often used in Italian dishes such as lasagna and ravioli. To use ricotta cheese as a substitute for basket cheese, you can simply drain it in a colander to remove any excess liquid. If you want to make it even firmer, you can press it with a weight for a few hours to remove more moisture.

3. Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a good substitute for basket cheese because it has a similar texture and tangy flavor. It is a crumbly cheese that is made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Feta cheese has a salty, tangy flavor that can add a savory note to dishes.

To use feta cheese as a substitute for basket cheese, you can crumble it and use it in recipes that call for basket cheese. It works particularly well in salads and savory pies.

4. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a good substitute for basket cheese because it has a similar texture and can be flavored to mimic the mild, slightly sweet flavor of basket cheese. Cream cheese is made from a mixture of milk and cream that is coagulated with the addition of an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar.

To use cream cheese as a substitute for basket cheese, you can simply drain it in a colander to remove any excess liquid. If you want to make it firmer, you can add a bit of salt and press it with a weight for a few hours. You can also add herbs or other seasonings to the cream cheese to mimic the flavor of basket cheese. This makes cream cheese a versatile substitute that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

5. Tofu

Tofu is a vegan substitute for basket cheese that can be used in dishes that call for a soft, spongy texture. Tofu is made from soybeans that are ground into a paste, mixed with water, and then coagulated to form curds. The curds are then pressed and drained to form tofu.

Tofu has a neutral flavor and a soft, spongy texture that can be used in sweet and savory dishes. To use tofu as a substitute for basket cheese, you can crumble it and use it in recipes that call for basket cheese. You can also blend it with other ingredients to make a creamy dip or spread.

How to Use Basket Cheese Substitutes

Now that we’ve discussed some of the best basket cheese substitutes, let’s talk about how to use them in recipes. Basket cheese substitutes can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including:

Lasagna

Basket cheese is often used in Italian lasagna recipes. To make a vegetarian lasagna with basket cheese substitute, you can use a combination of ricotta cheese and crumbled tofu or cottage cheese.

Salads

Feta cheese is a great substitute for basket cheese in salads. It adds a salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture that pairs well with fresh vegetables and a simple vinaigrette.

Sweet Dishes

Basket cheese is often used in sweet Italian dishes, such as ricotta cheesecake and cannoli. To make a vegan version of these desserts, you can use a combination of tofu and cream cheese, sweetened with sugar or honey.

Savory Pies

Basket cheese is often used in savory pies, such as spinach and cheese pie. To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can use a combination of ricotta cheese and crumbled feta cheese.

Dips and Spreads

Basket cheese can be used as a creamy dip or spread, flavored with herbs and spices. To make a vegan version of this dish, you can use a combination of cream cheese and blended tofu, seasoned with garlic and lemon juice.

Wrapping Up

Basket cheese is a unique cheese that is difficult to replicate with other cheeses. However, there are several basket cheese substitutes available that can be used in recipes that call for this cheese.

Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, cream cheese, and tofu are all good substitutes that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. By using these basket cheese substitutes, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that are both flavorful and healthy.