What can you do with ricotta cheese? (2024)

FAQs

How to use a small amount of ricotta cheese? ›

You can smear ricotta on toast and then top it with almost anything for an easy meal. Try it with corn and scallions, or pesto and tomatoes, or a fried egg. You can also eat it for dessert: top with strawberries and honey or banana and nutella.

Ideally, store the cheese in the back of your freezer, where the temperature is the lowest. The door of your freezer is a bit warmer and can fluctuate in temperature whenever you open and close it. Stored properly, fresh ricotta will last in the freezer for one to three months.

Ricotta is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's commonly used in savoury dishes such as lasagne, stuffed shells, and other Italian dishes, but it can also be used in sweet recipes like cheesecake and cannoli.

One key detail to keep in mind is whether the package of ricotta cheese has been opened or not. Unopened ricotta will last about two weeks in the fridge, while opened ricotta will last just a week. As for the freezer, you can store ricotta for up to three months.

Unlike some melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, ricotta cheese does not melt in the same way.

Opened ricotta generally lasts for about one week in proper storage conditions. To be on the safe side, give it the sniff test. If there is any off odor, toss it. Additionally, if there are any black spots, it's got to go.

Ricotta is about 74% water, and when that water transforms into ice, it disrupts the cheese's texture and makes it dry, crumbly, and slightly grainy.

Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated. It's light and creamy with a slightly grainy texture and delicate flavour that can be used on its own or in sweet and savoury dishes.

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny. One or more eggs are recommended whether you add the other ingredients mentioned here or not.

Do you eat ricotta hot or cold? ›

Today, ricotta is widely appreciated for its versatility: it can be sweet or savory, hot or cold, fresh or cooked. We eat it fresh straight out of its fuscella (the basket where ricotta is kept), but also atop pasta, fresh bread, crostini, or eggs.

Ricotta dip! It's really, really good! Really, you can use ricotta in many instances in which you might otherwise use yogurt. It's the cheese that can do both!

Yes, ricotta cheese can be enjoyed on its own as a simple and delicious snack. You can drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or add a touch of honey for a sweet and savory combination. It can also be served with fresh fruit or crusty bread.

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny. One or more eggs are recommended whether you add the other ingredients mentioned here or not.

Place ricotta in strainer, cover with plastic wrap, then place a heavy object (like a large plate) on top. Put all components in the refrigerator and let drain for at least 8 hours. Discard liquid and you'll be ready to go.

The recommended serving size for ricotta cheese is about 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 120 grams), depending on your individual nutritional needs. This amount provides a good balance of protein, calcium, and other important nutrients without adding excessive calories or fat to your diet.