Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Ricotta Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Ricotta Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the leftover whey of sheep, cow, goat, or water buffalo milk cheesemaking. The fresh curds are creamy white and slightly sweet, and they turn up in cannoli and cheesecakes as readily as in lasagne and ravioli.
What's the Difference Between Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Ricotta Cheese?
- Origin: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France), Ricotta Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
- Milk treatment: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Ricotta Cheese (Whey)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist)
- Rind: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored), Ricotta Cheese (None)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Ricotta Cheese (Fresh)
- Taste: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy), Ricotta Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Whey |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, moist |
| Rind | Light colored | None |
| Aging | Not aged for long | Fresh |
| Taste | Tangy | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more | Fruit Compote, Pumpkin, Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Ricotta Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. On the nose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) offers goaty, contrasted with Ricotta Cheese's mild. More specifically, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) shows mild, creamy, sometimes fruity, while Ricotta Cheese leans toward depending on milk source. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Ricotta Cheese at fresh.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Ricotta Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, moist. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Ricotta Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a soft, moist profile, Ricotta Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Ricotta Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Ricotta Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originates in France, while Ricotta Cheese comes from Italy. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Ricotta Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Ricotta Cheese fresh.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Ricotta Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Ricotta Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Ricotta Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Ricotta Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy. Aromas also diverge. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans goaty, and Ricotta Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.
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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Ricotta Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist.