Patrick Oconnell
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a moist, fresh Italian cheese made from whey, a byproduct of the cheesemaking process. Ricotta is commonly used in Italian cuisine, featuring in dishes such as lasagna, manicotti, and cannoli. It can also be used in desserts such as cheesecakes, baked goods, and Italian gelato. When cooking with ricotta, it can be baked, spread, mixed with herbs or spices, or even frozen for later use.
How to cook ricotta cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking temperature | 375°F or 425°F |
| Baking time | 25 minutes |
| Baking dish | Small, oven-safe |
| Baking ingredients | Ricotta, parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, spices, olive oil, herbs |
| Serving suggestions | Warm or room temperature with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetables |
| Freezing | Freeze in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature |
| Toppings | Honey, pine nuts, basil, berries, nuts, jam, pesto, red peppers, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, herbs, olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
How to make ricotta cheese at home
Ricotta is a moist, fresh Italian cheese made from whey, a byproduct of the cheesemaking process. It is used in Italian cuisine in dishes like lasagna, manicotti, and in many desserts like cheesecakes and baked goods.
Ingredients
To make ricotta cheese at home, you will need milk, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and salt. You can use whole milk, preferably not ultra-pasteurized, and avoid using glassware when making this recipe. You will also need a heavy-bottomed pot, a thermometer, and a strainer or sieve.
Method
First, pour 3 quarts of whole milk into the pot and add ¼ cup of your chosen acid and ½ teaspoon of salt. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it bubble. If you have a thermometer, the ideal temperature range is 180–185°F, but a 10° variation in either direction will still yield good results. Maintain this temperature for about 25 minutes without stirring, as you want big fluffy curds, and stirring will break them up.
Once the time is up, you will be left with a pot of ricotta cheese. You can now serve it warm or let it cool and store it for later.
Serving Suggestions
Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be baked with herbs and served as an appetizer with bread, crackers, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for pizza, mixed with spinach and walnuts, or spread on toast with olive oil and salt.
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Ricotta cheese recipes for beginners
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some simple recipes for beginners to cook with ricotta cheese:
Baked Ricotta
This is an easy recipe that can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. To make baked ricotta, you will need ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, an egg, and spices of your choice. Simply beat the egg in a bowl, add the cheeses and spices, and beat until creamy and combined. Spoon the mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with a little extra parmesan, and bake. Drizzle with olive oil and serve warm or at room temperature with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
Sweet Ricotta
For a sweet treat, mix ricotta with a pinch of salt. Bake it and then drizzle with honey. Decorate with chopped nuts and fresh berries, and serve with vanilla sugar cookies. This dish is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also getting a good dose of protein and calcium.
Ricotta on Pizza
Ricotta cheese is a great topping for pizza. Simply spread it over your pizza base, and add your favourite toppings. For a unique flavour combination, try using butternut squash sauce, arugula, spinach, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. You can also add chicken or pieces of butternut squash for a heartier meal.
Ricotta with Roasted Vegetables
A simple yet delicious way to enjoy ricotta is to pair it with roasted vegetables. Try baking zucchini slices with spicy marinara sauce, shaved parmesan, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other vegetables like broccoli or roasted beets. Serve the roasted vegetables over a bed of ricotta for a tasty and creamy treat.
Ricotta in Lasagna
Ricotta cheese is a classic ingredient in lasagna. Mix ricotta with cooked spinach, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add Italian seasoning or herbs for extra flavour. Use this mixture as a layer in your lasagna, along with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and enjoy!
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Baked ricotta cheese recipes
Baked ricotta cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables. Here are some recipes to try:
Sicilian Baked Ricotta (Ricotta al Forno)
This recipe is a simple and traditional way to enjoy fresh ricotta. It involves draining and baking whole ricotta until a golden crust forms. You can then enjoy it as a sweet or savory dish by adding various toppings. For a savory option, serve it as antipasto with cured meats, olives, bread, other cheeses, and roasted vegetables. To make it sweet, place a wedge of baked ricotta on a slice of bread, drizzle honey over it, and add a dusting of cinnamon.
Baked Ricotta with Parmesan and Herbs
This recipe is an easy and flavorful appetizer. In a medium bowl, beat an egg with a whisk, then add ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and spices such as oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Spoon the mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, drizzle with olive oil and serve warm or at room temperature.
Sweet Baked Ricotta
For a sweet twist on the classic baked ricotta, simply mix ricotta with a pinch of salt. Bake the mixture and drizzle with honey. Decorate with chopped nuts and fresh berries, and serve with vanilla sugar cookies for an indulgent treat.
Pesto Baked Ricotta
This variation adds a savory, herbal twist to the classic baked ricotta. Simply mix ricotta with salt and chopped fresh basil, then bake and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle a handful of pine nuts on top and serve with a warm baguette for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Baked Ricotta Dip
For a creamy and indulgent dip, combine ricotta cheese, lightly beaten eggs, grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and chives. Divide the mixture between greased cocottes or ramekins and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese has puffed up like a souffle and turned golden brown. Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese or black pepper before serving with crostini or crackers.
Baked ricotta cheese is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy this mild and creamy cheese. With a variety of sweet and savory recipes to choose from, it's an excellent option for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal.
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Ricotta cheese with vegetables
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Here are some ideas for combining ricotta cheese with vegetables:
Savoury dishes
- Lasagna : One of the most popular ways to use ricotta is in a hearty vegetable lasagna. You can make a spinach lasagna or add your choice of vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
- Stuffed Shells : These can be filled with a mixture of ricotta and vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Ravioli : Create ravioli filled with ricotta and vegetables of your choice, seasoned with nutmeg, lemon zest, black pepper, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Pasta Sauce : Whip up a simple sauce with ricotta, lemon juice, fresh basil, and ground pepper to toss with your favourite pasta.
- Gnocchi : Pair homemade ricotta gnocchi with a herb brown butter sauce or a creamy spinach sauce with Parmesan and toasted breadcrumbs.
- Pizza : Top a pizza base with ricotta, vegetables (such as zucchini or eggplant), and other cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Vegetable Side : Try grilled green beans piled on a bed of creamy whipped ricotta.
- Quesadillas : Add ricotta and wilted spinach to your quesadillas for a tasty twist.
- Spaghetti and Meatballs : Include ricotta in your spaghetti and meatballs recipe to keep the dish moist and tender.
- Veggie Potstickers : Make pea potstickers with a chilli crisp or fill them with ricotta and vegetables of your choice.
Sweet dishes
While most sweet dishes featuring ricotta involve fruit, you can easily incorporate vegetables in creative ways:
- Cheesecake : Make a traditional Italian ricotta cheesecake, or blend ricotta with squash for a unique twist.
- Pancakes : Add ricotta to your pancake batter for extra moisture and fluffiness. Include lemon or blueberries to enhance the flavour of the ricotta.
- French Toast : Stuff French toast with ricotta and serve with braised butternut squash.
- Crepes : Include a spoonful of ricotta in your crepe batter or serve it as a topping.
- Dip : Blend ricotta with honey and vanilla, and serve with graham crackers or waffle crisps.
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How to store ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour. It is a great source of calcium and its low-fat content makes it a good option for healthy snacking.
Ricotta cheese, like other dairy products, should not be left out at room temperature for an extended period. To store ricotta cheese, transfer the remaining cheese to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place the container or wrapped cheese in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Consume the ricotta cheese within the timeframe specified on the package or within five to seven days of opening.
If you wish to store ricotta cheese for longer, you can freeze it. To do so, cut the cheese into portions and drain any excess liquid. Remove the moisture by pressing the cheese with paper towels. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is trapped between the cheese and the plastic. Place the wrapped cheese into a zipper bag, squeezing out any remaining air. Label the bag with the type of cheese and date, and place it in the freezer for up to two months.
When you are ready to use the frozen ricotta cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator. This will take about 24 hours. Once thawed, use the cheese within two days and do not refreeze.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some simple recipes for baking ricotta cheese:
- Baked ricotta with parmesan and herbs, served with crackers or vegetables.
- Baked ricotta with pesto: Mix ricotta with salt, basil, and olive oil. Sprinkle pine nuts on top and serve with a baguette.
- Baked sweet ricotta: Mix ricotta with salt, honey, nuts, and berries. Serve with vanilla sugar cookies.
To make ricotta cheese from scratch, you will need milk, acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), and salt. Optionally, you can add cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a bare simmer. Avoid stirring the mixture as you want big fluffy curds.
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Spread it on toast and drizzle olive oil on top.
- Mix with spinach, garlic, and salt and stuff in manicotti noodles. Top with red sauce and mozzarella and bake.
- Mix with sage and prosciutto and stuff into ravioli.
- Put on a pizza with arugula, spinach, dried cranberries, and butternut squash.
