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This creamy Italian cheese is oh-so versatile. It's perfect for sweet and savory recipes, appetizers, mains, and desserts.
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Is there another product in the dairy case that matches fresh ricotta in versatility? As this collection of recipes with ricotta shows, the cheese lends its fluffy yet creamy texture to all kinds of sweet and savory dishes. Ricotta can be added to pancakes for breakfast, dips and crostini for appetizers, and countless pastas and bakes for dinner. Not to mention the long list of scrumptious desserts that include ricotta, from cherry tart to Italian-style cheesecake and gelato. Some of these recipes require just a few creamy dollops; others fully showcase the ingredient.
Using Ricotta
Ricotta is easy to use and a food-friendly dairy item. It’s got a neutrality that allows it to go salty or sweet, and the creamy texture can bind ingredients together, hold a rich filling, or spread as a light topping.
Fresher is better when it comes to ricotta. Especially when you’re spreading it on toast, using it in a dip, or spooning it into a dessert. That is when you want to taste its pure, milky flavor. Source it as locally as possible to truly appreciate the sweetness of farm-fresh ricotta; it gets slightly bitter as it ages. A tub of full-fat ricotta may require draining to get rid of excess water, so whenever a recipe calls for draining, don’t hesitate—the excess moisture could impact the outcome of a recipe.
Unlike many other dairy products, ricotta will not separate when heated.
Types of Ricotta
Most ricotta in U.S. supermarkets is made from cow’s milk. Sometimes, a recipe calls for sheep's milk ricotta (popular in Southern Italy) or even buffalo ricotta. You can use cow's milk ricotta if you can't find these less-common types.
Swapping Full-Fat and Low-Fat Ricotta: Be aware that if a recipe calls for whole milk (full-fat) ricotta, and you use part-skim (low-fat) ricotta, it may not provide the desired texture; whole milk ricotta is creamier. On the other hand, if a recipe calls for part-skim, then you can substitute with whole milk ricotta if you like.
12 Cream Cheese Dessert Recipes That Are Just So Good
01of 12
Ricotta With Lemon, Basil, and Honey Bruschetta
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The perfume of fresh basil and a drizzle of honey accent the sweetness of ricotta—but this toast is not dessert; it could be served as a appetizer with drinks or for breakfast.
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02of 12
Ricotta-Cornmeal Pancakes
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Mornings feel special when you start with pancakes—especially these fluffy ones. Ricotta adds lightness, cornmeal adds a bit of texture, and the fragrance of fresh orange zest will brighten your day.
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03of 12
Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi With Sage Butter
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These delicate Italian dumplings are like ravioli without the pasta wrapper. They're made with just spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, and egg. Served tossed in sage butter, they are simply irresistible.
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04of 12
Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
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Italian-style cheesecake uses ricotta, not cream cheese, making for a lighter yet rich and delicious dessert. It rises in the oven and then falls as it cools, leaving a rim around the edge and a golden surface.
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05of 12
Double-Crusted Ricotta Pie
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This Sicilian-inspired dessert is reminiscent of Italian cheesecake in a rich pie crust. The filling is scented with candied citrus, cherries, and anise and topped with pistachios. Pour an espresso, please.
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06of 12
Fruit Platter With Whipped Ricotta
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When blended in a food processor, ricotta becomes smooth and creamy yet retains its density. Stir in a swirl of maple syrup and a hint of vanilla, and it makes a lovely accompaniment to a festive fruit platter. This one includes poached peaches as well as freshly cut fruit.
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07of 12
Rustic Cherry Tart With Ricotta and Almonds
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An open-faced pie crust, baked until crispy with sliced almonds and sugar, is a canvas for colors and flavors. Here creamy ricotta and sweet, juicy cherries make a fresh topping, fit for a party.
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08of 12
Ricotta Gelato
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Break out your ice cream maker for this decadent frozen treat! It’s sweet, rich, and delicately spiced with nutmeg.
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09of 12
Potato-Ricotta Gnocchi
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Gnocchi are fun and easy to make at home, but there are some tricks to keep in mind. Adding some ricotta to the dough elevates them to super fluffy status—and don't forget to use the right kind of floury potatoes and roll them by hand with a light touch. Then, serve them with our Creamy Tomato Sauce.
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10of 12
Spaghetti With Spinach, Peas, and Herbed Ricotta
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On the other end of the pasta spectrum, this quick toss of spaghetti is bright with frozen peas and spinach, which wilts within moments into a creamy dish.
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11of 12
Eggplant Ricotta Bake
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This bake is for eggplant lovers. It also helps if you love ricotta and Parmesan, which are mixed with egg and layered between slices of roasted eggplant in a cozy casserole-like main.
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12of 12
Swiss-Chard-and-Ricotta Galette
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This free-form tart is filled with an Italian-inspired mix of sautéed Swiss chard, onions, and golden raisins with a dash of balsamic (anchovies are optional). Ricotta enhanced with a little Parmesan brings a creamy richness. Serve it for lunch, as an appetizer, or a vegetarian entree.
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