37 Easy Recipes That Use Ricotta Cheese
Have a little extra Ricotta Cheese in your fridge and you aren’t sure what to do with it? Here are some easy recipes that use Ricotta Cheese!
37 Easy Recipes that Use Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is one of those cheeses that almost everybody has eaten, but not everybody realizes it. Ever had lasagna? Odds are the cheese (at least one of them) was ricotta. Ricotta has a distinct flavor and texture that lends itself to so many recipes.
What is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese is a soft Italian Cheese with almost a fluffy texture. It’s similar to cottage cheese but much lighter in texture. Ricotta Cheese can be made from cow, sheep, or goat’s milk and is a great way to use up extra milk or whey without making a more difficult cheese.
Ricotta Cheese can be used fresh in recipes, stored in the fridge until needed, or kept frozen if you want to use it at a later date.
How Do You Make Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese is actually quite easy to make. You only need 2 ingredients and about 5 minutes of your time to put it together. You can check out my full tutorial on Homemade Ricotta Cheese here.
How Long Does Ricotta Cheese Last in the Fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, Ricotta Cheese can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Keep in mind that homemade Ricotta Cheese might last a slightly shorter time since it contains no additives or preservatives.
Can You Freeze Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese can be easily frozen, however, like many dairy products, it won’t work in all recipes after you’ve frozen it. The texture may change slightly making it difficult to use it in applications where you’d like it to be a little more of a creamy texture.
Frozen Ricotta Cheese is best used in baking recipes or in things like casseroles. Freeze your extra Ricotta Cheese in an airtight freezer bag or container.
What Else Can I Use Ricotta Cheese For?
Ricotta Cheese can be used for these meals and appetizers:
- Use as a spread on toast
- Replacement for cottage cheese in some recipes
- Top with savory fresh herbs and an egg
- Top with fresh berries and a honey drizzle
- Mix it into a frittata for brunch
- Top with some meatballs, marinara sauce, and a bit of cheese (Italian cheese or parmesan cheese) and bake
- Top with some spices or herbs and use as a cracker spread
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and some chopped sun-dried tomato for another cracker spread
What Recipes Can I Use Ricotta Cheese In?
If you are looking for the best Ricotta Cheese Recipes, you can find a list below that I’ve gathered up! With everything from an easy one-pot pasta to yummy pancakes, you will surely find some ricotta recipes that you can use!
Creamy One Pot Pasta
This recipe incorporates multiple classic Italian flavors such as basil, lemon, and ricotta. Best of all, it’s a one-pot ricotta meal that can be ready in 20 minutes.
Creamy Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta
Here we have a pasta that is made with a creamy ricotta-based sauce. It also features zucchini and tomatoes.
Asparagus Ricotta Ravioli
Handmade ravioli is delicious, and easier to make than it seems. This one stars asparagus and ricotta cheese.
Casarecce Pasta Recipe
Casarecce pasta is a noodle that is sort of rolled up. Cooked al dente with squash, tomatoes, and a creamy ricotta sauce, this is a filling vegetarian dish.
Ricotta Ice Cream
This is a simple ice cream recipe that can be made without a special ice cream maker with just 4 ingredients.
Skillet Spinach Lasagna
Homemade lasagna sounds like a great idea, until one actually tries to build a lasagna. This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese incorporates spinach and lasagna noodles with the ricotta, but without all the effort of the classic dish.
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Another alternative lasagna recipe, here we have zucchini with ricotta and basil. The zucchini roll ups are baked in pasta sauce for a really unique dish.
Lasagna Soup
This is a lasagna soup recipe. Bringing in ricotta, noodles, and a bunch of ingredients most people have laying around, it’s very easy to make.
Lasagna Dip
Does lasagna dip sound like an amazing idea? Then try this easy-to-make dip, and sub in italian sausage if ground beef is a dietary concern.
Vegan Lasagna
Here we have a vegan lasagna. How is that possible? Almond ricotta makes it vegan, without sacrificing taste.
Baked Ricotta
Featuring highly flavorful lentils with ricotta and tomatoes, this is a great-tasting dish. And Baked Ricotta can be in the oven in five minutes.
Baked Tortellini Casserole
Baked casseroles are great. Minimal prep and satisfying flavors of ricotta and marinara result in something that is totally delicious.
Baked Ziti Alfredo
Baked ziti alfredo is pure comfort food. Ricotta blends with mozzarella and parmesan for a cheesy blast of goodness.
Asparagus Omelette
Ricotta cheese graces this asparagus omelet. Fresh veggies and a light omelet make for a fantastic breakfast.
Whipped Ricotta and Lemon Stuffed Crepes
Ricotta isn’t just for casseroles and pasta dishes. It also goes well with sweeter items, such as in this whipped ricotta and lemon stuffed crepes recipe.
Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
Another sweet application for ricotta is with these blueberry pancakes. Along with the blueberries, they bring in lemon and just a little maple syrup on top to finish things off.
Ricotta Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins
These chocolate chip banana muffins are super rich and decadent. The secret; ricotta adds a richness that is unparalleled. These ricotta muffins won’t last one at the breakfast table.
Garlic and Herb Whipped Ricotta Dip
A good cheese-based dip is always a treat. This one combines ricotta with garlic as well as some other seasonings.
Ricotta Dip with Roasted Grapes
Ricotta dip pairs nicely with roasted grapes for a unique taste. Spread it on toasted baguette slices, or, just on regular toast for a great snack.
Cannoli Dip
Cannoli is a classic Italian dessert, typically stuffed into a dough shells. Made with ricotta, this gluten-free dip is served with waffle cones for ease of preparation.
Honey Ricotta Toast with Pistachios
Ricotta toast with honey and other toppings makes for a delightful snack. Quick and easy to prepare, this is a light and healthful treat.
Puff Pastry Zucchini Tart
Puff pastry, zucchini and ricotta, plus the perfect seasonings make this quick, easy tart a go-to selection. Perfect to whip up for a party, or just when a meal isn’t readily available.
Berry and Ricotta Bruschetta
This simple, bright bruschetta makes for a great, fruity snack. Apply to toasted baguettes or french bread slices.
Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza
This sweet, salty pizza is garnished with a bunch of fancy-sounding, but easily obtained ingredients. The ricotta pizza can be ready in less than a half-hour and makes for a great meal.
Calzone
A good calzone is a truly filling, satisfying meal. This one incorporates beef, mushrooms, ricotta, and several other ingredients.
2 Ingredient Dough White Pizza
The toughest part of making homemade pizza is the dough. This recipe simplifies things by only using two ingredients.
Keto Lemon Blueberry Bread
Lemon blueberry bread is a light, sweet treat. Adding ricotta into the mix along with lemon zest and other bright flavors keeps the bread moist and fluffy.
Raspberry Almond Ricotta Parfaits
Ricotta pairs with raspberry and almond for a rich, tasty dessert. Plus it’s so easy to make, it can be ready in minutes. If you are looking for easy ricotta dessert recipes, then definitely check this one out.
Crustless Ricotta Cheesecake
What is better than a cheesecake? A super-simple, crustless ricotta cake, obviously. Substituting ricotta for cream cheese makes it lighter and fluffier.
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Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple life since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to the 100-acre farm and ministry on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.
This post with Recipes that Use Ricotta Cheese was originally posted on Little House Living in February 2023.
