Are you on the hunt for creative ways to incorporate ricotta cheese into your culinary creations? Look no further! We’ve curated a collection of 23 mouth-watering ricotta cheese recipes that will inspire your next meal or dessert. Ricotta’s rich flavor and velvety texture have earned it a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of food enthusiasts everywhere.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to experiment with this versatile cheese, we’ve got the perfect recipe to get you started. From savory dishes like Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells to sweet treats like Baked Ricotta Dip, and even a classic Homemade Ricotta Cheese recipe to try your hand at making from scratch – our ricotta cheese recipes have something for everyone.
Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Are you short on time but still eager to start cooking with homemade ricotta cheese? This recipe is for you! It’s surprisingly simple and only requires a few basic ingredients, including whole milk, salt, and lemon juice. You’ll also need a cheesecloth and ricotta basket to get started. Just be sure not to use ultra-pasteurized milk, as it won’t work with this recipe. If you’re looking for quick meals or pre-made items to save time, you can skip ahead to the next recipe.
But if you’re willing to put in a little effort upfront, you’ll be rewarded with fresh and delicious homemade ricotta cheese that’s perfect for your favorite recipes.
Pasta With Spinach And Ricotta Cheese
While pasta and cheese is a match made in heaven, why limit yourself to just mozzarella and parmesan? Ricotta, often overlooked but equally delicious, deserves a spot on the plate. When paired with parmesan, the best of both worlds is achieved. This recipe takes it to the next level by adding savory bacon, pungent garlic, sweetness from plum tomatoes, and a kick from red pepper flakes. Who says you can’t have a little bit of everything?
Ricotta Cheese Balls
For those who appreciate the creamy goodness of ricotta in their Italian dishes but aren’t quite ready to commit to pasta, consider whipping up some delicious ricotta cheese balls. These bite-sized treats can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals, from tossing them with your favorite pasta to serving as a side dish or even a vegetarian appetizer at family gatherings.
With their crispy exterior and savory sauce, it’s unlikely that anyone will leave the table unsatisfied if you bring out these mouthwatering ricotta cheese balls.
Savory Ricotta Tart
When it comes to tarts, many people instinctively think of sweet desserts, but this ricotta tart is a savory masterpiece that will surprise your taste buds with its fresh herb flavors and subtle spice. This recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the earthy notes of parsley, black pepper, and nutmeg, as well as the boldness of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Although it may require a slightly longer cooking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for beginners looking to challenge themselves in the kitchen. With its harmonious balance of cheese and herbs, it’s almost impossible to go wrong – just be prepared for a delightful sensory experience!
Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ricotta’s popularity in Italian cuisine is undeniable, which is why we’re excited to expand our list with two more delectable ricotta-based recipes from Italy. While there are countless amazing ricotta dishes out there, we had to narrow down our selection to focus on the creamiest and most satisfying options.
One recipe that stood out to us is Spinach Ricotta, which showcases the star quality of the cheese in all its glory.
The dish involves filling pasta shells to the brim with a generous helping of ricotta, before smothering them in rich marinara sauce. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to leave you feeling just as full and content as the pasta itself.
Pizza Rustica
When it comes to incorporating ricotta cheese into our culinary repertoire, we couldn’t help but include a classic Italian pizza recipe that’s anything but ordinary. The reason for this choice is simple: people just love pizza! But, in this case, we’re not talking about the traditional thin-crust pie topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
No, this savory delight takes on a life of its own, featuring a thick crust filled with salty meats like ham, prosciutto, and pepperoni, all wrapped up in a delicious breading that’s both crunchy and flavorful. The best part? This recipe freezes incredibly well, making it an ideal option for those looking to prepare a hearty dish that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Ricotta Toast
Ricotta toast is a refreshing and effortless option to satisfy your cravings for a light and satisfying snack or appetizer. This delectable treat is particularly well-suited for the spring and summer seasons when fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes are at their peak of flavor and texture.
The key to this simple yet impressive recipe lies in its harmonious blend of toasted bread, creamy ricotta, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs and juicy tomato slices.
But what truly elevates this dish is the tangy and rich balsamic vinegar topping that adds depth and complexity to each bite.
Spinach And Ricotta Slab Pie
This spinach and ricotta slab pie recipe is a showstopper for large gatherings, making it an ideal choice for parties and events. Its savory flavor profile makes it a versatile option that can be served alongside other appetizers or enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack. The combination of creamy cheese and garlicky spinach is sure to win over even the most discerning palates, so be prepared for requests – make a generous amount!
Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Muffins
Savory delights await in the harmonious union of spinach and ricotta, which not only thrives in savory pies but also yields a delightful combination in cheese muffins. These bite-sized treats, infused with finely chopped onions, a pinch of black ground pepper, and fresh spinach leaves, offer a satisfying light meal that can be savored as a quick breakfast or indulged in at any hour.
With the possibility to make a batch and slice it for an event appetizer, this recipe presents endless opportunities for spontaneous snacking.
Baked Ricotta Dip
When it comes to ricotta cheese recipes, our menu wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the deliciousness of baked ricotta dip. Perfect for smaller gatherings with friends or family, such as wine and cheese nights or book clubs, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of garlic, lemon, and rosemary adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the ricotta.
And let’s not forget the bonus: the inclusion of parmesan and mozzarella for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Savory Ricotta Waffles With Red Hot Jam
This delectable savory ricotta waffle recipe is an ideal way to kick-start your day with a flavorful punch. The combination of fluffy waffles and tangy jam, featuring honey, crushed red pepper, and lemon juice, creates a delightful breakfast or dinner experience.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the incorporation of ricotta cheese into the waffle batter, resulting in an airy and satisfying finish.
What sets this recipe apart is its bold flavor profile, making it perfect for those who prefer robust flavors at breakfast or as a dinner option. If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch, be sure to save this recipe.
Ricotta And Asparagus Galette
A galette shares many similarities with tarts and pies, being crafted from rolled-out dough and filled with an array of delectable ingredients. However, it’s the presentation that truly sets this dish apart. While it may require slightly more effort than other recipes, the end result is well worth the investment.
The combination of ricotta, asparagus, mushrooms, and parmesan in this recipe yields a rustic yet refined flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings where you want to wow your guests.
Ricotta And Zucchini Galette
If you’re looking for a show-stopping galette that’s not asparagus-based, look no further than this ricotta and zucchini galette. This impressive dish is packed with the creamy richness of white cheese, the freshness of light green herbs, the subtle flavor of mixed green zucchini, and the sweetness of red tomatoes – making it perfect for a festive holiday meal.
But don’t let that stop you; you can easily swap out the ingredients to make this recipe suitable for spring and summer celebrations as well.
The best part? This galette is just as delicious hot off the oven as it is at room temperature, making it a crowd-pleaser in any season.
Ricotta And Tomato Savory Hand Pie
Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with ease! We’re happy to oblige with an assortment of mouthwatering pastries. When it comes to crafting the perfect treat, attention to detail is key – just like how this delectable pie requires gentle handcrafting for a flawless finish. If you have the luxury of time and attention to spare, why not try your hand at creating something truly special for a memorable meal?
Our ricotta and tomato savory hand pie recipe is sure to impress with its delightful flavors.
Ricotta & Roasted Grape Crostini
While we’ve explored ricotta’s compatibility with meats, cheeses, and veggies, it’s equally important to consider its pairing potential with fruits. This harmonious union is particularly well-suited for light snacking or pre-dinner appetizers.
One such delightful combination is the simple yet flavorful ricotta and roasted grape crostini recipe. Not only do cheese and fruit complement each other beautifully, but this dish also requires minimal effort to prepare.
In fact, you can have a delicious snack ready in just five minutes with only five ingredients. Whether you’re planning a quick picnic or an impromptu gathering, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
A word of caution: if you do make extra crostini, be mindful not to store them in the fridge, as they’ll become soggy. Instead, leave them at room temperature and enjoy them later.
Bacon, Cheddar, Chive Ricotta Pancakes
Get ready to savor each bite of this mouthwatering recipe! The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, oniony chive, and creamy ricotta in these pancakes is sure to tantalize your taste buds. And the best part? These indulgent treats are as satisfying to eat as they are to say – rich, thick, and overflowing with flavor. When you add a dollop of tangy sour cream to each stack, it’s a match made in heaven.
With every bite, you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself to a decadent breakfast that will keep you fueled all morning.
Ramp Ricotta Baked Eggs
When it comes to breakfast, cheeses like cheddar, goat cheese, and feta often take center stage, particularly when paired with eggs. However, this baked eggs recipe showcases the versatility of ricotta, demonstrating how a delicious and nutritious meal can be created in just 15 minutes. This savory delight is not only perfect for breakfast but also suitable for lunch or dinner, making it an excellent addition to any meal routine.
One Bowl Herbed Ricotta Cheesy Bread
The iconic cheesy bread requires no introduction, its allure being self-evident. What sets this recipe apart is the harmonious blend of three distinct cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. The combination yields a rich, velvety texture that’s further enhanced by a subtle yet pungent note from fresh rosemary and cayenne pepper. To achieve the optimal flavor profile, it’s crucial to use high-quality, fresh rosemary – anything less would compromise the overall experience.
Lemon And Ricotta Cake
It’s time to indulge in something sweet! Ricotta, often associated with savory dishes, also has a place in the world of desserts. Its creamy texture makes it an ideal addition to cakes, creams, and pastries. This particular recipe combines the sweetness of ricotta with the tartness of lemon, resulting in a moist and fluffy cake that’s simply divine. The brightness of the lemon juice adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ricotta Cheesecake
While we adore all types of cake, there’s something special about cheesecakes that sets them apart. This gluten-free ricotta cheesecake recipe is a game-changer because of its incredible simplicity – requiring just three main ingredients: creamy ricotta cheese, eggs, and sugar. What’s more, it’s remarkably easy to adapt this recipe for those who insist on having a crust on their cheesecakes, making it an even more versatile treat.
Ricotta Crumb Bars
While ricotta crumb bars share a similar flavor profile with ricotta cheesecake, they offer an added textural element that complements the creamy ricotta filling. The crunchy crust provides a delightful contrast in texture, making it a more engaging dessert experience.
Moreover, these bars are ideal for serving at casual gatherings, such as potlucks or small-to-medium-sized events.
Their convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal make them an excellent choice when you’re asked to bring a sweet treat.
Ricotta Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for creative ways to use ricotta cheese, look no further than these scrumptious, soft-baked treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. For those who prefer a chewier cookie experience, these tender morsels are sure to delight. While firm cookies have their place when paired with milk or tea, sometimes there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a soft, comforting cookie – and ricotta’s unique properties make it the perfect ingredient for achieving this texture.
Lemon Ricotta Whipped Cream
Ricotta’s unique texture brings a satisfying depth to this topping, which holds its own against the smoothness of straight whipped cream. Its density lends gravitas to any dish it adorns. This versatile topping is equally at home paired with quiche, sweet buttermilk or pumpkin pie, and the finest scones – making it nearly universal as a side or finisher. If you find yourself with excess, don’t worry; ricotta’s rich flavor freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it again whenever you please.
The bottom line
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that effortlessly blends into a wide range of culinary creations, extending its uses from tantalizing appetizers to satisfying main courses, as well as indulgent snacks and decadent desserts.
