Randy Chandler
Whipped ricotta cheese is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your meals. It is easy to make and can be prepared in just 5 minutes with a few simple ingredients. The creamy texture and mild flavour of whipped ricotta make it an ideal base for a range of sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used as a spread, dip, or topping, adding a rich and indulgent touch to your culinary creations. Whether you're whipping up a quick appetizer or looking to liven up your leftovers, whipped ricotta cheese is a handy ingredient to have in your culinary arsenal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5 minutes |
| Ingredients | Ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, honey, thyme, lemon zest, pepper, pistachios |
| Consistency | Light, smooth, airy, creamy |
| Uses | Dip, spread, toast, bagels, omelette filling, pizza topping, pasta sauce, cheese and charcuterie boards |
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What You'll Learn
How to make whipped ricotta cheese
Whipped ricotta cheese is an easy-to-make, elegant appetizer with a sweet and savoury taste. It can be used as a dip, spread, or even as a base for a pizza. Here is a simple recipe for how to make whipped ricotta cheese:
Ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk ricotta)
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Lemon zest
- Salt (sea salt or flakey sea salt)
- Pepper (black pepper)
- Honey (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional) - basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, mint, and/or rosemary
Steps:
- Place the ricotta cheese in a food processor or stand mixer.
- Add olive oil, lemon zest, and salt to taste.
- Process or mix until the mixture is smooth, light, and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- For an extra airy texture, make whipped cream separately and incorporate it into the ricotta mixture.
- Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl or dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, or other toppings of your choice.
Serve with crackers, grilled or toasted bread, vegetables, or fruits for dipping, spreading, or scooping. Enjoy!
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Using whipped ricotta cheese as a dip
Whipped ricotta cheese is a versatile dip that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. It is simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining. The dip is creamy, savoury, and decadent, with a mild flavour that pairs well with a range of toppings and "dippers".
To make whipped ricotta cheese, it is recommended to use whole milk ricotta cheese, as it has a better flavour and texture than reduced-fat or skim ricotta. The ricotta is combined with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor and blended until light and smooth, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. The dip can then be transferred to a serving bowl and garnished with a variety of toppings.
One popular way to serve whipped ricotta cheese as a dip is to drizzle it with honey. Honey brings out the natural sweetness of the ricotta and creates a classic flavour combination. The honey can be infused with garlic and chilli, or combined with fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, rosemary, or mint. A drizzle of olive oil can also be added to the honey mixture.
In addition to honey, whipped ricotta cheese can be topped with a variety of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or basil. Lemon zest is also a common ingredient, adding a bright and fresh citrus flavour to the dip. A pinch of flakey sea salt can be added to the dip before whipping to enhance the flavours.
The whipped ricotta cheese dip can be served with a variety of accompaniments, depending on your preference. Warm bread, pita chips, crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and celery are all popular options. For a sweeter option, the dip can be served with fresh fruit or grilled fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries with vanilla and optionally a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, or macadamia nuts can also be sprinkled on top for added crunch.
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Using whipped ricotta cheese as a spread
Whipped ricotta cheese is a versatile spread that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be made with just a few simple ingredients and takes only 5-10 minutes to prepare. The basic ingredients are whole milk ricotta cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt. These ingredients are combined in a food processor or mixing bowl and blended until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The result is a tangy, salty, and sweet spread that can be used in a multitude of ways.
One way to use whipped ricotta cheese as a spread is on toast or bagels. You can get creative with the toppings, such as honey, lemon, fresh herbs, roasted tomatoes, pickled radishes, or pinches of za'atar. Another option is to use it as a base for grain bowls or roasted vegetables. Simply add a dollop of whipped ricotta to a bowl with farro, roasted chickpeas, roasted tomatoes, and basil. It can also be used as a spread on a charcuterie board to cut through spicy meats and heavy flavors.
For a sweeter option, you can create a dessert spread by swapping out the olive oil for milk or heavy cream. You can also experiment with different types of ricotta cheese, such as part-skim or sheep's milk ricotta, to find your preferred taste and texture. Whipped ricotta cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, if you notice any liquid separation, be sure to stir the dip before serving.
When serving whipped ricotta cheese as a spread, you can pair it with a variety of accompaniments. Warm bread, pita chips, crackers, and fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and celery all make excellent dippers. It can also be served with fruits and a baguette for a sweet and savory combination. So, whether you're looking for a quick appetizer, a tasty snack, or a way to elevate your meals, whipped ricotta cheese is a versatile and delicious option.
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Using whipped ricotta cheese in cooking
Whipped ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers and snacks to full meals. It is easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. Here are some ideas for using whipped ricotta cheese in your cooking:
Appetizers and Snacks
Whipped ricotta makes a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack. Simply spread it on toast, bagels, or crostini, and top with honey, lemon, fresh herbs, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a dip with crackers, grilled baguette, or crostini on the side. The tanginess of the cheese pairs well with the sweetness of honey, while the herbs and lemon add a fresh, bright flavor. This simple dish is perfect for entertaining or as a quick and easy snack.
Pasta and Pizza
Whipped ricotta is an excellent addition to pasta and pizza dishes. For pasta, spread a circle of whipped ricotta on your plate before adding the pasta. This ensures an even distribution of the cheese and allows you to swirl the pasta into the ricotta for a creamy, delicious bite. When it comes to pizza, you can add dollops of whipped ricotta on top after it comes out of the oven to preserve its airy texture, or bake it into the pizza for a super soft and creamy treat. Whipped ricotta is especially good at cutting through the spiciness of meat-topped pizzas and balancing out heavy flavors.
Omelettes and Filling
Whipped ricotta can be used as a filling for omelettes, adding a creamy texture and a rich flavor. It also works well as a filling for toasted sandwiches or as a spread on bagels and toast. Its creamy texture and mild taste make it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Charcuterie Boards
In addition to its role as a star ingredient, whipped ricotta can also play a supporting role on charcuterie boards. Its mild, neutral flavor makes it a perfect pairing with spicy meats, and its creamy texture adds a lovely contrast to the typical selections on a charcuterie board. Serve it with crusty bread or focaccia on the side, and don't be afraid to go heavy on the seasoning, especially lemon, to create a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, whipped ricotta cheese is a valuable addition to any cook's repertoire, adding a touch of elegance and flavor to a variety of dishes.
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Storing whipped ricotta cheese
If you want to prepare the whipped ricotta in advance, it can be made and stored in the fridge up to two days ahead of time. However, it's worth noting that ricotta is a high-moisture cheese, so it may release extra water when sitting for extended periods. To avoid this, you can strain the ricotta before whipping by placing it in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth and letting it sit in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can simply pour off any excess water and give the ricotta a good stir before serving.
Another option for storing whipped ricotta cheese is to freeze it. It may be possible to store the cheese in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, this may result in some textural changes, and the dip could dry out slightly. If you choose to freeze your whipped ricotta, it is recommended to thaw it and add it back to a food processor, adding a little cream if needed to restore its texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Place ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor and process until light and smooth. You can also add honey, lemon zest, thyme, and flaky sea salt as toppings.
It takes 5 minutes to transform regular ricotta into whipped ricotta.
Whipped ricotta cheese can be used as a spread for toast or bagels, or as a dip for crusty bread. It can also be used as a base for pizza, pasta, or grain bowls.
Whipped ricotta cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
