This gentle cheese adds a cloud-like creaminess wherever it goes. It works beautifully in pasta and bakes, but also shines in cheesecakes and delicate desserts. These recipes show how ricotta can be both rich and surprisingly light at the same time. Each dish highlights its mild flavor while letting herbs, sauces, or sweetness take the lead.

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.
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Crunchy toasts topped with ricotta, juicy peaches, and salty prosciutto deliver a perfect balance of flavors. Honey and crispy sage add sweetness and aroma. Ideal for summer gatherings, appetizers, or light bites. Minimal effort brings truly impressive results.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

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

Soft, cake-like cookies deliver a gentle balance of sweet and tart lemon flavor. Light glaze or powdered sugar adds an extra hint of sweetness. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or afternoon tea. Small-batch size makes them ideal for smaller households.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

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.

Light, fluffy ricotta transforms into a silky spread that works for both sweet and savory pairings. Spread on toast, dollop onto pasta, or top with fruit and honey. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday cooking. A true kitchen staple that adapts to almost any flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies decorated with Christmas sprinkles.
Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Soft, fluffy cookies with a hint of citrus and sweet glaze melt in the mouth. A beloved treat for holidays, weddings, and celebrations. Simple flavors make them appealing to both kids and adults. Perfect for coffee breaks or dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy ricotta coats tender pasta while juicy tomatoes add freshness and brightness. Comforting flavors make it great for chilly evenings or easy weeknight meals. Works beautifully as a main dish or hearty side. Ready without complicated steps or long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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

Tender asparagus tucked into a creamy ricotta custard creates a delicate yet satisfying quiche. Buttery crust and cheesy filling make every slice feel special. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or light dinner. Delicious warm or at room temperature.
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.

Creamy ricotta spread over toasted bread creates a simple yet satisfying breakfast or snack. Sweet toppings like fruit and honey or savory options like tomatoes and herbs both work beautifully. Great for make-ahead mornings or quick meals. Customizable flavors keep it exciting every time.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Toast

Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

A stack of breaded fried eggplant slices layered with ricotta for a creamy texture and roasted cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate, with a fork and knife beside it.
Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Layers of crisp eggplant, creamy ricotta, and roasted tomatoes create a beautiful stack full of flavor and texture. Fresh herbs add fragrance and a refined finish. Elegant enough for dinner parties yet approachable for weeknight cooking. A satisfying option for anyone who loves Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

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

Fluffy eggs, sweet roasted peppers, spinach, and ricotta come together in a savory, low-carb skillet meal. Ideal for brunch, meal prep, or breakfast-for-dinner nights. Satisfying while still feeling light. Only a few simple steps lead to an impressive result.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Ricotta-stuffed pasta shells filled with spinach and a creamy texture are served on a black plate over tomato sauce, garnished beautifully with a gold fork nearby on a wooden table. Perfect for lovers of savory and sweet recipes alike.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tender pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach make a comforting vegetarian dinner. Zesty marinara sauce and melted cheese add classic Italian flavor. Perfect for family meals, meatless Mondays, or cozy nights in. Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next-day lunch.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, spinach, and bubbling cheese create classic Italian comfort food. Satisfying without relying on meat. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or salad.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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.

Warm ricotta baked with lemon and herbs turns into a creamy, scoopable appetizer. Wonderful paired with crusty bread, crackers, olives, or fresh fruit. Quick preparation makes it perfect for last-minute entertaining. Elegant flavor with minimal work required.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

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.

Golden, crispy fritters reveal a smoky, melty cheese center with every bite. Perfect for cocktail parties, appetizers, or snack boards. Rich flavor makes them impossible to resist. A fun option for anyone who loves savory fried bites.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Lemon Ricotta Muffins

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

Bright lemon flavor and creamy ricotta create a soft, tender muffin with bakery-style richness. Olive oil adds fruity depth and moisture. Lovely for breakfast, snacks, or brunch trays. A delightful choice for anyone who loves citrus desserts.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Muffins

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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