The Mild-Mannered Marvel: Why Ricotta Cheese Deserves Your Love

Ricotta cheese is one of those kitchen staples that can take on almost any character, light and fluffy, creamy and rich, warm and comforting, or chilled and sweet. It’s the cheese we turn to when we want to fill pasta, spoon over toast, bake into treats, or simply spread onto crackers with a touch of honey.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we believe in celebrating soft cheeses, and ricotta is one of the most versatile ones in our kitchen. Let’s explore what makes this cheese so great, and most importantly, how you can use it in your own dishes at home.

What Is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese made from the whey left over during the production of other cheeses, usually from cow’s milk. It has a light, slightly grainy texture and a subtle milky flavour that works in sweet and savoury dishes alike.

Unlike aged cheeses like Shropshire Blue or crumbly Black Crowdie, ricotta is not aged at all. That’s why it’s so fresh, bright, and easy to work with.

How to Use Ricotta: Everyday Ideas That Work

One of the best things about ricotta is that it works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert. Try these easy ways to enjoy it any time of day.

1. Breakfast Boost

Spoon some ricotta onto your morning toast and top with berries and a drizzle of honey. It’s a lovely twist on your regular buttered bread. Or stir it into scrambled eggs for a richer texture and mild, cheesy flavour.

2. Pasta Filling Perfection

Ricotta is famous in Italian kitchens. It gives a creamy texture to lasagna, ravioli, and cannelloni. Mix it with spinach, a bit of grated nutmeg, and some parmesan for a homemade filling so good, you won’t miss the meat!

Try it in stuffed shells or use it to balance stronger cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce for a perfectly balanced baked pasta dish.

3. Pizza’s Best Friend

On a white pizza, try spooning dollops of seasoned ricotta with fresh herbs and garlic. When baked, it turns creamy and adds a delightful contrast to the crispy crust.

4. Creamy Dips and Spreads

Blend ricotta with lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. It creates a soft cheese spread that’s lovely with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or roast meat.

Want to mix it with more punchy cheese flavour? Blend it with creamy alternatives like Somerset Camembert or Oxford Blue for a richer dip that goes great with warm flatbread.

Sweet Recipes That Shine with Ricotta

You may not think of cheese when you imagine dessert, but ricotta can play a leading role in some of the most mouth-watering treats.

1. Ricotta Pancakes

Fluffy, light and creamy, ricotta pancakes are tastier than traditional ones. The ricotta keeps them soft and gives a slight richness. Top with maple syrup, fruit, or a dollop of jam.

2. Cannoli Cream

Mix ricotta with vanilla, cinnamon and a bit of icing sugar. Now you have the classic Sicilian cannoli filling. Pipe it into a pastry shell or spoon over baked pears. You can even blend in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

3. Ricotta Cheesecake

Italian-style ricotta cheesecakes are lighter than cream cheese versions. They’re great in summer and taste even better when flavoured with citrus. Use it with a simple biscuit base and top with fresh berries.

4. Shaped and Baked Puddings

Try baking it in shapes like little ramekins. Add lemon zest, sugar, and an egg, and you get light individual puddings. These hit the sweet spot between cheesecake and soufflé.

Cooking Tips for Getting the Most Out of Ricotta

• Drain any extra moisture: If your ricotta is very wet and you’re using it in baking or filling, try draining it in a muslin cloth for 15 minutes. It will make it thicker and easier to work with.
• Season and stir: Plain ricotta is mild. Stir in herbs, spices or citrus zest for more flavour.
• Use it warm or cold: Ricotta works great either way. Warm it up in pasta or pancakes, or use it cold in dips, salads or dessert toppings.
• Pair it wisely: Try serving ricotta with stronger cheeses on a cheese board. We love it with soft cheeses like Bath Soft Organic Cheese or La Fresca Margarita for variety in taste and texture.

Our Favourite Ricotta Cheese Combinations

Sometimes the best flavours come from simple pairings. Try matching ricotta with these favourites from our shop:

• With Honey and Camembert de Normandie AOC: This pairing balances soft and runny creamy textures with the sweetness of honey and the round flavour of Normandy camembert on a cracker or slice of bread.
• With Figs and Golden Cheshire Brie: Ricotta brings a clean base that lets the richness of the brie and sweetness of figs sing.
• With Tomatoes and Herbs: Scoop some ricotta onto sliced tomatoes, sprinkle with sea salt, basil and olive oil, simple and perfect.
• As a Bed for Roasted Vegetables: Spread ricotta on a warm plate and top with hot roast veg. The cheese melts slightly and gives everything a creamy touch.

FAQs

How long does ricotta last in the fridge?

Once opened, ricotta will last 5 to 7 days in the fridge if kept in an airtight container.

Can ricotta be frozen?

You can freeze it, but it’s best fresh. Freezing can change the texture and make it drier. If you freeze it, stir well after defrosting and use it in cooked dishes.

Is ricotta healthy?

Ricotta is high in calcium and protein and lower in fat than many other cheeses. It also has fewer additives because it’s fresh. It’s a nice option if you want something gentler on your stomach.

Can I make ricotta at home?

Yes! All you need is milk, lemon juice or vinegar and salt. Heat the milk, add the acid, let it curdle, then strain. The result is fresh homemade ricotta you can use the same day.

Give Ricotta a Spot in Your Kitchen

Whether packed into pasta or scooped over fruit, sweetened for cake or used in savoury dips, ricotta cheese can fit into nearly every type of recipe. It offers a creamy texture and a soft taste, making it easy to pair with stronger or sweeter ingredients.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we love helping people discover cheeses like ricotta. Visit our store or browse our online collection of soft and artisan cheeses to find your next kitchen favourite. If you’ve not tried adding ricotta to your everyday meals yet, it’s time to pick up a tub and get started. We promise it’s worth it.