Ricotta cheese is one of the most versatile and loved ingredients in kitchens around the world. Its mild flavor, creamy texture, and ability to work in both sweet and savory dishes make it a true culinary hero. In this SEO-optimized, 100% human-written guide, you’ll discover 36 ricotta cheese recipes that are easy, comforting, and perfect for everyday cooking or special occasions.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas, quick lunches, cozy dinners, or indulgent desserts, these 36 complete ricotta cheese recipes will inspire you to use ricotta in new and delicious ways.
Why Ricotta Cheese Is a Kitchen Essential
Ricotta cheese is:
- Light and creamy
- High in protein and calcium
- Perfect for baking, cooking, and spreading
- Suitable for sweet and savory recipes
From classic Italian dishes to modern comfort food, ricotta adapts beautifully to almost any cuisine.
36 Ricotta Cheese Recipes You Must Try
Below are 36 complete ricotta cheese recipes, each with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Savory Ricotta Cheese Recipes
1. Classic Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients: Ricotta, pasta, garlic, olive oil, parmesan
Method: Cook pasta. Sauté garlic in olive oil, mix with ricotta and pasta, and top with parmesan.
2. Spinach Ricotta Lasagna
Ingredients: Ricotta, spinach, lasagna sheets, tomato sauce
Method: Layer sheets with ricotta-spinach mix and sauce. Bake until bubbly.
3. Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients: Jumbo shells, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara
Method: Stuff shells with ricotta mixture, bake in sauce.
4. Ricotta and Herb Omelet
Ingredients: Eggs, ricotta, herbs
Method: Cook eggs, add ricotta and herbs, fold and serve.
5. Lemon Ricotta Risotto
Ingredients: Arborio rice, ricotta, lemon zest
Method: Stir ricotta into cooked risotto with lemon zest.
6. Ricotta Flatbread
Ingredients: Flour, ricotta, yeast
Method: Make dough, bake until golden.
7. Ricotta Gnocchi
Ingredients: Ricotta, flour, egg
Method: Form dough, boil gnocchi, serve with butter sauce.
8. Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients: Chicken, ricotta, spinach
Method: Stuff chicken, bake until cooked.
9. Ricotta and Roasted Vegetable Tart
Ingredients: Puff pastry, ricotta, vegetables
Method: Spread ricotta on pastry, top with veggies, and bake.
10. Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients: Ground meat, ricotta, breadcrumbs
Method: Mix, form balls, bake, or fry.
11. Ricotta Pesto Pasta
Ingredients: Pasta, pesto, ricotta
Method: Toss pasta with pesto and ricotta.
12. Ricotta Pizza Base
Ingredients: Pizza dough, ricotta, mozzarella
Method: Spread ricotta on dough, add toppings, bake.
13. Ricotta and Mushroom Toast
Ingredients: Bread, ricotta, mushrooms
Method: Sauté mushrooms, spread ricotta on toast, and top.
14. Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients: Zucchini, ricotta, parmesan
Method: Stuff zucchini, bake.
15. Ricotta Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients: Ricotta, garlic, milk
Method: Blend ingredients and heat gently.
16. Ricotta and Tomato Bruschetta
Ingredients: Bread, ricotta, tomatoes
Method: Toast bread, top with ricotta and tomatoes.
17. Ricotta Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients: Bell peppers, ricotta, rice
Method: Stuff peppers and bake.
18. Ricotta and Herb Dip
Ingredients: Ricotta, olive oil, herbs
Method: Blend and serve with crackers.
Sweet Ricotta Cheese Recipes
19. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Ingredients: Ricotta, flour, eggs, lemon zest
Method: Mix batter, cook pancakes until fluffy.
20. Ricotta Cheesecake
Ingredients: Ricotta, sugar, eggs, crust
Method: Bake until set and creamy.
21. Honey Ricotta Toast
Ingredients: Bread, ricotta, honey
Method: Spread ricotta, drizzle honey.
22. Ricotta Chocolate Cake
Ingredients: Ricotta, cocoa, flour
Method: Bake until moist.
23. Ricotta Berry Parfait
Ingredients: Ricotta, berries, honey
Method: Layer and chill.
24. Ricotta Cannoli Filling
Ingredients: Ricotta, powdered sugar, chocolate chips
Method: Mix and pipe into shells.
25. Orange Ricotta Cookies
Ingredients: Ricotta, flour, orange zest
Method: Bake soft cookies.
26. Ricotta Banana Bread
Ingredients: Ricotta, bananas, flour
Method: Bake until golden.
27. Ricotta Crepes
Ingredients: Crepes, ricotta, sugar
Method: Fill crepes and roll.
28. Ricotta Ice Cream
Ingredients: Ricotta, cream, sugar
Method: Freeze mixture, churn if possible.
29. Ricotta Apple Cake
Ingredients: Ricotta, apples, flour
Method: Bake until tender.
30. Ricotta Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients: Ricotta, melted chocolate
Method: Blend and chill.
31. Ricotta Strawberry Tart
Ingredients: Tart shell, ricotta, strawberries
Method: Fill shell and chill.
32. Ricotta Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients: Bread, ricotta, eggs
Method: Stuff bread, dip, and fry.
33. Ricotta Lemon Muffins
Ingredients: Ricotta, flour, lemon juice
Method: Bake until fluffy.
34. Ricotta Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients: Dough, ricotta, cinnamon
Method: Roll, bake, and glaze.
35. Ricotta Almond Cake
Ingredients: Ricotta, almond flour
Method: Bake until moist.
36. Ricotta Honey Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients: Ricotta, honey, biscuits
Method: Layer in cups and chill.
Tips for Cooking with Ricotta Cheese
- Use full-fat ricotta for creamier results
- Drain excess liquid for baking
- Season well for savory dishes
- Pair with citrus or honey for desserts
Final Thoughts
These 36 ricotta cheese recipes prove just how versatile and delicious ricotta can be. From comforting dinners to elegant desserts, ricotta adds creaminess, nutrition, and flavor to every dish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this collection will help you create memorable meals with ease.
