Ricotta’s talents go far beyond layered pasta. These recipes show off its creamy, dreamy side in both sweet and savory ways. Soft, rich, and endlessly versatile, it’s the ingredient your kitchen’s been underestimating.

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

A black plate with stuffed pasta shells filled with spinach and creamy Ricotta, served on a bed of tomato sauce—an elegant twist that shows the surprising uses of classic lasagna flavors, garnished with herbs and paired with a gold fork.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta is a delicious vegetarian take on dinner. It’s oven baked cheesy goodness in a zesty marinara is comfort food at it’s best.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Three breaded and fried rounds are stacked with layers of creamy ricotta and roasted tomatoes, garnished with herbs, on a decorative plate with a fork and knife beside them—a delicious idea for those exploring new uses for ricotta.
Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Eggplant Napoleons shine with crisp fried eggplant, whipped ricotta, and slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, all layered to perfection and topped with fresh thyme. Light yet indulgent, they’re ideal for an appetizer or a refined light meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Close-up of hands pulling apart a crispy, golden-brown, fried cheese ball, revealing melted cheese inside. More cheese balls are visible in a bowl in the background.
Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

I’d host a weekly cocktail party just for these Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters. With a crisp golden crust and a smoky, creamy center, they’re downright irresistible. Think of them as the love child of an Arancini and a Gougère—pure cheesy perfection!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

A dish of creamy whipped ricotta drizzled with olive oil, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest
Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Whipped Ricotta is the little black dress of cheese—versatile, elegant, and perfect for sweet or savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This creamy Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs is a perfect appetizer that you can pair with bread or crackers, some fruit, or salty olives. The best part of this cheese dip is that it is so quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

A slice of frittata on a plate.
Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This frittata combines roasted red peppers, spinach, garlic, eggs, and ricotta cheese to create a flavorful and low-carb breakfast dish. It’s cooked in an ovenproof skillet and offers a satisfying meal with only 3 net carbs per serving. The preparation is straightforward, making it suitable for meal prep or a special brunch.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A light and creamy dish that pairs tender asparagus with smooth ricotta in a buttery crust. It’s perfect for brunch or a relaxed lunch, offering fresh, comforting flavors in every bite. Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for everyday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Whipped Ricotta Toast

Image shows a white plate with whipped ricotta toast drizzled with olive oil on it.
Whipped Ricotta Toast. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your breakfast routine with Ricotta Toast, a versatile and satisfying make-ahead breakfast option. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and it’s ready to enjoy as a delicious grab-and-go meal.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Toast

Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Lemon muffins on a wood cutting board.
Lemon Ricotta Muffins. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Take the standard lemon muffin up a notch with this made from scratch Ricotta Lemon Muffins recipe. Adding some Tuscany flavors with ricotta cheese and fruity olive oil makes these muffins rich and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.
Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These small-batch lemon ricotta cookies perfectly balance sweet and tart. With a hint of lemon zest, they make a delightful treat that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Fresh sage leaves piled onto a ricotta crostini with peaches and prosciutto.
Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto are the ultimate summer bite—creamy ricotta, sweet peaches, and salty prosciutto come together with a drizzle of honey and crispy sage. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just treating yourself, these little toasts bring big flavor with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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