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    Home » Italy » What To Eat With Ricotta Cheese

    What To Eat With Ricotta Cheese

    Published on Jan 9, 2023 Modified: Jan 7, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Ricotta is a fresh, creamy cheese that is perfect for pasta, desserts or enjoying on its own. If you are having trouble deciding what to eat with homemade ricotta, here are 30 of my favorite suggestions!

    Bowl of homemade ricotta cheese.

    Ricotta cheese is a delicious, creamy, fresh cheese that has a subtle flavor perfect for just about any dish, savory or sweet. It’s also surprisingly easy to make at home and enjoy fresh! 

    The only bad news about making your own fresh ricotta cheese is once you make it (and fall in love with it), you then have to make the difficult decision of how to use it all. You could eat it alone with a spoon, topped with honey and fresh fruit, bake it into a cake or even mix it into some pancakes. 

    If you’ve come here looking for some inspiration and a great way to avoid (or encourage?) eating it all in one sitting, you are in the right place. Whether you are looking for great pasta dishes or preparing for a dinner party, I adore the creamy, delicious flavor of ricotta cheese and have several suggestions of how to make the most of any leftover ricotta.

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Ricotta Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Eat with Ricotta:
    • Recipe to Make Using your Ricotta
    • Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • Air Fryer Pita Chips
    • Berry Granita with Whipped Ricotta
    • Hot Honey
    • Sicilian Ricotta Pasta
    • Gluten-Free Savory Crepes Recipe
    • Gluten-Free Seed Bread
    • Homemade Cannoli with Campari Flavoured Filling
    • Orange Cardamom Whipped Ricotta Bowls with Roasted Pears
    • Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles with Spinach and Ricotta
    • Spaghetti Pesto
    • Ricotta Honey Toast
    • Banana Bread with Ricotta
    • Banana Ricotta Muffins
    • Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Red Pepper Sauce
    • Ricotta Bake
    • Savoury Ricotta Muffins
    • High-Protein Ricotta Pancakes
    • Classic Italian Meatballs
    • Soft Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta
    • Tuna Ricotta Frittata
    • Italian Ricotta, Raisin and Chocolate Doughnuts
    • Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce
    • Smoked Salmon Crostini with Dill Ricotta
    • Asparagus Omelette with Ricotta
    • Healthy Mango Crepes with Maple-Lime Ricotta Filling
    • More FAQ’s About Cooking

    FAQs

    What is The Difference Between Ricotta Cheese and Cottage Cheese?

    Cottage cheese is often used as a substitute for ricotta in recipes because the two cheeses are very similar. But there are some key differences between the two when it comes to the texture and flavor. While both are soft and white, cottage cheese uses more salt than ricotta cheese to create a stronger flavor. 

    Ricotta has a slightly sweeter, mild flavor with smaller curds that create a more grainy texture. Ricotta cheese is slightly drier than cottage cheese, though both are soft enough to eat with a spoon. Ricotta tends to have more fat and calories than cottage cheese but it is much better for baking purposes. 

    What Milk Should I Use to Make Ricotta?

    Traditionally ricotta cheese is made with cow’s milk but you can use goat’s milk or almost any milk as a substitute. Of course the higher fat in the milk, the creamier your cheese will end up. See my suggestions below for a vegan ricotta cheese recipe.

    How Long Can I Store Homemade Ricotta?

    Homemade ricotta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. Ricotta is not a cheese that needs to age, and if it sits too long it will spoil. You can also freeze ricotta, but be aware that the texture may change when it is thawed and it may not work as well for some recipes.

    Is Ricotta Cheese Healthy?

    Ricotta cheese is considered a healthy cheese because it doesn’t contain much salt. When you make it at home it’s made with simple ingredients like milk, white vinegar or lemon juice and it’s always nice to know exactly what is going into your food.

    What Can I Use to Substitute Ricotta Cheese?

    If you are not a fan of ricotta cheese, there are several popular substitutions. Which you choose will depend on the recipe you are making. 

    Cottage cheese and cream cheese are the most popular substitutions, but in some cases, sour cream will also work. Before using any of these, you should consult your recipe, which may list suggestions.

    How Do You Make Ricotta Cheese Less Runny?

    If you have made your own ricotta cheese at home and it turned out too runny, try to release more liquid. Place the cheese inside a cheese cloth and place your cheese cloth inside a strainer. Apply some pressure to the cloth to release some of the liquid. 

    Make sure as you do this that the liquid has somewhere to go and isn’t just sitting in the bottom of your strainer. Do not set the strainer inside a bowl that traps the liquid.

    What Can I Do With Leftover Whey?

    If you are making ricotta at home, the excess water that escapes from your cheese is called whey. It has plenty of protein and is great to use in smoothies or as a replacement for the water in bread or pizza dough. If you managed to save some, put it to good use!

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    Favorite Ricotta Recipes

    1. This Homemade Ricotta cheese is surprisingly easy to make and is one of the best ricotta cheese recipes
    2. If you are looking for a vegan alternative, try this Vegan Ricotta Cheese recipe from The Plant Based School. 
    3. Whipped Ricotta made in a food processor makes an excellent dip. Try this whipped ricotta from Fork in the Kitchen.

    Expert Tips

    Homemade ricotta sitting in cheesecloth with a strainer below it.
    • The temperature of your ricotta cheese is very important. Use a thermometer to make sure it reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. Any hotter and it may burn. 
    • The more fat in the milk you use, the creamier your cheese will be. I’ve seen recipes for ricotta that call for cream, but whole milk and even 2% will work just fine. Do not use 1% milk or skim milk as these do not have enough fat. You also do not want to use Ultra-Pasteurized milk as the texture will not turn out right.
    • You can control the consistency of your cheese by straining it more or less. For softer cheese, let it strain for less time. If you want drier cheese, let it strain for longer and apply some pressure. If you want to use ricotta or baking, you may need to let it dry out a little more. Softer cheese may be better for pasta or pizza.
    • Ricotta toast is an amazing treat to try. Just spread some creamy ricotta cheese on a piece of toast and top it with your favorite toppings. You can make it savory with herbs, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil or sweet with honey, fruit and nuts.
    • You can make ricotta cheese on the stove top or in an instant pot. Just monitor the heat carefully! 
    • You can reuse cheesecloth several times. Just rinse it out with a little bit of bleach and let it air dry. 

    What to Eat with Ricotta:

    Entrees: Manicotti, pizza, ricotta toast, Stuffed Shells, Shrimp and Ricotta Pasta Bake, lasagna, ravioli, pancakes, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, casseroles

    Appetizers: Charcuterie board, drizzle your ricotta with olive oil and cracked pepper and spread it on crackers, add fruit and honey to your ricotta, baked ricotta dip, whipped ricotta dip, 

    Sweet dishes: Cannoli, cake, cookies, tart, Sicilian ricotta pie, ricotta mouse, cheesecake

    Toppings for Ricotta Toast: chocolate chips, fresh basil, maple syrup, red onion, peanut butter, red pepper flakes, arugula

    Recipe to Make Using your Ricotta

    A close up of noodles, zucchini, ricotta cheese, basil, pesto, and shrimp.
    This pasta bake is perfect for using up all of the fresh summer vegetables in your garden or at the farmer’s market, including basil pesto, zucchini, and asparagus. Add some pasta, cheese, and shrimp and you have a complete and delicious meal!
    Read More
    Lemon Ricotta Pasta topped with basil and pistachios next to a striped serving towel.
    This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta comes together in just one pot and 25 minutes. It beautifully blends the flavors of lemon, ricotta, pistachios, basil, and pasta.
    Read More
    Three stuffed shells on a plate, sprinkled with parmesan cheese and topped with parsley.
    Stuffed Shells are a family favorite in our house, and it’s no secret why! Creamy ricotta, sauteed spinach, gooey mozzarella… all stuffed into pasta. Plus, it’s made in the Instant Pot! This recipe for Easy Stuffed Shells will make your next dinner so much easier.
    Read More

    Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Blackberry balsamic vinaigrette in a small glass jar with a spoonful of it falling off the spoon.
    w

    Spread creamy ricotta on a crostini with a drizzle of homemade blackberry balsamic vinaigrette (from Love From the Table) for a delicious and simple appetizer.

    Read More

    Air Fryer Pita Chips

    Air fryer pita chips on a platter with a small bowl of hummus and a small bowl of ricotta cheese.

    Top creamy ricotta with a drizzle of honey and pistachios, and serve with homemade air fryer pita chips (from Love From the Table).

    Read More

    Berry Granita with Whipped Ricotta

    Two small dishes of berry granita with a dollop of ricotta over the top.

    This berry granita (from Champagne Tastes) is made with fresh or frozen berries and lavender simple syrup, and is served with whipped ricotta. No ice cream maker needed!

    Read More

    Hot Honey

    Small bowl of hot honey with chicken nuggets and onion rings on the plat with it.

    A drizzle of Hot Honey (from The Short Order Cook) with ricotta is simply amazing. Sweet, spicy, creamy, & savory all in one amazing bite.

    Read More

    Sicilian Ricotta Pasta

    Two plates of sicillian ricotta pasta with a fork tucked into each one.

    Pasta with ricotta (from The Pasta Project) is one of the simplest of Italian pasta recipes.  My Sicilian hubby says it was one of his favourite dishes when he was a child. In Southern Italy, ricotta with pasta is a popular go-to recipe when  mothers don’t know what to cook or haven’t had time for shopping. Kids love it! I’m sure you and your family will love these Sicilian ricotta pasta recipes too!

    Read More

    Gluten-Free Savory Crepes Recipe

    Homemade crepes with ricotta, mushrooms, garlic and spinach.

    This gluten-free savory crepes recipe (from Natasha’s Home) is a great healthy dinner idea for a Sunday evening! Mushrooms, fried with garlic and spinach, are mixed with creamy ricotta and seasoned with a good amount of salt, then wrapped into a delicious gluten-free savory crepe.

    Read More

    Gluten-Free Seed Bread

    Gluten free seed bread cut into slices.

    Try serving ricotta on seed bread (from Cinnamon + Kale), drizzled with honey for the perfect healthy breakfast!.

    Read More

    Homemade Cannoli with Campari Flavoured Filling

    Homemade cannoli with campari flavoured ricotta filling.

    There is no better way to use ricotta cheese than in a beautiful campari-flavoured cannoli filling (from Somebody Feed Seb)! Crispy and bubbly deep-fried pastry is one of the best things Sicilian cuisine can offer!

    Read More

    Orange Cardamom Whipped Ricotta Bowls with Roasted Pears

    Orange cardamom whipped ricotta with pears.

    These whipped ricotta bowls (from Running to the Kitchen) are infused with orange and cardamom flavor then topped with roasted pears and cranberry granola for a fall treat!

    Read More

    Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles with Spinach and Ricotta

    Garlicky butternut squash noodles with spinach and ricotta served over the top.

    These garlicky butternut squash noodles (from Running to the Kitchen) are tossed with wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and dollops of fresh ricotta and parmesan for a wintry, one-pan, comforting vegetarian meal. 

    Read More

    Spaghetti Pesto

    Spaghetti pesto with ricotta dollop.

    Tender spaghetti noodles coated in a flavorful basil pesto sauce and topped with a rich lemon ricotta cream (from I Heart Naptime). This spaghetti pesto is the perfect way to get a fresh taste of summer using winter ingredients during colder months!

    Read More

    Ricotta Honey Toast

    Ricotta honey toast with strawberry slices and nuts over it.

    This easy ricotta honey toast (from The Littlest Crumb) is a simple 5 minute breakfast or fancy appetizer. Crispy toast, with a spread of creamy ricotta topped with walnuts, sliced almonds, fresh strawberries and a drizzle of warm honey.

    Read More

    Banana Bread with Ricotta

    Banana bread with ricotta with a slice cut off the loaf.

    This banana bread with ricotta (from The Littlest Crumb) is the most delicious banana bread you will ever have! Made with ricotta, olive oil and ripe bananas for a rich, moist breakfast bread that you’ll eat right out of the oven.

    Read More

    Banana Ricotta Muffins

    Banana ricotta muffins sitting on a cooling rack.

    These banana ricotta muffins (from The Littlest Crumb) are a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack. They are made with ripe bananas, creamy ricotta and chocolate chips and then baked until the tops are golden.

    Read More

    Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Red Pepper Sauce

    Roasted cauliflower steak with red pepper sauce and dollops of ricotta cheese.

    This roasted cauliflower steak with sauce made from red peppers and garlic (from Hurry The Food Up), served with roast potatoes and ricotta, is straight up the best cauliflower steak recipe on the market.

    Read More

    Ricotta Bake

    Ricotta bake on a plate with roasted tomatoes and fresh basil.

    Some recipes just sing out to us. This ricotta bake (from Hurry The Food Up) is one of those recipes. It’s such a quick recipe – so quick it surprises me every time. Literally just FIVE MINUTES of throwing everything together and into the oven it goes.

    Read More

    Savoury Ricotta Muffins

    Ricotta muffins stacked on top of one another with pieces of black olives laying around it.

    If you’re looking for an easy on-the-go breakfast or snack idea, then this savoury ricotta muffins recipe (from Hurry The Food Up) is just what you need!

    Read More

    High-Protein Ricotta Pancakes

    High protein ricotta pancakes with aq dollop of jam on the side.

    High-protein ricotta pancakes (from Hurry The Food Up). Even just writing that sentence makes me happy. We love pancakes, and when they’re simple, tasty and packed with protein we love them even more.

    Read More

    Classic Italian Meatballs

    Italian meatballs on a plate with a tomato sauce poured over them with fresh basil leaves and a dollop of ricotta cheese.

    Serve this traditional Sicilian meatball recipe (using beef, pork, and veal) with a big dollop of ricotta on the side (from Coley Cooks)!

    Read More

    Soft Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta

    Soft scrambled eggs with ricotta on a plate with 2 pieces of toast.

    This easy recipe for Soft Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta (from Coley Cooks) only takes 10 minutes and 3 simple ingredients to prepare. They’re rich and creamy while also being delicate and light as a cloud.

    Read More

    Tuna Ricotta Frittata

    Slices of tuna ricotta frittata on a plate and a cake server pulling one away.

    Great for keto breakfast or lunch – and even dinner! – this tuna frittata (from Like Hot Keto) is creamy and custardy, filled with ricotta cheese and packed full of flavor with arugula and capers.

    Read More

    Italian Ricotta, Raisin and Chocolate Doughnuts

    Italian Ricotta, Raisin and Chocolate Doughnuts on a plate with a fork.

    Who doesn’t love light and airy, deep fried puffs of dough, especially when there’s chocolate, jam, cream or some sort of liqueur involved? Well, dear readers, I have another incredibly delicious doughnut recipe for you, and this one is made with ricotta, chocolate, and Grand Marnier soaked raisins! As you can see from the photos, they’re rather spectacular (from Christina’s Cucina).

    Read More

    Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce

    Ricotta dumplings in tomato sauce.

    Ricotta dumplings (from Christina’s Cucina) are a delicious meal for cheese lovers and vegetarians. Quick and simple enough for a weeknight meal, you’ll have these on a regular dinner rotation in no time.

    Read More

    Smoked Salmon Crostini with Dill Ricotta

    Smoked salmon crostini with whipped ricotta and fresh basil.

    This gluten free Smoked Salmon Crostini (from the Rustic Foodie) is an easy appetizer recipe! It’s made with lemon dill ricotta spread on toasted garlic baguette.

    Read More

    Asparagus Omelette with Ricotta

    Asparagus omelette with ricotta.

    Fresh spring asparagus, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked egg come together in 15 minutes to create a fantastic asparagus omelette (from Yummy Addiction). Enjoy the bite of crisp-tender asparagus while it’s in season as a fantastic, filling breakfast for one.

    Read More

    Healthy Mango Crepes with Maple-Lime Ricotta Filling

    Healthy mango crepes on a plate filled with maple-lime filling.

    Feeling bored with the usual breakfast and brunch options? Step up your morning with the classic tropical combination of mango and lime – in crepes (from Yummy Addiction). You’ll get your healthy whole grains and vitamin C, but you sure won’t be thinking about health while eating these tasty mango crepes.

    Read More
    Pinterest image of a collage of foods you can eat with ricotta cheese.

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