Savoury Ricotta Recipes to Elevate Your Everyday Meals

Ricotta cheese, with its creamy texture and subtle tang, is a versatile ingredient that elevates many savory dishes. Whether you’re looking to add a rich, velvety element to pasta, create a flavorful filling for pastries, or whip up a quick appetizer, savoury ricotta recipes are your go-to solution.

Unlike its sweet counterparts, these recipes highlight the cheese’s natural savoriness, blending it with herbs, spices, and vegetables to create mouthwatering dishes that impress every time.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious savoury ricotta recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. From simple spreads to hearty mains, ricotta adds a luxurious touch without overpowering other flavors.

If you haven’t experimented much with ricotta in savory cooking, prepare to be inspired by these recipes that bring warmth, comfort, and a hint of indulgence to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ricotta’s creamy and mild flavor makes it incredibly adaptable for savory cooking. It’s naturally low in fat compared to other cheeses, yet rich in protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to meals.

Its smooth texture allows it to blend beautifully with herbs, roasted vegetables, and spices, enhancing dishes without overshadowing other ingredients.

These savoury ricotta recipes are perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re creating a quick snack, a side dish, or a main course, ricotta lends itself to a wide range of culinary creativity.

Plus, these recipes often require minimal ingredients and come together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• Ricotta cheese: fresh and whole milk ricotta for the best creaminess
• Fresh herbs: basil, parsley, thyme, or chives for brightness
• Garlic: minced or roasted for depth of flavor
• Lemon zest or juice: to add a fresh, zesty note
• Olive oil: extra virgin for richness and mouthfeel
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Vegetables: spinach, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• Spices: red pepper flakes, nutmeg, or smoked paprika (optional)
• Parmesan cheese: for a nutty, savory boost (optional)
• Pastry sheets or bread: if making filled pastries or crostini

Equipment

• Mixing bowls: for combining ingredients
• Whisk or fork: to blend ricotta smoothly
• Knife and cutting board: for prepping herbs and vegetables
• Baking sheet: if roasting vegetables or baking pastries
• Spoon or spatula: for spreading and mixing
• Skillet or frying pan: for sautéing vegetables or warming dishes
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accuracy

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse and chop fresh herbs finely. If using vegetables such as spinach or peppers, sauté or roast them until tender and flavorful.
2. Mix the ricotta base: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with minced garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil. Whisk or stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Season well: Add salt, pepper, and any optional spices like red pepper flakes or nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
4. Incorporate herbs and vegetables: Fold in the chopped herbs and cooked vegetables gently to retain texture.
5. Use the ricotta mixture: Spread onto toasted bread for crostini, fill pasta shells or ravioli, or spoon into pastry sheets for savory turnovers.
6. Bake or serve: If baking pastries or pasta, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake until golden and heated through—usually 15-20 minutes. Otherwise, serve chilled or at room temperature as a dip or spread.
7. Garnish and enjoy: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips & Variations

For creamier ricotta, drain excess whey by placing ricotta in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth for 30 minutes before using.

Try adding sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist, or mix in sautéed mushrooms and thyme for an earthy flavor profile.

Swap fresh herbs for dried when fresh isn’t available, but use about half the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.

For a gluten-free option, serve the ricotta mixture over grilled vegetables or gluten-free crackers instead of bread or pastry.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the exact brand of ricotta and additional ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• As a spread: Serve the savoury ricotta on toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
• Stuffed pasta: Use the ricotta mixture as a filling for ravioli, cannelloni, or stuffed shells, topped with a fresh tomato sauce or browned butter and sage.
• In salads: Dollop ricotta on warm roasted vegetable salads for a creamy contrast.
• With roasted meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted lamb as a bright, creamy accompaniment.
• In savory pastries: Fill puff pastry or phyllo dough with the ricotta blend for appetizers or handheld snacks.

Delicious Savoury Ricotta Recipes to Try

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Combining tender pasta shells with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, baked under a blanket of mozzarella and marinara sauce, this recipe is a classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Crostini

Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these crostini feature toasted baguette slices topped with a whipped ricotta spread mixed with roasted red peppers, garlic, and fresh basil.

Ricotta and Herb Savoury Tart

A crisp pastry crust filled with a rich ricotta, egg, and herb custard, baked until golden, and served warm. This tart is ideal for brunch or a light dinner paired with a fresh salad.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic, egg, mozzarella, marinara sauce, salt, pepper
• Method: Cook pasta shells; sauté spinach and garlic; mix spinach with ricotta and egg; stuff shells; layer in baking dish with marinara and mozzarella; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Crostini

• Ingredients: Baguette slices, roasted red peppers, ricotta cheese, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Method: Toast baguette slices; blend roasted peppers with ricotta and garlic; spread on bread; garnish with basil and olive oil drizzle.

Ricotta and Herb Savoury Tart

• Ingredients: Puff pastry, ricotta cheese, eggs, mixed fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, chives), garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper
• Method: Roll out pastry; whisk ricotta with eggs, herbs, garlic, and Parmesan; pour into pastry shell; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.

Explore more tasty recipes like Creamy Mushroom Risotto, Homemade Pesto Pasta, and Classic Italian Meatballs to complement your savoury ricotta creations.

Conclusion

Savoury ricotta recipes offer a delightful way to incorporate creamy, nutritious cheese into your meals with ease and versatility. Whether you’re whipping up a quick spread, baking a comforting pasta dish, or crafting an elegant tart, ricotta brings a subtle richness that enhances every bite.

Its adaptability across cuisines and dishes means you can experiment endlessly, tailoring flavors to your preferences and seasonal ingredients.

By mastering a few simple techniques and flavor combinations, savoury ricotta can become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. This ingredient not only adds delicious depth but also invites creativity, turning everyday meals into memorable experiences.

So grab some fresh ricotta and start exploring the savory possibilities today!

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