What can you do with ricotta cheese?

What can you do with ricotta cheese?

Creamy ricotta cheese. It's the hidden gem that should be pride of place in any fridge. A lighter alternative to heavier creams and cheeses, ricotta has a smooth and creamy consistency that works so well in cooking. So what can you do with ricotta cheese? Here's a few easy ideas and delicious recipes​.

5 simple ways to use ricotta

1. Omelette: Whisk 2 eggs, then fold in about a tablespoon of ricotta. Season with with salt and pepper. Pour into a pan and just before it's set, scatter over sauteed garlic mushrooms. Cook until set then fold in half and serve scattered with chives.

2. Cheat's white sauce: Whisk a 500g tub ricotta, 2 tbsp sour cream and 1 egg in a jug and season with salt and pepper. Use it in a quick and easy cheat's lasagne or other baked pasta dishes.

3. Easy baked ricotta: Simply stir 1 egg into a 250g tub of ricotta. Transfer to a ramekin or baking dish and bake in the oven preheated to 180°C/160°C fan forced for about 20 minutes or until firm. Enjoy with crackers, a drizzle of honey, dried fruits or vegetable sticks.

4. As a spread: Toast slices of banana bread or fruit toast, spread with ricotta and drizzle with honey for a snack or brekky.

5. Finger food pasties: Ricotta and spinach are a match made in heaven. Combine a 500g tub of ricotta with chopped, blanched spinach and season with salt and pepper. Wrap in rectangles of ready-rolled puff pastry and bake to make an easy appetiser.

Recipes with ricotta

Check out some more great ricotta recipes below.

Ricotta plays a starring role in this delicious Chicken Involtini recipe. Popular in Italy for a good reason, this easy-to-make Involtini is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Spinach is perfectly paired with ricotta and roast pumpkin in these plum stuffed pasta shells. It might take a little bit of effort upfront but the resulting dish is sensational. You'll make it again and again.

Whether you're looking for a delicious breakfast, a tasty brunch dish, or a satisfying lunch option, these fritters are sure to impress with their nutritious combination of flavours and textures.