Asiago Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
This Italian cheese from the Veneto and Trentino regions comes in two varieties: fresh (Asiago Pressato) and aged (Asiago d'allevo). Fresh Asiago is soft and creamy with a sweet, mild flavor, while the aged version is harder, crumbly, and has a sharper, more pronounced taste. Asiago is versatile in the kitchen, used in everything from sandwiches to pasta dishes.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Whey |
| Texture | — | Soft, moist |
| Rind | — | None |
| Aging | — | Fresh |
| Taste | — | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Asiago Cheese | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Fruit Compote, Pumpkin |
| Other Good Pairings | Chorizo, Riesling | Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Asiago Cheese and Ricotta Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Ricotta Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Ricotta Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Ricotta Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Ricotta Cheese made of?
Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Asiago Cheese and Ricotta Cheese.