Ricotta Reinvented: 7 Unique Recipes to Try Today!

Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. In this post, we’ll explore 7 unique recipes that showcase the many different ways you can use ricotta in your cooking. From appetizers to desserts, there’s a recipe for every occasion!

Recipe #1: Ricotta-Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser at any party. The creamy ricotta filling is balanced by the earthy mushroom cap for a perfect bite.

Ingredients:

12 large mushrooms
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Set aside the mushroom caps.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff each mushroom cap with the ricotta mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe #2: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

These fluffy pancakes are light and lemony, perfect for a weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese and egg yolks until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
Add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture and mix until well combined.
Stir in the milk and melted butter until the batter is smooth.
In another mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and spoon about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan.
Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Recipe #3: Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast

This stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and impressive dinner option.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Toothpicks
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each breast.
Stuff each breast with the ricotta mixture and secure the pocket with toothpicks.
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the toothpicks and serve hot.

Recipe #4: Ricotta and Tomato Tart

This tart is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. The combination of ricotta and tomatoes is both fresh and comforting.

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet and place it onto the prepared baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly onto the puff pastry, leaving a border of about 1 inch.
Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the ricotta mixture.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are tender.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe #5: Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

This dessert is decadent and rich, yet light at the same time. The combination of chocolate and ricotta is a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:

In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips, stirring constantly.
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
In another mixing bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the melted chocolate to the ricotta mixture and mix until well combined.
Gently fold in the whipped cream.
Divide the mousse among 4 serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
Serve cold and enjoy!

Recipe #6: Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells

This pasta dish is comforting and flavorful. The combination of ricotta and spinach filling and the tomato sauce is a classic one.

Ingredients:

24 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell and place them into the prepared baking dish.
Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed shells.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the pasta is cooked through.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe #7: Ricotta and Honey Toast

This simple breakfast or snack option is both delicious and nutritious. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ricotta cheese.

Ingredients:

4 slices of bread
1 cup ricotta cheese
Honey
Toasted nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions:

Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Spread about 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese onto each slice of toast.
Drizzle honey on top of the ricotta.
Sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds, if desired.
Serve and enjoy!

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. In this post, we’ve explored 7 unique recipes that showcase the many different ways you can use ricotta in your cooking. From appetizers to desserts, there’s a recipe for every occasion! Try the Ricotta-Stuffed Mushrooms as a party appetizer, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for a weekend brunch, Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breast for an impressive dinner, Ricotta and Tomato Tart for a summer lunch, Chocolate Ricotta Mousse for a decadent dessert, Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells for a comforting pasta dish, and Ricotta and Honey Toast for a simple breakfast or snack option. We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new flavors and ingredients!