Patrick Oconnell
Leftover ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect addition to many recipes, enhancing their taste and mouthfeel. Whether you have a small or large amount of ricotta cheese left, there are numerous ways to incorporate it into your next meal or dessert.
Explore related products
Ricotta pancakes
To make the pancake batter, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. In a separate, larger bowl, combine ricotta, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently until just combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a handheld electric mixer until stiff, then gently fold them into the batter.
Heat a griddle over medium-high heat and melt a small amount of butter, just enough to coat the surface. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the undersides are golden and you see bubbles popping through. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until golden.
These pancakes are delicious served with a drizzle of honey, a handful of berries, or a simple puree of fresh fruit. They can also be topped with maple syrup, lemon curd, or a spoonful of jam.
The Best Cheeses to Use in French Onion Soup
You may want to see also
Mix into scrambled eggs
Mixing leftover ricotta cheese into scrambled eggs is a great way to elevate a simple dish. The addition of ricotta makes scrambled eggs fluffier and creamier, and it also adds a subtle hint of sweetness. Here's how to make them:
Ingredients
You will need eggs, ricotta cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add chives or parsley for garnish. If you want to get creative, you can include other ingredients such as pesto, prosciutto, or smoked salmon.
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
Crack your desired number of eggs into a large bowl. For every three eggs, whisk in about 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese. You can use whole milk ricotta or low-fat ricotta, depending on your preference. Make sure to whisk vigorously to fully combine the eggs and ricotta. If you want an even fluffier texture, you can use an immersion blender. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add butter. Once the butter has melted, pour the egg and ricotta mixture into the pan. Constantly stir the eggs with a spatula as they cook. For creamier scrambled eggs, cook them slowly over gentle heat. This will give you soft, fluffy eggs with a custard-like texture. Avoid high heat, as it will result in larger curds and a drier texture.
Step 3: Serve
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat. Serve immediately on toast, a bagel, an English muffin, or a tortilla wrap. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, and add some freshly cracked pepper for an extra kick.
Tips and Variations:
- For a more indulgent dish, use a higher-quality ricotta from a small producer, which will be creamier and have a richer, milkier flavour.
- If you want to add more ingredients to your scrambled eggs, try folding in pesto and prosciutto, or adding smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning.
- For a more traditional omelette, you can skip whisking the ricotta into the eggs and instead fold it into the omelette while cooking.
Unlocking Cotija Cheese's Magic in the Kitchen
You may want to see also
Lasagna
Ricotta cheese is a staple in lasagna, and it can be used in many ways to create a delicious, creamy dish. Here are some tips and recipes to help you use leftover ricotta cheese in your next lasagna creation:
Choosing the Right Ricotta Cheese
Start by selecting the right type of ricotta cheese for your lasagna. It is recommended to use soft, whole milk ricotta, as it has a creamy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients. Avoid skim or low-fat ricotta, as it may affect the creaminess of the final dish.
Combining with Other Cheeses
Ricotta cheese is often combined with other cheeses to create a flavourful and creamy lasagna. You can mix it with salty parmesan and melty mozzarella, creating a perfect balance of flavours. Additionally, you can add mascarpone cheese to your ricotta mixture for extra creaminess. This combination will result in a rich, indulgent lasagna that's sure to impress.
Adding Eggs
Consider adding an egg to your ricotta mixture. While it's not mandatory, an egg helps to bind the cheese mixture, making it less likely to spill out from under the layers of baked lasagna. Simply whisk an egg with salt, pepper, and parsley, then blend it with your ricotta cheese until creamy and well combined.
Layering the Lasagna
When assembling your lasagna, start by spreading a layer of tomato-based sauce (such as marinara sauce) on the bottom of your baking dish. Then, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a generous layer of your ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat these layers, ensuring each layer of cheese reaches the edges of the pasta. Finish with a layer of sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F to 400°F (depending on the recipe). Cover your lasagna dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the edges of the pasta are crisp and the cheese is golden and melted.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Allow your lasagna to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the leftovers in a lightly greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Using leftover ricotta cheese in lasagna is a delicious way to create a creamy, indulgent dish that's perfect for family meals or impressive party offerings. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of cheeses, herbs, and sauces to find your favourite lasagna recipe!
Olive Garden's Cheesy Secret: What's Their Favorite?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eH1+cYeZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Spread on toast
Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild and slightly sweet flavour. It's a great option for a quick snack, appetizer, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some ways you can use leftover ricotta cheese as a spread on toast:
Basic Ricotta Toast
Start with a slice of bakery-fresh bread, preferably something crusty like sourdough, a baguette, or crostini. Toast the bread until it's golden with a few caramelized spots. Spread a generous amount of ricotta cheese on the toast. You can use ricotta cheese as is, or whip it in a food processor until it's creamy, fluffy, and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Topping Ideas
The options for toppings are endless. Here are some ideas:
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze
- Honey and fresh thyme
- Lemon-thyme honey
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh herbs
- Tomatoes
- Basil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Radishes
- Scallions
- Rosemary
- Mint leaves
- Banana
- Cinnamon
- Walnuts
- Pear
- Blueberries
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes
- Jam
- Prosciutto
- Avocado
- Pesto
- Fried egg
- Pancetta or bacon
- Parmesan
- Berries
- Peaches
- Pistachios
- Smoked salmon
- Red onions
- Capers
- Dill
Unlocking Burrata: Creative Ways to Use This Creamy Cheese
You may want to see also
Ricotta pasta
Ricotta is a mild Italian cheese that is classically paired with pasta, spinach, and tomatoes. It is soft enough to spread and works well for stuffing ravioli, manicotti, or jumbo shells.
- Cook spaghetti or another pasta of your choice according to the package directions, making sure to salt the water well.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a high-sided pan on the stove over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add some shallots and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften and turn translucent.
- Then add red pepper flakes and cook, stirring well, for another minute or until the shallots just start to brown at the edges.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the pan with a little pasta water and your leftover ricotta.
You can also add ingredients such as lemon zest and juice, spinach, arugula, peas, asparagus, shrimp, grilled chicken, or salmon to make a more substantial meal.
Tasty Nacho Cheese: Taco Bell's Secret Recipe
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can spread it on toast with a little jam, chives, or garlic and salt.
Yes, you can stir ricotta into cooked pasta with a little pasta water, or use it in stuffed pastas such as ravioli, cannelloni, or shells. You can also add it to pasta sauces.
Yes, ricotta can be used in cakes, cookies, pies, tarts, muffins, scones, breads, rolls, biscuits, and cheesecakes.
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese if you are not planning to use it right away.
Yes, ricotta can be used in many savoury dishes, including casseroles, lasagne, calzones, meatballs, and frittatas.
