Delicious Food Pairings For Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. From breakfast to dinner, and everything in between, there are many ways to use up that tub of ricotta in your fridge.

For breakfast, you could try ricotta pancakes, either plain or with blueberries, lemon, or orange. Or, for something more savoury, you could spread ricotta on toast and top with braised butternut squash, roasted carrots and beets, or charred courgette.

For lunch or dinner, ricotta can be used in pasta dishes, such as lasagne, baked ziti, or stuffed shells. It can also be used to make gnocchi, or mixed with pesto and spread on pizza dough.

Ricotta is also a key ingredient in many desserts, including cannoli, cheesecake, and cookies. You could also try a ricotta cake, either plain or with lemon or orange.

Ricotta pancakes

Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Ricotta cheese
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Butter

Optional Ingredients

• Lemon zest
• Almond extract
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Chocolate chips
• Orange zest
• Cinnamon

Method

• Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium-low heat.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until foamy, about 30 seconds.
• Add the ricotta, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk until evenly combined, then add the flour mixture.
• Gently whisk just until evenly combined.
• Generously oil the pan/griddle. Once the oil is hot, drop 1/4-cup portions of batter onto the pan/griddle. Repeat, spacing the rounds at least an inch apart. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are bubbling, about 3 minutes.
• Flip and cook until the other sides are golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute more. (It’s important that the pancakes don’t cook too slowly or too quickly, so adjust the heat as needed.)
• Repeat with more oil and the remaining batter. Serve warm with maple or blueberry syrup.

Tips

• Ricotta pancakes are wonderful with maple syrup, but they truly shine when served with blueberry syrup.
• If your ricotta seems to have a lot of liquid, set it in a fine-mesh strainer to drain off the excess liquid about 30 minutes before you start cooking.
• If you want to add lemon zest to the batter, you can serve the pancakes with lemon curd.
• A drizzle of honey or a handful of berries would also be great toppings.

Ricotta in pasta

Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. Here are some ideas for using ricotta in pasta:

Baked Pasta Dishes

Ricotta is a key ingredient in baked pasta dishes such as lasagna, baked ziti, and stuffed shells. These dishes typically combine ricotta with other cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan, as well as various fillings or sauces. For a fun twist on traditional lasagna, try making skillet lasagna or roll-ups. You can also make a white lasagna by swapping out the tomato sauce for a creamy béchamel.

Pasta Sauces

Ricotta can be used as a base for a creamy pasta sauce. Simply blend it with lemon juice and toss it with your favourite pasta and vegetables, such as arugula, cherry tomatoes, or peas. For an extra indulgent touch, add some leftover rotisserie chicken or Italian sausage.

Gnocchi

Making homemade gnocchi with ricotta is easier than you might think. Ricotta gnocchi is a great weeknight dinner option and can be paired with a simple herb brown butter sauce or a spinach and Gorgonzola sauce.

One-Pot Pasta

Ricotta can be added to one-pot pasta dishes to make them extra creamy. Try a lemony zucchini pasta or a spinach artichoke pasta bake. For a fun presentation, serve spaghetti by baking it in a cast-iron skillet and slicing it like a cake.

Ravioli and Manicotti

Making homemade ravioli or manicotti with a ricotta filling is a great way to impress your guests. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients, such as spinach, nutmeg, lemon zest, or Parmesan cheese.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities for using ricotta in pasta are endless!

Ricotta in lasagna

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dessert. It is commonly used in lasagna, but there are many other ways to incorporate it into this classic dish. Here are some ideas to elevate your lasagna with ricotta cheese:

Choose the Right Type of Ricotta Cheese

Select a high-quality ricotta cheese that is fresh and creamy. Look for whole-milk ricotta, which will add a rich and luxurious texture to your lasagna. Avoid ricotta that is dry, grainy, or watery, as it can affect the consistency of your dish.

Layer with Other Cheeses

Lasagna is often a combination of multiple cheeses, and ricotta pairs well with a variety of options. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère are excellent choices to create a decadent and cheesy lasagna. The combination of ricotta and mozzarella, in particular, creates a creamy and stretchy texture that is irresistible.

Add Vegetables for Flavour and Texture

Ricotta cheese serves as a perfect base to highlight the flavours of vegetables. Try incorporating vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, spinach, or mushrooms into your lasagna layers. These vegetables not only add nutritional value but also provide a depth of flavour and a pleasing texture contrast.

Experiment with Different Types of Meat

If you're a meat lover, consider adding meat to your ricotta lasagna. Ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken are excellent choices to create a heartier dish. You can also experiment with different types of cured meats, such as crispy bacon or pepperoni, for an added savoury kick.

Create a Creamy Sauce

Ricotta cheese can be used as a base for a creamy lasagna sauce. Simply blend ricotta with lemon juice, herbs, or spices to create a rich and flavourful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. You can also add proteins like leftover rotisserie chicken or vegetables like peas or arugula to make it more robust.

Don't Forget the Herbs and Spices

Enhance the flavour of your ricotta lasagna by incorporating fresh herbs and spices. Basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic are all excellent choices to amplify the taste of your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Ricotta in cakes

Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in cakes to add richness, moisture, and a subtly sweet, milky flavour. Here are some tips and tricks for using ricotta in cakes:

Choosing the Right Ricotta

Using a high-quality ricotta will make a big difference in the flavour of your cake. Look for ricotta that is sweet, creamy, and has soft curds. Chalky ricotta is a sign that the milk was too hot or agitated during production, resulting in rubbery bundles of protein. If you can, opt for whole milk ricotta, as this will give the best flavour and texture. However, part-skim ricotta can also be used if that is all you have available.

Beating the Ricotta

To achieve a fluffy and airy texture in your cake, it is important to beat the ricotta with the butter and sugar before adding the other ingredients. This step can take up to five minutes, so using a handheld or stand-up mixer is ideal. Beating air into the ricotta will make a big difference in the final texture of your cake, ensuring it is light and fluffy rather than dense.

Mixing the Batter

When mixing the batter, it is important to find the right balance to avoid overmixing or undermixing. Overmixing can lead to the development of too much gluten, resulting in a tough and chewy cake. On the other hand, undermixing can result in an uneven texture with dry clumps. Mixing the batter by hand or using a low speed on a stand mixer can help you better control the process and avoid overmixing.

Choosing the Right Flour

Using a combination of cake flour and almond flour can reduce the amount of gluten in the cake, creating a more uniform crumb while adding a pleasant nuttiness. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps to reduce gluten formation. Almond flour also helps to thicken the batter while adding a rustic flavour and texture.

Baking Tips

When baking your ricotta cake, it is important to use a pan that is the right size and material. A 9-inch springform pan or a tall 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper are good options. Grease the pan with butter and powdered sugar to ensure the cake doesn't stick. Bake the cake at 325-350°F for 45-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Ricotta cakes are perfect for serving at any time of day, whether it's as a sweet treat after a meal or for breakfast with a cup of coffee. They can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar, and pair well with a dollop of whipped cream or lightly sweetened Greek yogurt. Fresh or macerated berries can also be a delicious addition.

Savoury ricotta dishes

Ricotta is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for savoury ricotta dishes:

Ricotta Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling typically made with potato, flour, and egg. However, ricotta gnocchi uses ricotta cheese instead of potato, resulting in a tender and fluffy dumpling. Serve your freshly made ricotta gnocchi with a simple herb brown butter sauce or a tomato sauce.

Ricotta Pancakes

Add a twist to your regular pancake recipe by incorporating ricotta cheese. Ricotta pancakes are extra moist, light, and fluffy, with a mildly creamy and rich flavour. For a special treat, try making lemon ricotta pancakes or blueberry ricotta pancakes.

Ricotta Toast

Spread some ricotta on a slice of toast and top it with braised butternut squash, roasted carrots and beets, charred courgette, or roast pumpkin for a satisfying and tasty lunch. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with honey or top with pine nuts.

Ricotta-based Dips

Whip ricotta with honey and lemon zest to create a sweet and tangy dip. Serve it with crostini or crackers, and enjoy the contrast of textures and flavours. Alternatively, make a baked creamy spinach dip by combining ricotta with spinach, and serve it warm with bagel chips or crudités.

Ricotta-stuffed Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms stuffed with ricotta make a rich and creamy appetiser or side dish. The brightness of fresh herbs and tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta. Serve these mushrooms with grilled asparagus for a delicious vegetarian option.

Savoury Bakes and Casseroles

Ricotta is an excellent cheese for bakes and casseroles, adding a creamy texture and savoury flavour. Try a cheesy spinach-artichoke pasta bake, a vegetable-packed spaghetti squash meatball casserole, or a hearty beef and potato moussaka.

Frequently asked questions