Driftwood Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese

Driftwood Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Driftwood Cheese?

Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.

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 Driftwood Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?

• Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Ricotta Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
• Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Ricotta Cheese (Whey)
• Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist)
• Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Ricotta Cheese (None)
• Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Ricotta Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character.

Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, moist. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Driftwood Cheese. For a soft, moist profile, Ricotta Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Ricotta Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Ricotta Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Driftwood Cheese originates in England, while Ricotta Cheese comes from Italy. Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk; Ricotta Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.

Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Ricotta Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?

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

Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Ricotta Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Ricotta Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy.

What is Driftwood Cheese made of?

Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.

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, Driftwood Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist.