Is there a substitute for basket cheese! I heard the most asked question and wondered about the Basket Cheese substitutes for my next recipe when I ran out of it.
Guess what! After so many failed attempts, I finally conclude with the seven best alternatives to Basket cheese.
As basket cheese does not have salt, it’s quite challenging to find its replacement. All are greatly mixed into my dish where I want.
At the end of the article, I also mention which one is going on my all-time favorite list. So stay with me. And I hope you get one too.
What is basket ricotta Cheese?
Basket Ricotta (Italian: ricotta per grattugiare) is a very soft and creamy Italian ricotta cheese with an “airy” texture. It is usually eaten on its own, as a dessert, or used for cooking.
What kind of cheese is basket cheese?
Basket cheese is a type of cheese made from cow’s milk. It is a soft, spreadable cheese with a mild flavor and a creamy texture.
Basket cheese is often used in appetizers and spreads, and it can also be used in salads or as a condiment.
What can you substitute for basket cheese? (9 Best Basket Cheese Alternatives)
There are a lot of alternatives. You can Replace Basket Cheese, but these are the best – Greek Feta, Ricotta Salata, Queso Panela, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Swiss, Brick Cheese, and Goat Cheese.
Keep reading get more about these cheeses.
1. GREEK FETA- Farm Fresh Basket Cheese Substitute
Greek Feta is the most popular soft, white cheese made from sheep or goat milk. It has a slightly salty, tangy taste and a crumbly texture.
Feta can easily place basket cheese in recipes. It pairs well with fruits, vegetables, herbs, salads, pasta dishes, or condiments.
2.RICOTTA SALATA – Similar to Basket Cheese
Ricotta Salata is an Italian cheese, often used as a grating cheese or served with salads. It tastes somewhat salty and is firm enough to be sliced or shaved.
Ricotta Salata is similar to Basket cheese, which pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. It is great in pasta dishes, salads, or as a topping on bruschetta.
You can make a Cheese ball or spread it from Ricotta Salata. Try some Ricotta Salata cheese Alternatives as well.
3. QUESO PANELA – A Low Salt Replacement for Basket Cheese
Queso panela, A Mexican Cheese, is a type of cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a silky texture and a moderate, somewhat sweet flavor. It can be used in place of basket cheese in any Mexican recipe like enchiladas or tacos.
4. MOZZARELLA- The Allrounder Cheese Substitute for Basket Cheese
Mozzarella cheese: Italian cheese is made from cows, and buffalo milk. It has white in color and often comes with pear-shaped balls. The texture of this cheese is very elastic, and it can stretch easily.
It has a mild, milky flavor with a saltier taste than cottage cheese and cream cheese. Because milk fat is 5% to 7 %, its flavor is usually similar to butter and cream.
Mozzarella is usually soft without holes in it. It is normally used to prepare pizzas, pasta dishes, and various other Italian dishes. It has an elastic structure that gives a stringy appearance when pulled apart.
You can use mozzarella in the place of basket cheese in a recipe in baking; it can be melted and utilized as a topping on vegetables, meats, or pasta dishes. It is also an excellent choice for salads, sauces, and dips.
Read More- Ideal Mozzarella Cheese Substitutes
5. CREAM CHEESE- A Versatile Cheese Go well with Basket Cheese Alternative
Cream cheese is one of the oldest versatile cheeses around. You can use cream cheese in place of Basket cheese in savory or sweet dishes.
It’s great for spreads, dips, filling crepes or pastries, or coating on chicken or fish. It can also be utilized in recipes in place of basket cheese.
Cream Cheese is a soft, mild-tasting, white cheese with high-fat content. It contains less moisture than other basket cheeses; therefore, it isn’t easily spoiled.
So the next time you’re cooking up something cheesy, don’t forget about our old friend’s cream cheese! It’s sure to add a delicious creamy twist to your dish. Enjoy!
6. Use SWISS CHEESE Replace of Basket Cheese
Swiss cheese is also known as Emmentaler, Gruyere, Appenzeller, etc. It’s a medium-firm aged cheese that’s pale yellow in color with small holes or eyes throughout the body of the cheese.
Swiss cheese is a type of cheese with a unique, slightly nutty, earthy flavor and a somewhat grainy texture. You can add swiss cheese in place of basket cheese in many recipes like souffles and omelets.
Swiss cheese pairs well with wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, and it goes to dishes like fondue or raclette. Swiss cheese can be purchased at most supermarkets.
When selecting Swiss cheese, be sure to look for a wheel that is evenly colored and has few markings. The cheese should also feel slightly firm to the touch.
Avoid cheeses that are overly soft, cracked, or moldy. Swiss cheese will keep for up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
7. BRICK CHEESE, an Alternative to Basket cheese
Brick cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese. Brick cheese has a strong, pungent flavor and a slightly grainy texture. (Source)
It is often used as a substitute for basket cheese in recipes. It’s ideal for grating or shaving over food.
Brick cheese can be eaten fresh or aged for several months to develop a harder texture and more intense flavor.
Stored Brick Cheese in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Read More- 11 Best Brick Cheese Substitutes You Should Know
8. Try GOAT CHEESE – a Delicate Flavor Basket Cheese Alternative
Goat cheese or chevre or chèvre is a fresh cheese made from goat’s milk. Goat Cheese is soft and creamy, with a wonderful tang like sour cream, but not as thick.
It has an edible white rind on the outside, which can be scraped off if desired; it also comes in forms that are not molded with the rind still on but in a block without the rind.
Goat cheese is popular because it has a delicate flavor and melts when heated, making it ideal for use in many recipes. It’s used in place of basket cheese in recipes at the same amount as basket cheese.
9. Vtopian Artisan Cheeses- A best Vegan Alternative for Basket Cheese
Vtopian Artisan Cheese is the best vegan Basket cheese substitute produced from Portland, Oregon. Their cheeses’ main ingredients include nuts, coconut oil, and spice.
More Substitute- Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes
Can you make homemade Basket cheese?
Yes, you can make homemade Basket cheese at home. It is traditionally made in a basket-shaped container. Although, you can also be shaped into balls or patties.
I’ll show you how to do it!
Ingredients:
- · 1 gallon of raw, organic milk
- · 1/4 cup of vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Pour the milk into a pot and heat it to 185 degrees F (85 degrees C). Add the vinegar or lemon juice and stir it gently until curds form.
2. Drain the cheese in a strainer over a pot for about 15-20 minutes, or until all of the whey has drained out.
3. Put it into a mold and cool it overnight to make it firm.
4. Wrap it up tightly and serve with crackers or mix with your favorite dishes!
The final cheese will be very soft, moist, and spreadable.
Will it taste sour? No, you can’t really taste the vinegar in this cheese. It’s mostly for acidification, which helps separate curds from the whey.
You can use lemon juice or its substitution instead if that’s what you have on hand.
Basket Cheese Uses
There are many different ways to use basket cheese.
1. One way is to add it to your favorite salad. Basket cheese is a great addition to green salads, as its slightly salty flavor pairs well with the bitterness of greens.
2. You can also add basket cheese to pasta dishes or soups. It will add a creamy richness to your dish.
3. Another way to enjoy basket cheese is to eat it plain. It has a slightly tangy flavor that is enjoyable on its own.
No matter how you choose to enjoy basket cheese, you will be sure to appreciate its unique flavor and texture.
What is Italian basket cheese?
Italian basket cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a soft, creamy texture and slightly salty taste.
Italian basket cheese is shaped by the perforated, wicker basket in which it is drained. It has a smooth, white surface and a soft, creamy center.
Is basket cheese the same as ricotta?
No, basket cheese and ricotta are not the same things.
Basket cheese is a soft, fresh cheese made by adding lemon juice to milk. It’s formed into balls and drained.
On the other hand, Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese formed from leftover pieces of stretched curd after straining it in cloth.
Can basket cheese be frozen?
Yes, basket cheese can be frozen. It is best to freeze it in its original packaging. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator.
Basket cheese will last in the freezer for up to two months.
My All-time Favourite Basket Cheese Substitutes
- · Ricotta salata
- · Queso Panela
- · Mozzarella
- · Cream Cheese
- · Swiss Cheese
FAQs Related to Basket Cheese & Its Alternatives
Q1. can I make ricotta with only heavy cream?
No, you cannot make ricotta with only heavy cream.
Ricotta is made from whey and milk. You would need to add some type of milk product to create the ricotta cheese.
Some alternatives to making ricotta cheese include using store-bought ricotta cheese or using a recipe that calls for cottage cheese or cream cheese.
These ingredients will give your ricotta cheese a similar texture and flavor.
However, if you are looking for a vegan alternative, you can use silken tofu in your recipe. This will give the ricotta cheese a softer texture.
Whatever path you take, make sure to follow the recipe exactly to end up with delicious and authentic ricotta cheese. Enjoy!
Q2. Where can I buy basket cheese?
The best place to buy basket cheese is at a local cheese shop.
However, if you don’t have a cheese shop in your area, you can also purchase it online.
At last, carefully read the product description to ensure you know what you’re buying.
