Patrick Oconnell
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including pizza. While it is commonly associated with lasagna and other pasta dishes, ricotta cheese can also be a delicious topping for pizza. Its mild, creamy flavour and texture make it a perfect addition to balance out stronger flavours and ingredients. When used on pizza, ricotta adds a creamy texture and a subtle cheesy taste that complements a variety of toppings and sauces. It is especially popular in white pizzas, where it serves as a base, and is often paired with spinach, garlic, herbs, and other cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese on pizza | Yes |
| Best time to add ricotta cheese to pizza | Before baking |
| Other ingredients | Spinach, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, Italian sausage, chicken breast, anchovies, fontina, parmigiana reggianno, broccoli, grilled chicken, black olives, caramelized onions, sage, pepperoni, chives, artichoke, asparagus, green garlic, nutmeg, parmesan, oregano, pepper, egg yolk, chili oil, parsley, basil, feta, goat cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta is best added before baking
Ricotta is a mild, creamy cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it a great choice for pizza. It is best added before baking the pizza so that it can warm through and become ultra-soft and creamy. To prepare a pizza with ricotta, start by making your pizza dough. You can use a simple recipe for rustic pizza dough or opt for a whole wheat pizza dough if you prefer. Preheat your oven with a pizza stone inside to 500°F or as high as it will go.
Once your oven is preheated, form your pizza pies and brush each one with a thin layer of olive oil, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the olive oil, then add your desired amount of ricotta. You can spread the ricotta as a base or add dollops of it on top of the pizza. If you're using other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina, add them now. Bake the pizza for 3-4 minutes, then carefully add any other toppings you'd like, such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, or meat.
Bake the pizza for an additional 5-18 minutes, depending on your desired doneness level, rotating the pizza halfway through. If you want to add some extra flavor to your ricotta, you can blend it with an egg, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, or nutmeg. You can also make a white pizza sauce by crushing garlic cloves and beating an egg into the ricotta. This makes the sauce less dense and more flavorful.
If you're using a pizza oven, you may not need to broil the pizza, but if you're using a conventional oven, you can broil the pizza for about 30 seconds at the end to give it a final touch. Once your pizza is cooked to your liking, top it with some freshly cracked black pepper, shaved parmesan, or other herbs and spices.
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Ricotta spinach pizza
To make the pizza, start by making the rustic pizza dough. Smash some garlic cloves and add them to a skillet with olive oil. Roast the garlic on a medium-low flame until golden. Then, add the spinach and a pinch of sea salt, and cook until wilted. Next, make the ricotta mixture by combining ricotta cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt in a food processor.
Roll out the pizza dough and brush it with a thin layer of olive oil. Sprinkle some parmigiana region cheese on top. Bake the pizza dough in the oven on the pizza stone for 3-4 minutes. After removing the pizza from the oven, spoon the ricotta mixture over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
Once the pizza is out of the oven, top it with the sautéed spinach, roasted garlic cloves, and shaved parmigiana reggianno. Serve the pizza with freshly cracked black pepper. If desired, you can put the pizza under the broiler flames for about 30 seconds to create a crispy crust.
This ricotta spinach pizza is a unique and tasty twist on a traditional pizza. It is a great option for those who want to try something new and enjoy the combination of creamy ricotta and healthy spinach.
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Flavour combinations with ricotta
Ricotta is a soft, delicately sweet, and mildly creamy cheese that is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Its texture and flavour profile make it a great supporting player in a dish, balancing more robust flavours or lending a creamy texture without adding too much moisture or heft.
Savoury Combinations:
- Spinach and Ricotta is a classic combination that works in various dishes, including pizza, pasta, and lasagna. The creamy ricotta balances out the iron-rich spinach, making for a delicious and nutritious duo.
- Ricotta and Tomato: Ricotta pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes, especially sun-dried or oven-roasted ones. This combination is a staple in Italian cuisine and can be used in pizzas, bruschetta, or pasta sauces.
- Ricotta, Corn, and Scallions: A simple yet tasty combination, ricotta, sweet corn, and scallions (green onions) can be used as a topping for toast or as a filling for tacos or quesadillas.
- Ricotta and Pesto: The creamy texture of ricotta complements the herby, nutty flavour of pesto. This combination can be used in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
- Ricotta, Lemon, and Thyme: A refreshing and elegant combination, ricotta with lemon and thyme can be used in tarts, ravioli fillings, or as a spread for crackers or crostini.
Sweet Combinations:
- Ricotta and Honey: Drizzle honey over ricotta for a simple yet indulgent dessert. This combination is often paired with fruits like grilled peaches, strawberries, or pears for added sweetness and texture.
- Ricotta and Chocolate: A match made in dessert heaven, ricotta and chocolate can be combined in various ways, such as cannoli, waffles, or ice cream. Adding mini chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or Nutella to ricotta creates a sweet and indulgent treat.
- Ricotta and Fruits: Besides grilled peaches and strawberries, ricotta also pairs well with watermelon, avocado, and raspberries. These combinations can be used in salads, parfaits, or even savoury dishes like bruschetta or crostini.
Whether used in a savoury or sweet context, ricotta's mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavours of other ingredients in a dish.
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Whipped ricotta
To make whipped ricotta, you will need ricotta cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt. Place these ingredients in a food processor and process until light and smooth, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. You can then transfer it to a serving bowl and top it with a drizzle of honey, olive oil, and a sprinkle of lemon zest, thyme, and flaky sea salt.
Some variations and additions to the basic whipped ricotta recipe include using whole milk ricotta, adding honey and pistachios, or including herbs like thyme, chives, chopped parsley, or fresh mint. You can also add roasted tomatoes, pickled radishes, or a sprinkle of za'atar.
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Ricotta as a pizza topping
Ricotta is a mild, creamy cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it a great choice for pizza. It pairs well with other Italian ingredients like garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and olive oil. When used as a pizza topping, ricotta adds a creamy texture and subtle flavour that complements stronger toppings like meat or vegetables.
One popular recipe for a ricotta pizza includes spinach, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella. The spinach adds colour, nutrition, and a fabulous taste when paired with ricotta. The sun-dried tomatoes can be oil-packed or dry-packed. If using oil-packed tomatoes, be sure to drain and blot them dry before adding to the pizza to remove excess oil. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for 5-10 minutes before placing them on the pizza.
Another option is to make a white pizza with ricotta, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, and crispy sage leaves. This pizza has a light and healthy feel to it, and the ricotta serves as the perfect base. To make this pizza, start by caramelizing the onions in butter over low heat until golden. Then, spread a light layer of whipped ricotta onto your pizza dough, tear up pieces of mozzarella and place them on the pizza, add the onions, and finish with the sage and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake for about 18 minutes, rotating the pizza halfway through, until the crust is golden.
If you want a warm and creamy ricotta pizza, it is best to add the ricotta before baking. However, ricotta can also be added after the pizza is cooked. If you want to add meat to your ricotta pizza, try adding grilled chicken breast or Italian sausage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ricotta is good on pizza. It is mild, creamy, and holds its shape when heated, making it perfect for spreading or dolloping over pizza crust.
Ricotta is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a wide range of Italian ingredients, including garlic, herbs, spinach, and olive oil. Some specific topping combinations that go well with ricotta include:
- Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil, and mozzarella
- Spinach, basil, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Caramelized onions, mozzarella, and sage
- Roasted garlic, spinach, and fontina
- Pepperoni, caramelized onion, spinach, and chives
- Grilled chicken, broccoli, and black olives
While ricotta can technically be put on pizza before or after baking, it is best to add it before baking if you want the ricotta to be warm and creamy.
