Dorset Blue Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.

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 Dorset Blue Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?

• Milk type: Dorset Blue Cheese (Cow), Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
• Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Ricotta Cheese (Whey)
• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist)
• Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Ricotta Cheese (None)
• Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Ricotta Cheese (Fresh)
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Ricotta Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, while Ricotta Cheese leans toward depending on milk source. Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Ricotta Cheese at fresh.

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, moist. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Dorset Blue Cheese. For a soft, moist profile, Ricotta Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Ricotta Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Ricotta Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk; Ricotta Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Ricotta Cheese fresh.

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Ricotta Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Ricotta Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Ricotta Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

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, Dorset Blue Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist.