Ricotta Cheese

N/A (Dairy Product) Dairy, Cheese

Ricotta Cheese Dairy, Cheese

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy, Cheese

The Forktionary Angle

"The light, airy, and creamy foundation of Italian comfort food."

Definition

A fresh, soft, Italian whey cheese, traditionally made from the leftover whey of other cheeses, known for its creamy, slightly sweet, granular texture.

Moisture Content Contains up to 80% water, contributing to its soft, airy texture.
Origin Meaning "Ricotta" literally means "recooked" in Italian, referring to its production from whey.
Protein Source Primarily contains whey protein, which is easily digestible.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Ricotta Cheese are:

Mild Sweet Creamy

Chef’s Secret

For an extra-creamy texture in lasagna or dips, whip ricotta with a spoonful of cream or milk and a pinch of salt before mixing with other ingredients.

Best Substitutes

Cottage Cheese

drained, puréed for smoother texture) (); Mascarpone (richer, higher fat) (); Fromage Blanc (similar texture) (
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for fresh, whole milk ricotta for best flavor and texture. Check expiration dates.

Recipes Using Ricotta Cheese

Pasta Main Ingredient Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains

10 Minute Baked Ziti

Craving cheesy, comforting baked ziti? This recipe delivers amazing flavor in just 70 minutes! The '10-minute' prep time is totally accurate – get this deliciousness on the table quickly. A fantastic base recipe, easily customized with ground beef, Italian sausage, extra veggies, or your favorite spices. Control the fat content by using low-fat ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend treat!

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4 Hours Or Less Pasta Course Time To Make

4 Cheese Lasagna

Indulge in this family-favorite 4 Cheese Lasagna recipe! Layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone cheeses are perfectly combined with rich meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and unforgettable meal. Easy to follow instructions for a delicious lasagna the whole family will love.

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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Occasion Penne Italian

Amys Lasagna Style Casserole

Craving lasagna but short on time? This quick and easy casserole delivers big on flavor! Italian sausage and pepperoni bring a fun pizza twist to this classic comfort food. Use your favorite jarred sauce or elevate the dish with my Grandma Shannon's incredible spaghetti sauce recipe (included!). Ready in under an hour – perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Time To Make Presentation Number Of Servings Italian

Awesome Lasagna No Boil Easy

Craving a comforting, cheesy lasagna but short on time? This incredibly easy no-boil lasagna recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort! Our tweaked family recipe uses Italian sausage for a rich, savory taste (easily swappable for ground beef), and boasts layers of creamy ricotta, vibrant tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dish that's ready in under 2 hours!

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European 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Poultry

Baked Chicken Lasagna Rolls

Experience a flavor explosion with these Baked Chicken Lasagna Rolls! This recipe, originally featured in Cooking Light Supper Clubs and created for Dragone Cheese, offers a lighter take on a classic comfort food. Juicy chicken and creamy ricotta are nestled in perfectly rolled lasagna noodles, bathed in rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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Low Carb Low Carb Cuisine Lasagna

Baked Lasagne

A classic, comforting baked lasagna recipe passed down through generations! This hearty dish features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly baked pasta, topped with melted mozzarella. Get ready to savor every bite of this family favorite.

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Cuisine Main Ingredient Course 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Manicotti

This decadent Baked Manicotti recipe elevates the classic Italian dish with flavorful ground sausage, creamy white sauce, and a touch of fresh herbs. A simplified, make-ahead stuffing method saves time, while the blend of rich sausage and ricotta filling, layered with vibrant red and white sauces, creates a symphony of flavors. Perfectly paired with garlic artichokes (recipe #61210) and a crisp garden salad for a complete and unforgettable Italian feast!

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Manicotti Occasion Manicotti Taste Mood

Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce

This classic Baked Manicotti recipe, inspired by a vintage women's magazine, has been a family favorite for generations! Enjoy tender manicotti shells overflowing with a rich meat and cheese filling, smothered in a luscious tomato sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Double the recipe (as I do!) and freeze half for a future meal. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a bold red wine for a truly unforgettable Italian feast.

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Time To Make Time To Make Cuisine One Dish Meal

Baked Manicotti With Pepperoni Meat Sauce

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? This Baked Manicotti with Pepperoni Meat Sauce recipe is your answer! Using convenient no-boil lasagna noodles, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from Cook's Country TV and perfected for family enjoyment, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure Italian-American deliciousness!

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Main Dish Cuisine Eggs Dairy Healthy 2

Baked Pasta With Butternut Squash And Ricotta

Indulge in this hearty and elegant baked pasta casserole! Creamy ricotta, roasted butternut squash, and crunchy walnuts perfectly complement whole wheat penne in a cheesy, comforting dish. A Weight Watchers-approved recipe (5 points!), perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Oven Low Sodium Vegetables Equipment

Baked Peppers With Ricotta And Basil

Forget everything you thought you knew about stuffed peppers! This low-carb, flavor-packed recipe features vibrant bell peppers (yellow, red, orange, or green – you choose!) filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, fragrant basil, and a touch of fresh herbs. A quick char adds a smoky depth, while a 30-minute bake creates the perfect balance of tender peppers and luscious filling. This elegant yet easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Taste Mood Dietary Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

Indulge in this autumnal delight! This creamy Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta recipe, inspired by a classic from the July 2002 Australian Family Circle, is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a cozy night in. Roasted pumpkin's sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and a crunchy garlic breadcrumb topping. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

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Holiday Event Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Baked Spinach Cheese

This creamy, cheesy spinach casserole is a crowd-pleaser! A baker's heat shield prevents over-browning, ensuring perfectly golden cheese and tender spinach throughout. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a delicious side dish or light meal.

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Time To Make Pork Sausage Pasta Rice And Grains Course

Baked Ziti And Italian Sausage

Say goodbye to traditional tomato-based baked ziti! This recipe features a creamy, cheesy sauce and savory Italian sausage, creating a rich and satisfying dish the whole family will crave. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this unique twist on a classic is sure to become a new favorite. Feel free to adjust the sausage quantity – we won't judge if you need extra for those hungry teenagers!

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Brunch Italian Brunch Time To Make

Baked Ziti With Sausage

This baked ziti recipe is a flavor explosion! Juicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked ziti are smothered in a rich tomato sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to customize with your favorite meats and veggies, this recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner (and rarely leaves any leftovers!).

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One Dish Meal Course Main Ingredient One Dish Meal

Baked Ziti With Spinach And Cheese

Feed a crowd this deliciously cheesy and satisfying Baked Ziti with Spinach! This budget-friendly casserole is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve alongside a fresh salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Course

Baked Ziti With Thick Rich Meat Sauce

This hearty and comforting Baked Ziti recipe serves 12 and is packed with flavor! We use a generous meat sauce (recipe #256239), adding extra to the top before freezing the remainder in convenient 1-cup portions for future meals. The secret? Slightly undercooked pasta that finishes perfectly in the oven, absorbing the delicious sauce for ultimate yumminess. This family-friendly recipe is bursting with nutrients – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! #bakedziti #meatsauce #comfortfood #familyrecipe #easyrecipe #heartymeal #italianfood #zitirecipe

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Pasta Preparation Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains

Broccoli And Cheese Stuffed Shells

A cheesy, comforting classic! This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe is a foolproof way to get even the pickiest eaters to gobble up their greens. Tender pasta shells are brimming with a creamy ricotta and broccoli filling, then smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. A Taste of Home favorite, made even better!

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