Kamil Perry
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be whipped, baked, or fried, and served as a dip, spread, or appetizer. Some popular ways to serve ricotta cheese spread include pairing it with honey, fruits, herbs, crackers, crostini, pita chips, or crusty bread. It can also be used as a base for a pimento cheese ball or served with toast and seasonal fruits or vegetables. Additionally, ricotta cheese spread can be used as a replacement for cream cheese on bagels, wraps, or sandwiches, pairing well with turkey, ham, and fried eggs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Appetizer, spread, dip |
| Flavors | Honey, lemon, herbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, chilli, mint, vanilla, berries, fruits, vegetables, pesto, eggs, chocolate chips, maple syrup, avocado, sunflower seeds, basil, balsamic vinegar, sour cream, mayonnaise, spinach, parmesan, corn, scallions, tomatoes, fried eggs, banana, nutella, jam, pesto, garlic, squash, yoghurt, cream, strawberries, figs, balsamic vinegar, citrus, chocolate, granola, peaches, watermelon, basil, spaghetti, marinara, butter, powdered sugar, chives, radishes, za'atar, pepper flakes, pistachios, breadsticks, tortilla or potato chips, waffle cones, pasta, bagels, wraps, sandwiches, pancakes, toast, crackers, crostini, baguette, pita chips, bread, crudités |
| Preparation | Use a food processor, hand mixer, whisk, grill, microwave |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta cheese spread with honey, lemon, and herbs
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. When combined with honey, lemon, and herbs, it makes for a delightful spread that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
As a Dip
The whipped ricotta cheese with honey, lemon, and herbs can be served as a dip with crackers, crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the crunchy dipper is simply irresistible. For a heartier option, you can also serve it with crudités—fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
As a Spread
This flavoured ricotta cheese can be spread on grilled bread, toast, or crostini. For an extra indulgent treat, try it with Italian mini doughnuts. If you're feeling creative, top it with seasonal fruits or vegetables, such as roasted tomatoes or pickled radishes.
As a Filling
The ricotta cheese spread is also versatile enough to be used as a filling. Spread it on a slice of bread and top it with roasted citrus or prosciutto for a savoury option. For a more substantial meal, use it as an omelette filling, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavour.
As an Appetizer
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty snack, this ricotta cheese spread is a perfect appetizer. Serve it on a cheese board or Mediterranean platter, alongside other small bites. It can be enjoyed as-is or with pita chips, garlic crostini, or even sweet treats like Italian mini doughnuts.
Customization
While honey, lemon, and herbs create a delightful combination, you can further customize this ricotta cheese spread to your taste. Experiment with different types of honey, such as dark, raw, or hot honey for a spicy kick. Additionally, feel free to play with various herbs, such as thyme, sage, mint, or parsley. A sprinkle of sea salt, red pepper flakes, or dried chilli flakes can also enhance the flavour profile. For a crunchy texture, consider adding buttery pistachios.
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Ricotta on toast, topped with corn and scallions
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. One option for serving ricotta cheese spread is on toast, topped with corn and scallions. Here is a suggested recipe for this dish:
Ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese
- Corn (fresh, canned, frozen, or cut directly from the cob)
- Scallions
- Whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Flour
- Salt
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Paprika
Method:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the whipping cream, cream cheese, and ricotta until smooth.
- Using a spatula, stir in the sugar, flour, salt, garlic, thyme, and paprika until well combined.
- Add the corn to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the casserole in a preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top with scallions and bacon (if desired).
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations:
While the above recipe features corn and scallions, ricotta on toast can be topped with a variety of other ingredients as well. Here are some suggestions:
- Honey, herbs, and lemon zest
- Roasted tomatoes
- Pickled radishes
- Za'atar
- Fruits such as apricots
- Crudites
- Crackers
- Crostini
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to find combinations that you enjoy!
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Ricotta as a dip with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be whipped to create a creamy and fluffy texture, making it perfect for dips and spreads. One popular way to serve ricotta cheese is as a dip with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Here are some tips and ideas for creating this delicious appetiser:
Ingredients and Preparation:
For this simple recipe, you will need ricotta cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt. Place these ingredients in a food processor and blend until you achieve a light and smooth consistency, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl and top it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and freshly chopped herbs like thyme, chives, parsley, or mint for added flavour and colour.
Serving Suggestions:
This whipped ricotta dip is delicious and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Crostini or Toasts: Spread the whipped ricotta on crostini or toasts and top it with roasted tomatoes, pickled radishes, za'atar, or other herbs and spices. You can also serve it on the side as a dip for crostini and toasted bread.
- Crackers and Pita Chips: Use crackers or pita chips to scoop up the ricotta dip. For a sweeter option, try honey-drizzled crackers.
- Baguette: Slice a baguette and serve it alongside the ricotta dip. You can also use the ricotta as a spread on a baguette slice and top it with honey, lemon, or herbs.
- Vegetables: Freshly cut vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce make a healthy and crunchy accompaniment to the ricotta dip.
- Fruit: For a sweeter contrast to the savoury ricotta, serve it with fresh fruit slices, such as apples or pears.
- Charcuterie: Create a charcuterie board with cured meats, such as prosciutto, and pair it with the ricotta dip.
Storage:
You can make this ricotta dip ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If any liquid separation occurs, simply stir the dip before serving.
So, get creative and enjoy the versatility of ricotta cheese as a dip with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt! It's a perfect appetiser for any occasion.
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Ricotta with fruits and a baguette
Ingredients:
- Whole milk ricotta cheese
- Fresh fruits of your choice (such as berries, peaches, apricots, or mangoes)
- Baguette
- Olive oil
- Honey (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, parsley, or thyme)
- Lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the ricotta cheese. In a mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta until it becomes smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Add a few tablespoons of milk or cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Chop or mash your chosen fruits into small pieces. If using berries or other soft fruits, mashing them will create a more cohesive mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the fruits, honey (if using), herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to create a flavourful mixture.
- Spread the ricotta cheese onto baguette slices. You can grill or toast the baguette slices beforehand for a crunchier texture.
- Top each ricotta-covered baguette slice with a generous spoonful of the fruit mixture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. You can also use flavoured salt, such as rosemary salt, for an extra burst of flavour.
- Serve and enjoy! This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh, and the flavours will delight your taste buds.
Feel free to experiment with different fruits and herbs to find your favourite combinations. You can also add a drizzle of honey on top of the ricotta for added sweetness. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences. Enjoy the delicious combination of ricotta, fruits, and baguette!
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Ricotta with spinach and parmesan
Ingredients:
- Spinach
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Nutmeg
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Garlic clove
- Salt and pepper
- Wine or vermouth (optional)
Method:
Firstly, warm some olive oil with a garlic clove in a pan. Add the spinach and toss until wilted. Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan, ricotta, and nutmeg. Season to taste. Beat in the eggs and transfer the mixture to a buttered oven dish. Bake in the oven at 200°C/180°C Fan/gas mark 6/400°F for about 10 minutes, or until just set. Let the dish stand for 5-15 minutes before serving.
Variations:
This recipe can be made vegetarian by substituting the parmesan with a vegetarian alternative. You can also add wine or vermouth before tossing the spinach. Additionally, if you want to make a spinach and ricotta pasta bake, simply follow the same recipe and then add cooked pasta and pasta sauce before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish can be served as a side or main course. It goes well with grilled steak or roast chicken. For a vegetarian option, serve it with crepes, bechamel sauce, and extra parmesan on top, and bake until melted.
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Frequently asked questions
You can serve ricotta cheese spread on toast or a bagel and top it with anything you like. Some popular toppings include corn and scallions, pesto and tomatoes, a fried egg, berries, honey, or banana and Nutella.
Ricotta cheese spread can be served with crackers, crostini, pita chips, crudités, sliced baguette, or breadsticks.
You can serve ricotta cheese spread as a side with grilled food, such as grilled peaches.
For dessert, serve ricotta cheese spread on toast with roasted citrus and a drizzle of honey.
