Kamil Perry
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a great addition to many recipes, from pancakes and dips to pasta sauces and baked goods. It is commonly used in Italian dishes such as lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli, but its versatility means it can be used in many other ways, including cheesecakes, gnocchi, and even as a simple spread on toast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lasagna | Ricotta is a common ingredient in lasagna |
| Other pasta dishes | Can be used in pasta sauces, stuffed shells, ravioli, cannelloni, tortellini, manicotti, gnocchi, and cannolis |
| Pizza | Can be used as a topping or mixed with pesto, mozzarella, garlic, and lemon zest |
| Cakes | Can be used to make cakes, including Italian lemon and almond cake |
| Cookies | Can be used to make cookies, including ricotta cookies and almond ricotta cookies |
| Pancakes | Can be added to pancake batter to make them fluffier |
| Crepes | Can be added to crepe batter |
| French toast | Can be added to French toast batter or spread on French toast |
| Dips | Can be used as a base for dips, e.g. with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper |
| Sandwiches | Can be used as a spread on sandwiches or toast |
| Cheesecake | Can be used as a substitute for Turkish white cheese in cheesecakes |
| Side dishes | Can be used as a base for side dishes, e.g. with grilled green beans, shredded Brussels sprouts, raisins, and pine nuts |
| Other dishes | Can be used in waffles, cannoli, ravioli, tiramisu, and ziti |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta in pancakes, French toast, and waffles
Ricotta cheese can be used to make a variety of dishes, including pancakes, French toast, and waffles.
Ricotta Pancakes
Ricotta pancakes are fluffy and moist, with a magical milky richness and creaminess. The ricotta adds a custard-like texture to the pancakes, making them a good alternative to regular buttermilk pancakes. To make ricotta pancakes, you can separate the eggs and whip the whites, folding them into the batter at the end. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice and some zest or a little vanilla for flavor.
Honey Ricotta Stuffed French Toast
Honey Ricotta Stuffed French Toast is a delicious and elegant breakfast option. It is semi-sweet and semi-savory, with a creamy and rich filling made from ricotta cheese, honey, and lemon. To make this dish, you stuff thick slices of French bread with the ricotta filling, dip them in a custard mixture (eggs and milk), and then cook them on a griddle or skillet.
Pecan-Ricotta Waffles
Ricotta cheese can also be used to make waffles. Pecan-ricotta waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a great texture from the pecans. The ricotta adds tenderness, richness, and flavor to the waffles. To make pecan-ricotta waffles, you can beat together buttermilk, ricotta cheese, and eggs, and then stir in melted butter, maple extract, and flour.
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Ricotta as a pasta sauce
Ricotta is a versatile Italian cheese that lends itself to Italian dishes, particularly pasta. It can be used to make a creamy pasta sauce that is lighter than those made with heavy cream.
To make a simple ricotta pasta sauce, start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your chosen pasta until it is al dente. Be sure to reserve some pasta water. Next, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add a garlic clove. Swirl the garlic in the olive oil to flavour the oil, then remove it once it starts to sizzle. Add the ricotta to the pan and heat it until it melts down and becomes creamy. You can also add pasta water to the ricotta to make it smooth and creamy before stirring it into your tomato sauce.
You can also add other ingredients to your ricotta sauce, such as egg, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. If you want to add more ingredients, you can include pesto, sun-dried tomato paste, roasted chiles, caramelized mushrooms, or diced leftover grilled veggies.
For a more indulgent option, you can add heavy cream to your ricotta sauce, creating an even richer and creamier texture. This sauce can be used as a welcome break from the heaviness of traditional cream sauces.
Ricotta is a mild-flavoured cheese, so it can be used as a base for sauce experimentation. It is also a great option for stuffed shells or ravioli, adding richness without overwhelming other flavours.
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Ricotta in dips
Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in many ways, including dips. Here are some ideas for dips that use ricotta:
Basic Whipped Ricotta Dip
This simple dip is an easy, elegant appetizer that can be served with crackers or crostini. To make it, place ricotta, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and salt in a food processor and process until light and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and top with a drizzle of olive oil, honey, lemon zest, thyme, and flaky sea salt. You can also experiment with other toppings such as roasted tomatoes, pickled radishes, or za'atar.
Ricotta Dip with Parmesan and Basil
For this variation, you will need ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, honey, and fresh basil. Place the ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, and honey in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Then, add the basil and blend again until it is finely chopped. Taste the dip and add more salt if needed. Serve with toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables, or pita chips.
Savory Ricotta Dip
For a savory take on ricotta dip, add roasted garlic, confit tomatoes, chopped nuts, chopped spinach, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the basic whipped ricotta recipe. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes and basil, roasted red pepper and feta, or honey and walnut for different flavor profiles. Serve with your choice of dippers, such as toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Sweet Ricotta Dip
For a sweeter version, blend ricotta with honey and vanilla and serve with graham crackers or fruit. This dip is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and can be served as a dessert option.
Ricotta Pimento Cheese Ball
If you're looking for something lighter and fluffier than mayonnaise, try making a pimento cheese ball with ricotta. Simply mix ricotta with pimentos and your favorite seasonings and form it into a ball. Serve it as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
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Ricotta in cakes and cookies
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a great addition to cakes and cookies.
Ricotta cookies, for instance, are a soft and delicious treat. They are similar to sugar cookies and can be topped with an almond glaze and sprinkles. To make them, simply cream the butter and sugar, add the eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, and then mix in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. The dough can be rolled into balls and baked until lightly browned. Once cooled, the cookies can be dipped in icing and topped with sprinkles.
Ricotta can also be used to make a simple pudding or pie by blending it with eggs, cinnamon, salt, and sugar, and then baking it in the oven. For a more savoury option, ricotta can be added to cake batter along with olive oil and orange zest to create a moist and flavourful cake.
Additionally, ricotta can be used to make pancakes fluffier and more moist. It pairs well with lemon or blueberries to enhance their flavour. It can also be added to French toast batter or crepes for a rich and creamy texture.
So, whether you're making cookies, cakes, or pancakes, ricotta cheese can be a great ingredient to experiment with, adding moisture and a subtle cheesy flavour to your baked goods.
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Ricotta in sandwiches
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including sandwiches. Here are some ideas for incorporating ricotta cheese into your sandwiches:
Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is a twist on the classic grilled cheese. To make it, spread butter on the outer sides of bread slices. On the unbuttered sides, spread a ricotta mixture and top it with mozzarella cheese. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Place the sandwich in a pan over medium heat and cook until the cheese has melted and both sides are golden brown. You can also add Italian herbs and serve it with pasta sauce on the side.
Cucumber-Ricotta Sandwiches
This sandwich is a refreshing and satisfying option, especially during the warmer months. It combines freshly baked bread with a crisp crust and tender crumb, paired with creamy ricotta cheese. To prepare, season thinly sliced cucumbers with salt and pepper and add herbs and spices like chile, basil, lime juice, dill, tarragon, mint, and chives. Spread the ricotta cheese generously on ciabatta toasts and top it with the cucumber mixture. Garnish with cilantro springs for an extra touch.
Ricotta Toasts
For a simple and elegant appetizer or light meal, try ricotta toasts. Spread ricotta cheese on toasted bread and top it with a variety of ingredients such as roasted cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, or prosciutto. The sweetness of honey or the freshness of tomatoes creates a delightful contrast with the creamy ricotta.
Ricotta and Mozzarella Sandwich
For a classic Italian combination, pair ricotta with mozzarella in a sandwich. Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread and fill the sandwich with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and your choice of fresh herbs. Grill the sandwich until the cheeses melt and the bread is golden and crispy.
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavour to sandwiches, making it a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to various flavour profiles. Whether paired with fresh vegetables, herbs, or other cheeses, ricotta is an excellent choice for creating delicious and unique sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to use ricotta cheese. You can add it to pancake batter, dips, pizza, sandwiches, pasta sauce, and stuffed shells. You can also spread it on toast, grilled bread, or French toast batter.
Yes, ricotta cheese is a great ingredient for baking. It can be used to make cakes, cookies, and cheesecakes. It adds moisture and a slight tanginess to baked goods.
Yes, you can eat ricotta cheese straight out of the tub.
You can make pasta dishes such as ravioli, cannelloni, and gnocchi. You can also make a savoury French toast by filling brioche or challah slices with ricotta cheese and cooking them until golden brown.
You can make a simple ricotta pudding by blending ricotta, eggs, cinnamon, salt, and sugar, and then baking it in the oven. You can also make a no-bake dessert with layers of ricotta cream cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and chocolate chips on a graham cracker crust.
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