21 Flavor-Packed Ricotta Ideas You Will Love

Ricotta is the creamy, dreamy ingredient that can take a simple dish to the next level. From fluffy pancakes and decadent cakes to savory pastas, frittatas, and crostini, these ricotta recipes are packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a comforting dinner, there’s a ricotta recipe here that’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to impress.

Italian Ricotta Cookies

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Soft cookies made with ricotta are tender and lightly sweet. The cheese adds moisture for a delicate texture. Zest or flavorings enhance the overall flavor. Each bite is light, melt-in-your-mouth, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Pancakes are fluffy and bright with citrus notes. Ricotta makes the texture tender and rich. A touch of orange zest enhances freshness. Each bite is soft, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

A close-up of a bowl of whipped feta dip topped with olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, and ground spices. — Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Whipped ricotta is smooth, versatile, and elegant. It can top toast, pasta, or roasted vegetables. The texture is creamy without being heavy. It works as a base for sweet or savory toppings.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Ground chicken is mixed with ricotta for tender, juicy meatballs. The cheese adds richness and binds the mixture. Seasonings enhance the savory flavor. Each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Chocolate Ricotta Cake

Ricotta creates a moist, tender chocolate cake. The texture is rich yet light. Cocoa intensifies chocolate flavor. Each slice is indulgent without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ricotta Cake

Ricotta Frosting

A round chocolate cake with white frosting on top, displayed on a beige cake stand with a blue checkered cloth in the background. — Ricotta Frosting. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ricotta creates a creamy, smooth frosting for cakes or cupcakes. It adds subtle richness and a mild tang. Sweetness balances the flavor. It spreads easily and pairs well with fruit or chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Frosting

Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

A custard-like cake combines ricotta, lemon, and Amaretti cookies. The texture is creamy and tender. Citrus adds brightness to each bite. It is a sophisticated, lightly sweet dessert.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

Whipped Ricotta Toast

A slice of bread topped with a creamy spread, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with black pepper, on a white plate. — Whipped Ricotta Toast. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Whipped ricotta spreads easily over warm toast. It can be paired with fruit, honey, or savory toppings. The texture is smooth and airy. Each bite is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Toast

Ricotta Frittata (Creamy & Easy)

Ricotta is folded into eggs for a rich, tender frittata. Vegetables or herbs enhance flavor. The texture is soft yet structured. It works for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Frittata (Creamy & Easy)

Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

Ricotta and roasted red peppers create a creamy, flavorful frittata. Eggs bind the ingredients into a cohesive dish. The peppers add sweetness and color. Each slice is soft, savory, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti

Pasta tubes are stuffed with ricotta and spinach, then baked in sauce. Ricotta provides creamy richness to complement the vegetables. Each bite is hearty and comforting. Cheese melts and blends into a cohesive filling.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Crispy crostini is topped with ricotta, fresh peaches, and prosciutto. The cheese is smooth and creamy, balancing sweet and savory flavors. Each bite has a combination of textures. It works as a quick appetizer or elegant snack.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Large pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture. Sauce covers the shells for baking. Ricotta creates a rich, tender filling. Each bite is savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Easy Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta (My Go-To Recipe!)

Ricotta layers in classic lasagna with pasta, meat, and sauce. The cheese adds creaminess and flavor balance. Each slice is tender and cohesive. It is a hearty, comforting dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta (My Go-To Recipe!)

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Syrup (Lemon Soufflé Pancakes)

Ricotta makes pancakes light and fluffy while adding richness. Lemon zest brightens the flavor. Raspberry syrup adds sweetness and color. Each bite is tender, airy, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Syrup (Lemon Soufflé Pancakes)

Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Crostini (10-Minute Appetizer)

Whipped ricotta spreads over toasted bread and is drizzled with hot honey. Sweet and spicy notes balance the creamy cheese. The texture is smooth and airy. It is quick, elegant, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Crostini (10-Minute Appetizer)

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Layers of pasta, ricotta, spinach, and sauce create a rich, comforting lasagna. Ricotta adds creamy texture and mild flavor. Each bite is tender, cheesy, and satisfying. It works as a hearty vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Lemon Ricotta Cake

A round lemon cake dusted with powdered sugar sits on a green plate with one slice missing; a whole lemon with leaves is next to the cake. — Lemon Ricotta Cake. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Ricotta adds moisture and richness to a tender lemon cake. Citrus brightens each bite. The texture is soft and delicate. It is flavorful, light, and perfect for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cake

Coconut Ricotta Pancakes

Ricotta and coconut combine to create tender, tropical pancakes. The texture is soft and airy. Coconut adds subtle sweetness and aroma. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and light.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ricotta Pancakes

Whipped Pumpkin Ricotta Dip

Pumpkin and ricotta blend into a creamy, smooth dip. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg enhance the flavor. The texture is rich yet light. It works for spreading on toast, crackers, or fruit.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Pumpkin Ricotta Dip

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

A classic cake featuring ricotta and lemon. The texture is moist, tender, and lightly sweet. Citrus adds brightness to every bite. It is a simple yet elegant dessert.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake