25 Things to do with Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a creamy, delicious cheese that can be used in everything from frittatas to cookies! If you have some ricotta in your fridge and you’re not sure how to use it, here are 25 things to do with ricotta cheese.
What is ricotta cheese?
Ricotta cheese was originally developed to use up the byproduct from making other cheeses by boiling leftover whey. It’s a creamy, slightly grainy cheese that has a mild milky flavor. It’s a versatile and affordable cheese so it can be a great way to add creaminess to various recipes. There are different types of ricotta cheese including whole milk, part-skim, and fat-free. I don’t recommend buying fat-free ricotta, but if you want a lower fat option, part-skim can work in most of these recipes.
How long does ricotta cheese last?
Once ricotta cheese has been opened, it typically needs to be used in 5-7 days. Be sure to check the expiration date and recommendation on your package, as different brands may last longer or expire faster.
Ricotta Cheese Recipes
Appetizer & Snack Recipes
These ricotta focused appetizers and snacks are a delicious way to enjoy ricotta cheese!
This spicy whipped ricotta only takes a few minutes to make and is delicious on a toasted baguette or your favorite crackers!
This Summer Panzanella Salad is made with toasted baguette, red onions, creamy ricotta, and tomatoes! This tasty side dish is the perfect summer appetizer to share with family and friends!
This sun-dried tomato bruschetta recipe is an easy appetizer for any occasion. The combination of fresh tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes takes this simple bruschetta to the next level! Creamy ricotta makes this recipe extra delicious!
This creamy ricotta pasta is filled with vegetables for a bright, fresh flavor. Made with whole wheat noodles, this delicious bowl of pasta is packed with protein and fiber!
I love easy meals and this vegetarian lasagna soup is a delicious one-pot meal that only requires a few minutes of prep! It includes all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss!
A twist on a Caprese salad, these tomato ricotta appetizers are unique. They are easy to assemble and perfect for parties!
Lunch & Dinner Recipes
Make ricotta the main event with these delicious recipes!
This white flatbread pizza is made with ricotta, mozzarella, and feta for a deliciously cheesy combination! Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, this easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal!
This pesto orzo salad is made with creamy ricotta and salty pistachios for a uniquely delicious pasta dish! You can enjoy this recipe served warm or cold.
This one-pot pasta with ricotta is creamy and delicious, but it only takes 20 minutes to prepare! Plus, it’s packed with protein from the red lentil pasta!
This gluten-free Garden Vegetable Lasagna recipe is made with veggies like eggplant and spinach. It's the best vegetarian comfort food!
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus and Hazelnuts is full of bright spring flavor. Creamy with savory mushrooms and a nutty flavor, the asparagus and lemon give this dish a tangy and bright note.
This traditional vegetarian Sicilian ricotta and pistachio pasta recipe is beautifully creamy, light and easy to make. Perfect for summer and weeknight meals!
This vegetarian butternut squash lasagna is made with a roasted squash béchamel sauce, kale, ricotta, and mozzarella for a decadent fall meal.
Breakfast Recipes
It's never too early to enjoy ricotta! Try one of these delicious breakfast recipes.
This low-carb Artichoke, Kale, and Ricotta Pie also has eggs and Parmesan — it would make an elegant dish for a special breakfast!
This recipe is proof that ricotta isn't just for dinner! Blackberries and ricotta top this toast for an easy breakfast recipe with plenty of protein to keep you satisfied all morning — and it only takes a few minutes to make!
These fluffy, luxurious Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce will up your breakfast game! This recipe is a great way to use up any ricotta cheese you might happen to have on hand.
These gluten-free savory crepes with ricotta, mushrooms, and spinach are a healthy meal for any day. Plus, they're easy to make!
This simple Herbed Ricotta Toast recipe will take you just a few minutes to throw together for a luxurious high-protein breakfast, brunch, or toast-for-dinner.
If you want to try something really tasty that works for any occasion as an appetizer or main course, try these spinach and ricotta empanadas.
Dessert Recipes
Ricotta can be delicious in desserts! Try these sweet treats.
Ricotta isn't just for savory recipes! This tasty cannoli dip is sweet and creamy with plenty of chocolate chips. Serve it with waffle cone pieces or vanilla wafers for an easy and delicious dessert!
These delightful little baked ricotta raspberry puddings are a light but satisfying dessert. Smooth and lightly sweet with fruity and aromatic vanilla undertones.
Ever made a cheesecake with ricotta? If not, you have to try this chocolate ricotta cheesecake with biscoff cookie base!
You won't miss the sugar or carbs in this tasty almond ricotta cheese cookie recipe! It's the perfect gluten-free treat for holidays or just enjoying as a yummy keto snack!
Here's how to make the most delicious Italian Ricotta Doughnuts. They're soft and fluffy with a delicious orange flavor and dusted in powdered sugar. Made with an easy yeast-free batter, these doughnuts take no time at all to make and taste incredible.
This elegant cake with ricotta frosting is so delicious! It is full of wonderful flavors and is also relatively easy to make.
I love this list! I have a container of ricotta in my fridge and I had no idea what to do with it now I have so many options, I’m going to start with the cheese white pizza.
So many delicious ways to use ricotta cheese. I’m sure that I will be giving a few of them a try soon.
Wow! So many great recipes to use Ricotta in! They all look good. I think I will try the vegetable lasagna and the ricotta cheesecake first.
I always loved ricotta, but had no idea it was so versatile! I’ve made a few of the recipes on this list, like the three cheese pasta and the lasagna soup, but I look forward to exploring even more.
Wow! Every dish looks delicious. There is so many recipes we can incorporate with ricotta cheese. I hope to make them all and taste each of them. Loved it!
What a wonderful collection of ricotta recipes! They all look so delicious I’m not sure where to start, but I have my eye on the pizza and lasagna soup!
I love cooking with ricotta cheese! Just saved a few recipes from your list and going to make them soon 😉
Who knew ricotta cheese was such a versatile ingredient?! I see more than a few recipes I’d like to try in this thorough roundup.
Such a great ingredient to work with. Delicious in both savoury and sweet recipes. I need to give a few of these a try. Nice collection of recipes to choose from.