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

Equipment Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Low Carb

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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4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains

8 Cheese Meat Lasagna

Indulge in this decadent 8 Cheese Meat Lasagna! This flavor explosion combines savory meat (sausage, beef, or meatless!), eight incredible cheeses, and a rich tomato sauce for a truly unforgettable dish. Perfect for family gatherings or a special night in, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress. Serve with crusty garlic bread and your favorite wine for a complete culinary experience. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Time To Make Course Eggs Dairy Occasion

Baked Ricotta Cakes With Berry Sauce

Indulge in these light and fluffy Baked Ricotta Cakes, a delightful twist on a classic recipe! Topped with a vibrant homemade berry sauce, these individual cakes are perfect for a healthy and elegant dessert or breakfast treat. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

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Time To Make Preparation Salads 3 Steps Or Less

Beetroot Leaf And Ricotta Salad

Elevate your honey balsamic lamb chops with this vibrant and refreshing beetroot leaf and ricotta salad! Tender ricotta cheese is tossed with earthy beetroot leaves, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that perfectly complements the richness of the lamb. Quick, easy, and bursting with fresh taste, this side dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dinner Party Weeknight Lasagna Pasta Rice And Grains

Apple Lasagna

A crowd-pleasing, warm apple dessert that's surprisingly easy to make! This twist on classic lasagna features layers of flaky pasta, sweet apple pie filling, and creamy cheese, topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation Meat

Barbecue Lasagna

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Barbecue Lasagna recipe is a unique fusion of Southern BBQ and Italian comfort food. Imagine tender, smoky pulled pork simmered in your favorite BBQ sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. Inspired by the classic flavors of BBQ pizza and the comforting warmth of lasagna, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ pitmaster or a kitchen novice, this recipe is adaptable to your skill level – use your own smoked pork or grab a store-bought alternative for a quicker meal. Prepare for an unforgettable taste experience that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make.

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Meat Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Inexpensive

3 Meat Stromboli

This 3-Meat Stromboli recipe elevates the classic with a few delicious twists for a taste of home that's bursting with flavor! We've perfected this recipe to deliver incredible results, even if your filling isn't perfectly even – the rolling process ensures everything is distributed beautifully. Customize your herb blend to your liking; we recommend a high-quality pre-made mix or a combination of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Get ready for a stromboli experience that's truly unforgettable!

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Italian Time To Make Main Ingredient Lasagna

Fantastic Meat Lasagna

This award-winning meat lasagna recipe is a streamlined take on a family favorite! Years of tweaking have resulted in a perfectly balanced flavor profile, minimizing excess cheese for a lighter, richer taste. Enjoy perfectly tender noodles and a luscious meat sauce in this easy-to-follow recipe. Easily customizable – add more noodles if desired!

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Meat Comfort Food Main Dish Occasion

Baked Meatball Lasagna

A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, this Baked Meatball Lasagna is a comforting classic that's sure to impress! Tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. Get ready for a taste of tradition with this irresistible dish, perfected over decades.

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Peppers Course Occasion Low Carb

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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Occasion Comfort Food Italian European

Artichoke Pesto Sun Dried Tomato Pizza With Three Cheeses

Inspired by a favorite pizza from my bartending days (but way healthier!), this Artichoke Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza is a flavor explosion! Three cheeses – mozzarella, parmesan, and creamy ricotta – blend perfectly with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a vibrant basil pesto. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick. Optional chicken makes it a complete meal, but it's equally delicious as a vegetarian delight. Get ready for a pizza experience that's both comforting and sophisticated!

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Inexpensive Healthy 2 One Dish Meal North American

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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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Course Preparation

Baked Blintzes With Fresh Blueberry Sauce

Indulge in this effortless Barefoot Contessa-inspired recipe! Forget individual pancakes – this casserole-style baked blintze recipe makes brunch a breeze. Tender blintzes, baked to golden perfection, are layered with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling, then topped with a vibrant, homemade blueberry sauce. Perfect for a crowd, this recipe is both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare. Get ready for rave reviews!

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North American Main Ingredient High Calcium Side Dishes

Arroz Con Queso Rice With Cheese

A cheesy, comforting Arroz Con Queso recipe passed down from a friend! This baked rice dish is layered with flavorful rice, beans, and a blend of cheddar, jack, and ricotta cheeses. A perfect side dish or satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors!

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Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Beginner Cook Tomatoes

Best Eggplant Aubergine Lasagna

This incredibly easy Eggplant Aubergine Lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser, packed with nutrition, and perfect for meal prepping! Enjoy layers of tender eggplant, rich ricotta, and vibrant tomato sauce. This recipe is easily divided into portions and frozen for future meals. Serve with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Dietary Potluck Pasta Rice And Grains Eggs Dairy

Anthony's Favorite Stuffed Shells

This heartwarming recipe is a family favorite, especially for my son Anthony! Simple, easy, and bursting with cheesy, comforting flavor, these stuffed shells are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. For a lighter take, check out our healthier lite-bleu version (Recipe #276033). Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious and satisfying dish!

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Pasta Main Ingredient Beef Pasta Shells

Baked Shells And Meatball Casserole

This comforting Baked Shells and Meatball Casserole is a family-friendly favorite! A delicious twist on classic Italian flavors, it combines tender pasta shells, juicy meatballs, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Imagine layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta – pure comfort food heaven!

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