29 Recipes With Ricotta for Dinner, Dessert, and More | Epicurious
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When you think of recipes with ricotta, you might picture stuffed shells, cheesy calzones, and crisp cannoli. But these creamy, curdy cheese recipes go beyond those . Ricotta shows up all over the Epi archives, in savory dinners and appetizers as well as desserts and breakfast dishes. Think vegetable-packed casseroles, cheesy pasta bakes, fluffy , elegant , and more.
If you want to step it up, . But these ricotta recipes are just as good when you’re working with the half-full tub in your fridge.
This ricotta recipe is perfect for those nights when you have no idea what to cook. A luxurious cream sauce and plenty of spinach make this simple and satisfying.
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This ricotta lasagna gets its depth from two pounds of sautéed mushrooms. Layer the mushrooms with ricotta and an aromatic béchamel for a . (Looking for ? We have that too.)
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Stuffed shells can be a project, but this genius stovetop version makes it weeknight-friendly. Serve with a and for a true feast.
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When it’s time to go all-out (holidays, dinner parties), this manicotti recipe with homemade crespelle (Italian crêpes) stuffed with ricotta is for you.
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Ricotta can make any pasta instantly creamy. For this bright, simple dish, sauté garlic and shredded zucchini with fresh lemon zest, then stir in the pasta, cheese, , mint, and parsley.
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This party-friendly riff on binds the pasta with egg, half-and-half, and ricotta cheese, allowing it to bake into a sliceable, celebratory pie.
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Pair store-bought pasta sheets and marinara with , Italian sausage, and a ricotta-chard filling for a meal that’s equal parts doable and memorable.
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Want to know the secret to the fluffiest gnocchi? Ricotta cheese, of course. Save this dish for spring, when morels, peas, and are at their best, or pair the homemade gnocchi with whatever is in season.
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Gooey, saucy, cheesy. This baked pasta dish has everything you’re craving, but plan ahead: The ricotta needs to drain overnight for the best texture and flavor.
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When is abundant, caramelize it, then toss the cooked vegetables with a mint-and-garlic vinaigrette. Spoon the soaked squash over a bed of creamy lemon ricotta and be sure to have plenty of crusty bread on hand for scooping.
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These Turkish-inspired flatbreads are extra cheesy thanks to a trio of , ricotta, and grated kasseri. And they’re also fresh thanks to a ton of herbs.
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You can fry these meatballs in advance, then freeze them for up to a month. When it comes time to party, pop them in the oven until they’re warmed through.
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Top ricotta-smeared toast with a bright tangle of shredded brussels sprouts, raisins, and pine nuts. It’s the perfect or any winter holiday.
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Combine kale and thinly sliced squash (plus plenty of ricotta) in this cozy casserole—exactly the kind of we crave in the colder months.
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We’re no strangers to the challenge of —but believe us when we say that this recipe changes everything. Pile grilled green beans atop whipped ricotta for a crowd-pleasing, not-at-all-boring summer side.
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Top with a thyme-and-orange-infused ricotta spread to make this mesmerizing savory tart.
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Cooking polenta in a slow cooker is a game changer. Stir in two cheeses, then top with a simple tomato salad to make it even better.
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This fresh take on a traditional white pizza features a pesto-ricotta base, livened up with garlic and lemon zest and topped with a slew of bright green veggies.
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In this baked pasta alternative, thin slices of zucchini stand in for the noodles. Roll them up with spinach and ricotta, then stand them on end and smother with tomato sauce before baking.
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A proper cannoli should have a little bit of everything—bittersweet chocolate, rich pistachios, bright citrus, and a slightly tangy ricotta filling. Fortunately, this recipe has it all and then some.
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Olive oil enriches this cake, orange zest brightens it, and ricotta keeps it tender. Eat it by the slice as you walk out the door or serve it at a dinner party with a on the side.
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This cheesecake features two types of cheese—cream cheese and ricotta—because sometimes, more really is more. Don’t skip the crunchy, nutty praline topping.
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Not only are these cannoli-inspired galettes fun to make, but they might just be more delicious than the traditional Italian American pastry. Stir a duo of chocolate chips and pistachios into the ricotta filling for crunch and depth.
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With a buttery crust, a creamy fennel-and-orange ricotta filling, sweet roasted cherries, and a crystallized almond garnish, this recipe from pastry chef delivers on every front.
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Two classic desserts—Italian ricotta cookies and —join forces in this bright, zesty cookie. They’d make an excellent addition to your .
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If your philosophy is “stick to the classics,” you’ll love this traditional cheesecake recipe. There’s a reason it has a five-star rating.
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Never flip individual pancakes for a crowd. Instead, try this large-format version with a cinnamon-spiced pear compote swirled through the batter.
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Ricotta makes the silkiest cheesecakes; this version is enveloped in a shattering phyllo pastry crust for crispy-creamy contrast.
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We couldn’t wrap up a list of the best recipes with ricotta without this . Ricotta keeps these pancakes light, lemony, and remarkably moist.
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is a freelance food writer, editor, and recipe developer based in Connecticut. Most recently, she was the recipe editor of TODAY.com where she managed digital recipe development and sponsored food franchises. She was previously a staff editor and writer at Food52 and Martha Stewart Living. Her writing has ... Contributor
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
