Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from whey left over from cheesemaking. It has a creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor that makes it versatile for both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some of the best things to serve with ricotta cheese.
Savory Dishes to Serve with Ricotta
Pizza
Ricotta is a classic pizza topping. The soft, creamy cheese pairs perfectly with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Try spreading a layer of ricotta over the sauce and topping it with fresh basil for a delicious margherita pizza. Ricotta also works well in white pizza with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. You can even mix ricotta with eggs for a breakfast pizza topping.
Stuffed Pasta
One of the most popular ways to eat ricotta is stuffed into pasta shells, manicotti, or ravioli. Mix ricotta with parmesan, garlic, spinach, and seasonings, then stuff into your favorite pasta shape before baking. The creamy cheese filling takes these stuffed pastas to the next level.
Lasagna and Baked Pasta
For hearty baked pasta dishes like lasagna, ricotta adds texture and flavor between the layers of pasta and sauce. Combining it with mozzarella and parmesan results in an extra creamy, cheesy lasagna. Ricotta also bakes up nicely in casseroles, pasticcio, baked ziti, and macaroni and cheese.
Bruschetta
Ricotta is an easy topper for bruschetta. Spread it over grilled bread and top with tomato, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Its creamy texture balances out the crunch of the toasted bread.
Dips
Whip up an easy creamy dip by blending ricotta, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. It’s delicious served with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Ricotta also works well in place of mayo or sour cream in dips like spinach artichoke dip.
Spreads
Use ricotta as a spread on sandwiches or flatbreads. Try mixing in pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions to liven it up. Ricotta also makes a great base for olive tapenade or fig jam.
Quiche, Frittatas, and Omelets
The light texture of ricotta is perfect for fluffy egg dishes. Add it to the filling for quiche, frittata, or omelets along with vegetables, meat, or other cheeses. Eggs and ricotta are a classic Italian combination.
Salads
Ricotta salads are popular in Italian cuisine. The most well-known is insalata caprese, which features ricotta, sliced tomatoes, and basil. But you can also add ricotta crumbles or dollops to any salad for added creamy texture. Try mixing it into pasta, grain, veggie, or fruit salads.
Gnocchi
In Italy, ricotta is used to make light, fluffy gnocchi dumplings. Combine it with flour, egg, nutmeg, and seasoning to make the dough. Then boil and sauce the gnocchi however you like. The ricotta gives them an airy quality.
Soups and Stews
Stir dollops of ricotta into hearty soups and stews right before serving. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the warm broth is delicious. Italian egg drop soup with ricotta is one traditional example.
Sweet Dishes to Serve with Ricotta
Cheesecake
Ricotta is the star ingredient in traditional Italian cheesecakes like ricotta cake or cassata cake. The soft, creamy cheese creates a lighter, more delicate texture than cream cheese. Top it off with fresh fruit or chocolate sauce.
Pancakes or Waffles
For tender ricotta pancakes or waffles, simply fold the cheese into the batter before cooking. Top them off with maple syrup or fresh fruit compote. Whole eggs and ricotta also make fluffier pancakes and waffles versus regular buttermilk versions.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Butter, melted | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cannoli
What would cannoli be without the ricotta filling? The best cannolis feature a lightly sweetened ricotta cream inside a crisp pastry shell. Consider mixing in pistachios, chocolate chips, orange zest, or other flavorings.
Mousse
For an easy dessert, whip ricotta into a sweet mousse. Fold in sugar or honey and flavors like vanilla, cocoa powder, citrus zest, or coffee. Top with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings before serving.
Shortcake
Ricotta adds moisture to shortcake biscuits or scones. Fill them with sweetened ricotta cream and fresh fruit for dessert. Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and apricots all make delicious partners.
Custard
Baked ricotta custards have a delicate, creamy texture. Try mixing ricotta, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then baking in a water bath until just set. Dust the custards with cinnamon or garnish with fresh berries.
Cookies
Incorporate ricotta into cookie dough for softness. Ricotta chocolate chip, lemon ricotta, and ricotta spice cookies are just a few options. The cheese helps retain moisture in baked cookies.
Conclusion
With its creamy, mild flavor and soft texture, ricotta can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. On the savory side, try stuffed pastas, pizza, bruschetta, dips, or baked casseroles. For dessert, ricotta shines in cheesecake, pancakes, cannoli, mousse, or as a filling for cakes, cookies, and pastries. Whether you’re planning an Italian feast or just want to use up that container of ricotta in the fridge, there are endless delicious ways to enjoy it.