Ricotta Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Ricotta Cheese is a soft, moist cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
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 Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Ricotta Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ricotta Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Whey | — |
| Texture | Soft, moist | — |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | Fresh | — |
| Taste | Sweet, slightly creamy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ricotta Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Ricotta Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ricotta Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ricotta Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Ricotta Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ricotta Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ricotta Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Ricotta Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.