Ricotta Cheese vs Ricotta Romana Cheese
Ricotta Cheese is a soft, moist cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is soft, moist and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
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 Is Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Ricotta Romana is a PDO-protected ricotta from the Lazio region, made from sheep's milk. It has a grainier texture and a richer, slightly saltier flavor compared to other ricottas, which makes it a favorite for adding depth to traditional Roman dishes, such as spinach and ricotta gnocchi.
What's the Difference Between Ricotta Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese?
- Milk type: Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Sheep's)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ricotta Cheese | Ricotta Romana Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Lazio |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Sheep's |
| Milk Treatment | Whey | Whey |
| Texture | Soft, moist | Soft, moist |
| Rind | None | None |
| Aging | Fresh | Fresh |
| Taste | Sweet, slightly creamy | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Ricotta Cheese | Ricotta Romana Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Fruit Compote, Pumpkin | — |
| Other Good Pairings | 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 Ricotta Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta Romana Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Ricotta Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese reads as sweet, slightly creamy, while Ricotta Romana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. On the nose, Ricotta Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Ricotta Romana Cheese's mild. More specifically, Ricotta Cheese shows depending on milk source, while Ricotta Romana Cheese leans toward characteristic delicate and sweet flavor.
Can You Substitute Ricotta Cheese for Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Romana Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ricotta Cheese or Ricotta Romana Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ricotta Cheese the same as Ricotta Romana Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Ricotta Romana Cheese uses sheep.
Is Ricotta Cheese similar to Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ricotta Cheese for Ricotta Romana Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ricotta Cheese taste like Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese reads as sweet, slightly creamy, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy.
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.
What is Ricotta Romana Cheese made of?
Ricotta Romana Cheese is made from sheep milk (whey), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Ricotta Cheese or Ricotta Romana Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Ricotta Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese.