How to Eat Ricotta Cheese – 7 Delicious Recipes

Introduction

Ricotta cheese is a type of Italian whey cheese made from either sheep, cow, or goat milk. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture that makes it perfect for adding to both sweet and savory dishes. In this article, we’ll explore seven different ways to use ricotta cheese in the kitchen, from lasagna to frittata.

Ricotta Cheese Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the most popular ways to use ricotta cheese. The cheese adds a creamy richness to the dish that can’t be beat. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

To make the lasagna, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Set aside.

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering of noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining 4 noodles and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Ricotta Cheese Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that are sure to please. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each shell. Place the shells in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Pour the marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ricotta Cheese Bruschetta

This easy appetizer is a crowd pleaser. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 baguette, cut into slices
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread the cheese mixture on the baguette slices. Serve immediately.

Ricotta Cheese Ravioli

Ravioli is a great way to enjoy ricotta cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (9 ounce) package wonton wrappers
• 2 cups marinara sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Lay out 12 wonton wrappers on a work surface. Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and transfer to a serving plate.

Top with marinara sauce and serve.

Ricotta Cheese Pancakes

These pancakes are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, milk, honey, egg, butter, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Grease with butter or cooking spray. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Frittata

This frittata is full of flavor and protein. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a 10 inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the spinach and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and stir to combine. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through.

Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. From lasagna to frittata, there are endless ways to incorporate ricotta cheese into your meals. Not only is ricotta cheese delicious, but it is also a good source of calcium, protein, and other vitamins and minerals.