10+ Ricotta Cheese Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you’re using it in savory meals or sweet treats, ricotta adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that enhances any recipe.

In this article, you will discover different ricotta cheese recipes that are easy to make and delicious to enjoy. From hearty pasta dishes to delightful desserts, using ricotta can inspire creativity in your cooking and baking. Get ready to explore the many ways ricotta cheese can transform your meals!

1) Creamy Ricotta Pancakes

These creamy ricotta pancakes are a delicious twist on your usual breakfast. The ricotta adds a rich texture and makes them extra fluffy. You’ll love how simple they are to make.

To start, you’ll need fresh ricotta cheese. Mix it with eggs, sugar, and vanilla for a sweet flavor. Then, gently fold in flour and baking powder for the perfect batter.

Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle or skillet until golden brown. They pair well with syrup, fruit, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
2. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
5. Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form, then flip.
6. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Enjoy!

2) Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Ricotta and spinach stuffed shells are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and other savory ingredients. It’s a perfect meal for any time of the week.

To start, cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. While they cool, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and a bit of mozzarella for extra flavor. You can add spices like garlic and Italian herbs for a boost.

Once your shells are filled, pour marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Then, place the stuffed shells on top, covered with more sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh spinach
• Mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook jumbo shells as per package instructions.
2. Mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, and seasoning in a bowl.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Fill shells with the ricotta mixture.
5. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish and cover with more sauce.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.

3) Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon ricotta cookies are a delightful treat that you can easily make at home. They are soft, sweet, and have a refreshing lemon flavor. The addition of ricotta cheese gives them a unique texture.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, sugar, an egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
3. Add the egg, ricotta, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix until combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden. Enjoy!

4) Whipped Ricotta Dip

Whipped ricotta dip is a simple and tasty appetizer. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in. You can serve it with fresh bread, crackers, or veggies.

To make this dip, you just blend ricotta with a few ingredients. It becomes creamy and smooth, making it fun to spread or dip into. You can add flavors like honey or herbs for extra taste.

This dip is quick to prepare and will impress your guests. Enjoy it with your favorite dippers for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, add ricotta cheese.
2. Drizzle in olive oil and sprinkle salt.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Stir in honey and any fresh herbs you like.
5. Serve and enjoy with dippers.

5) Ricotta Cheesecake

Ricotta cheesecake is a delicious and creamy dessert that’s lighter than traditional cheesecake. It’s made with ricotta cheese, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. You can enjoy this treat after a meal or at a gathering.

To make it, you will need cream cheese and ricotta cheese for a perfect blend. Adding eggs and sugar helps create a smooth filling. A hint of lemon zest can give it a refreshing taste.

This cheesecake does not require a crust, making it easier to prepare. Serve it chilled for a delightful dessert anyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and ricotta cheese until smooth.
3. Add eggs and sugar, and blend until creamy.
4. Mix in melted butter and lemon zest.
5. Pour the mixture into a prepared pan.
6. Bake for about 50-60 minutes.
7. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

6) Homemade Ricotta Pizza

Making your own ricotta pizza is simple and delicious. Start with a classic pizza dough as your base. You can buy store-bought dough or make your own from scratch.

Spread creamy ricotta cheese over the dough. Add toppings like fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella for extra flavor. You can also try adding garlic and herbs for a tasty twist.

Bake your pizza in an oven preheated to 475°F (245°C) for about 12-15 minutes. You want the crust to be golden and the cheese bubbly.

Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy a warm, homemade pizza that highlights the rich taste of ricotta!

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic and herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough.
3. Spread ricotta cheese evenly on the dough.
4. Add toppings: mozzarella, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic and herbs if desired.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
7. Slice and serve warm.

7) Ricotta and Herb Omelette

Making a ricotta and herb omelette is simple and delicious. You’ll enjoy the creamy texture of ricotta combined with fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need eggs, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Feel free to add some Parmesan for extra flavor.

Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Whisk your eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the skillet and let them cook for a minute.

Spoon the ricotta and herbs onto one side of the omelette. Once the edges are set, gently fold it over. Cook for another minute until the inside is just set but still creamy.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Pour eggs into skillet.
4. Cook for 1 minute until edges set.
5. Add ricotta and herbs on one side.
6. Fold omelette over and cook for 1 more minute.

8) Zucchini and Ricotta Fritters

Zucchini and ricotta fritters are a tasty and easy dish to make. They are perfect as a snack or a light meal. The combination of flavors is both fresh and satisfying.

To start, you will need grated zucchini mixed with creamy ricotta cheese. Adding herbs and spices gives them more flavor. You can fry or bake them, depending on your preference.

These fritters are also a great way to enjoy vegetables. They can be served with a dipping sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, mix zucchini, ricotta, eggs, flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet.
5. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving. Enjoy!

9) Sweet Ricotta Cannoli

Sweet ricotta cannoli are a delicious Italian treat that you can make at home. These crispy shells are filled with a creamy ricotta filling that is both rich and sweet.

To start, you will need cannoli shells, either homemade or store-bought.

The filling combines ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla for flavor. You might also add chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.

Once prepared, carefully fill the shells with the ricotta mixture. Dust them with powdered sugar just before serving to make them even more inviting.

Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 8 cannoli shells
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese, drained
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the ricotta cheese well.
2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
4. Fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

10) Ricotta Gnocchi

Making ricotta gnocchi is fun and easy. You only need a few ingredients. The result is light, fluffy dumplings that are perfect with your favorite sauce.

Start by mixing ricotta cheese, eggs, and flour in a bowl. You want the dough to be soft but not sticky.

After that, roll it into logs and cut them into small pieces.

When you’re ready to cook, boil water in a pot. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top. This usually takes just a few minutes.

Serve your gnocchi with a simple sauce, like brown butter or marinara, for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and flour.
2. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into logs, then cut into small pieces.
4. Boil water in a pot and add salt.
5. Drop gnocchi into the boiling water.
6. Cook until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve with your favorite sauce.