Pleasingly, if you’re a fan of fresh, creamy cheese, it’s time to get familiar with some amazing ricotta cheese recipes. Ricotta is a mild and versatile ingredient that’s not only essential for Italian cuisine but also surprisingly easy to make – just head to your local grocery store to pick up a container. What’s more, its adaptability allows it to shine in both appetizers and desserts, taking dishes to new heights.
Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, the 25 ricotta recipes below are sure to satisfy your cravings.
And now…the best ricotta cheese recipes!
Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Experience the simplicity of making ricotta at home, where the process is incredibly easy and accessible even for beginners. To get started, you’ll need just four key ingredients, which will yield a batch of homemade ricotta in approximately 1.5 hours. It’s essential to use high-quality ingredients, as this significantly impacts the flavor profile of your fresh ricotta.
By investing in superior ingredients, you can elevate the taste of your homemade ricotta beyond that of store-bought alternatives.
Barilla Lasagna
Yellowing pages of old Italian cookbooks often feature lasagna recipes that are the epitome of comfort food. At its core, a classic lasagna is about layers – rich flavors and textures melded together in perfect harmony. Barilla’s version, with its signature marinara sauce and savory Italian sausage, is a masterclass in this balance.
Between sheets of Barilla’s wavy lasagna noodles, the ingredients are carefully arranged: Barilla’s marinara sauce, perfectly seasoned to bring out the natural flavors of the other components; Italian sausage, adding a meaty depth that’s hard to resist; and three types of cheese – ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan – each bringing its unique qualities to the table. While personal preferences may dictate different cheeses, these Italian staples have stood the test of time for a reason.
Summer Salad With Herbed Ricotta
Lush gardens are often associated with abundance, but for those seeking a light reprieve from the heat, there’s no better option than a vibrant summer salad. Herbed ricotta adds a tangy touch to ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced red onion, cucumbers, and crunchy radishes, all perfectly balanced by the subtle kick of chopped serrano peppers. To elevate this dish further, don’t forget to salt your tomatoes before serving, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through.
As the seasons change and summer’s warmth takes hold, this salad is sure to become a staple in any garden-to-table repertoire, satisfying even the most discerning palate after just one bite.
Tomato, Basil, and Ricotta Pizza
Join the ranks of pizza enthusiasts who swear by the simple yet divine combination of ricotta cheese and fresh tomato sauce on a crispy crust. Just like its margherita counterpart, this tomato basil pizza showcases the creamy texture of ricotta in all its glory. Unlike mozzarella, which can sometimes be overpowering, ricotta adds a subtler depth to the flavors without sacrificing any of the richness.
To really make this pizza stand out, I recommend taking the time to create your own dough from scratch – it may seem like a hassle, but trust me, the effort is well worth it. However, if you’re short on time or don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, store-bought will still yield impressive results.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Just like many people, I have a weakness for indulgent pasta dishes. Each jumbo shell is bursting at the seams with a rich and creamy cheese filling that’s impossible to resist. To create this decadent dish, start by quickly sautéing some spinach with garlic until it’s tender and fragrant. Then, mix it with skim-milk ricotta, parmesan, basil, and an egg for added texture and binding properties.
Next, stuff those giant shells generously with the cheese filling until they’re overflowing and bake them in the oven until they start to brown slightly. Be prepared for a night of happy memories, because everyone will likely leave the table with clean plates, eager for seconds.
Crustless Sausage, Kale, and Ricotta Quiche
Packed with the flavors of Sunday brunch, this delicious recipe is sure to become a new favorite! A crustless quiche filled with savory turkey sausage, fresh kale, sharp pecorino cheese, and creamy ricotta cheese has all the makings of a perfect weekend dish. Unlike its Italian cousin, the frittata, this quiche boasts a richer, more custardy egg texture due to its longer baking time.
Kale, Mushroom, and Ricotta Calzones
Delight in the world of pizza turnovers, where savory ingredients come together in perfect harmony. A calzone is essentially a folded piece of dough filled with an assortment of flavors, and ricotta cheese is often at its core. This particular recipe showcases a combination of mushrooms, kale, basil, parmesan, and ricotta, all held together by an easy-to-make marinara sauce for dipping.
If you’re looking to take your calzone game to the next level, consider adding some pepperoni slices or Italian sausage for an extra boost of flavor. Alternatively, you could opt for mozzarella as a substitute – it’s a surprisingly great addition. For those curious about the differences between calzones and strombolis, be sure to check out my previous post for a comprehensive rundown.
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Creating a show-stopping appetizer has never been easier than whipping up a batch of whipped ricotta crostinis. Crafted with perfectly toasted baguette slices and topped with an abundance of heavenly whipped ricotta, these bite-sized treats are sure to delight both you and your guests.
Customize them to suit any occasion by keeping things simple and letting the creamy ricotta take center stage or add a touch of elegance with caramelized onions, roasted eggplant, or homemade jelly for a truly indulgent experience.
Roasted Garlic Baked Ricotta
Making a few adjustments to your snack routine can be just what you need to take it to the next level. Try switching from traditional dips to a rich and indulgent baked ricotta dish that’s bursting with flavor. This particular recipe stands out for its generous helping of creamy ricotta cheese, which is complemented by an abundance of roasted garlic – two entire heads are used in this dip, ensuring each bite packs a punch of savory goodness.
While some may be concerned about the pungency of garlic, rest assured that it’s completely overpowered by the cheesy undertones and won’t linger after just one taste.
Honey Ricotta Dip With Pistachio and Apricot
Kickstarting your holiday gatherings with a deliciously unique dip is key, and this ricotta dip fits the bill perfectly. Its irresistible combination of crunchy textures, creamy smoothness, and just the right amount of sweetness is sure to impress your guests. The harmonious union of mild ricotta cheese and rich cream cheese creates a flavor profile that’s simply divine.
Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip
Take your taste buds on a delightful journey with this comforting ricotta dip recipe. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and features an abundance of creamy ricotta cheese as its main attraction.
Simply combine ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped fresh rosemary in a casserole dish, then pop it into the oven to bake until golden brown. That’s the basic formula for this mouth-watering dip.
Needless to say, when made with love, mom’s version remains unbeatable!
5-Ingredient Ricotta Cheese Balls
Understanding that parties require meticulous planning is crucial to their success, which is why I’m so enthusiastic about introducing you to this crowd-pleasing dish. These tantalizing cheese balls are more than just an easy option; they only demand five ingredients to create and can be prepped in advance for added convenience.
The end result is a delightful Italian appetizer that boasts a satisfying crunch on the outside and oozes with creamy ricotta goodness on the inside, making it a surefire hit at any gathering.
Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta
Elevate your Italian-inspired gatherings with this unique twist on bruschetta. Typically, this popular appetizer showcases ripe tomatoes, but in this version, creamy ricotta takes center stage, paired with a burst of citrus from lemon zest and the sweetness of honey. The harmonious balance of flavors is further enhanced by the subtle aroma of fresh basil. Whether you serve it as an antipasto or a post-dinner treat, this sweet and savory combination is sure to delight.
White Pizza Grilled Cheese
Making mouths water with the mention of pizza and grilled cheese is a given, but let’s dive deeper into what makes this recipe truly special. Here’s the thing: it takes all the flavors you adore about white pizzas – think gooey melted cheese, savory sauce, and a hint of herbs – and transforms them into an entirely new culinary experience within the confines of two perfectly grilled slices of bread.
The outcome is nothing short of the best grilled cheese you’ve ever had, with each bite delivering an explosion of creamy ricotta that’s simply divine. Don’t even think about skimping on this essential ingredient; after all, it’s what elevates this humble sandwich to new heights.
Ricotta Cheesecake With Fresh Raspberries
Savoring every bite of this cheesecake is a true delight, and it’s all thanks to the star ingredient: ricotta. Its creamy texture, combined with cream cheese, creates a smooth and indulgent filling that will leave you wanting more. Meanwhile, the sweet raspberry topping adds a burst of flavor and color, making each bite a sensory experience.
This decadent dessert may require a bit of effort, but trust us, it’s well worth the time and patience, as every rich and creamy spoonful is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Italian Ricotta Cookies
Delighting your taste buds with traditional Italian flavors, these cookies are a true gem. Their rich, buttery taste is perfectly balanced by the tang of citrus, while the creamy ricotta cheese adds an extra layer of depth. The cookies’ unique texture is almost cake-like, providing a wonderful base for the sweet vanilla glaze that’s drizzled on top.
This Christmas, do things the Italian way and whip up a batch or two – you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear come Christmas night, leaving not a single crumb behind.
Ricotta Meatball Soup
Vying for the title of coziest comfort food, this rich Italian soup takes the crown with its hearty and satisfying ingredients. Mini-lasagna noodles are submerged in a decadent beef broth that’s bursting with flavor, accompanied by tender meatballs that add an extra layer of depth to each spoonful. The meatballs themselves are a masterclass in Italian flavors, combining ricotta cheese with sweet Italian sausage, salty prosciutto, and nutty parmesan for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
20-Minute Ricotta Gnocchi
Among the various Italian dishes, gnocchi stand out with their distinctively chewy texture. The versatility of this classic dish allows it to be served in multiple ways, but I strongly suggest giving this recipe a try. To start, mix together eggs, flour, parmesan, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Once the dough comes together, roll out each portion, slice into squares, and cook until they begin to float on the surface of boiling water.
When it comes time to serve, consider pairing your gnocchi with either a rich marinara sauce for added depth or a light pesto sauce for a refreshing contrast.
Baked Eggplant Rollatini
Culinary creativity knows no bounds, and one innovative twist on an Italian classic is eggplant rollatini, which tantalizes taste buds with its delectable flavors without the carb-heavy baggage of traditional eggplant parmesan. Rather than layering slices of eggplant like a lasagna, this recipe elevates the experience by rolling them up with a creamy ricotta filling that adds a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
But wait, there’s more – all that cheesy, meaty goodness gets smothered in a rich, velvety marinara sauce that ties the entire dish together perfectly.
Italian Ricotta Parmesan Bread
Making a freshly baked loaf of Italian bread is one of my greatest pleasures in life, and it’s even more delightful when ricotta is added to give it an exceptionally soft and airy texture. Not only does this addition elevate the flavor profile, but it also makes the bread more versatile for various uses.
I highly recommend baking this bread in a Dutch oven to achieve the perfect crumb, which will then make it ideal for creating sensational French toast or fabulous goat cheese and vegetable sandwiches. However, its incredible taste is so enticing that I often find myself devouring it straight from the oven, without any hesitation!
Lemon Ricotta Cake
Delighting in its soft texture and subtle sweetness, this plush ricotta cake is an absolute treat for the senses. The infusion of fresh lemon zest not only adds a refreshing twist but also provides a perfect balance to the richness of the ricotta. Furthermore, the macerated strawberries add a luscious touch, elevating the entire experience to new heights and making each bite a delightful surprise.
Manicotti
Honoring its Italian heritage, manicotti is a long tube-shaped pasta that lends itself perfectly to rich and savory fillings. When preparing this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to master the art of stuffing pasta with delicious ingredients. To create the filling, combine three types of cheese – ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan – with brown Italian sausage and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added depth of flavor.
While it may be tempting to substitute the cheese with whatever you have on hand, I highly recommend sticking with this tried-and-true combination, as it provides a harmonious balance that elevates the dish.
Sweet Cream Ricotta Pancakes
Zeroing in on what makes these pancakes truly special, it’s the combination of ricotta and buttermilk that sets them apart from your average breakfast fare. The creamy texture provided by the ricotta is perfectly balanced by the tender touch added by the buttermilk, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. When paired with a drizzle of berry maple syrup, the result is nothing short of exceptional.
So go ahead, stack those pancakes high and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable breakfast experience.
5-Ingredient Cannolis
Baked Ricotta Chicken
Yearning for a new chicken dish to shake up your culinary routine? You might enjoy trying baked ricotta chicken. This recipe features tender chicken breasts that are immersed in a tangy Italian dressing before being topped with a creamy ricotta mixture and baked to perfection. Don’t forget to add some diced tomatoes to balance out the flavors, making it a well-rounded dish.
For an authentic Italian-inspired meal, consider pairing this with garlic bread and a fresh Italian salad for a satisfying and filling experience.
