11 Ricotta Recipes: How to Cook With Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta is a type of cheese made from leftover whey—a protein found in different types of milk—rather than curds. The word ricotta means “recooked,” a reference to how manufacturers make this cheese from milk or heavy cream remnants. You should refrigerate [homemade ricotta cheese](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-ricotta-cheese-tips-and-3-ingredient-recipe) whenever you’re not using it, as it goes bad quickly at room temperature (within two hours). When manufacturers age and salt this cheese, it becomes ricotta salata. You can use ricotta cheese in countless different ways. Try these eleven fresh ricotta recipes: 1. __Italian cannoli recipe__: Creamy ricotta cheese is an essential component of cannolis, one of the most well-known Italian desserts and comfort foods. Add some whole milk ricotta to the other ingredients in this [cannoli recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cannoli-recipe) to try the sweet treat. 2. __Italian ricotta cheesecake recipe__: The creamy texture of ricotta makes it a perfect choice for cheesecake recipes. Use a hefty helping of ricotta to prepare this [homemade Italian ricotta cheesecake recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ricotta-cheesecake-recipe). 3. __Lasagna recipe__: This is one of the most recognizable Italian dinner recipes, and it comes with an ample amount of ricotta cheese. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for additional dairy creaminess. You can also apply the basics of this [homemade lasagna recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-lasagna) to similar dishes like ziti and manicotti. 4. __Lemon ricotta cookies recipe__: If you like your cookies with a little lemon zest, you might enjoy these tangy but sweet treats. Feel free to add chocolate chips or dollop them with a creamy glaze. Try this easy recipe for [lemon ricotta cookies](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ricotta-cookies-recipe)—just bake them a little longer than the recommended total time if you prefer them to be crispy. 5. __Lemon ricotta pancake recipe__: In a short amount of cook time, you can whip up ricotta pancakes or crepes for a new cheesy brunch or breakfast favorite. Add some lemon juice into the mix for this [fresh lemon ricotta pancake recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ricotta-pancakes-recipe). 6. __Ravioli recipe__: A signature ricotta pasta dish, cheese-stuffed ravioli pairs well with meatballs and tomato sauce if you’re in the mood for a filling Italian dinner. Try this [classic ravioli](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ravioli-recipe) pasta recipe as your next main dish. 7. __Ricotta cake recipe__: As a whey cheese, ricotta works just as well in dessert entrees as it does for dinner recipes or breakfast recipes. It will take just under twenty minutes of prep time to get ready to bake this delicious [lemon ricotta cake recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ricotta-cake-recipe). 8. __Ricotta gnocchi recipe__: Gnocchi usually include a potato filling, but you can swap in a ricotta cheese base to make these Italian dumplings. Cover them with marinara or pesto sauce for extra flavor. Learn how to make this recipe for easy and quick [ricotta gnocchi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-and-quick-homemade-ricotta-gnocchi-recipe). 9. __Ricotta pie recipe__: Enjoy a bready pie crust with a sweet ricotta filling and a lemony tang and a pinch of vanilla flavoring for an overall explosion of flavor. Try this [simple ricotta pie recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ricotta-pie-recipe). 10. __Ricotta stuffed squash recipe__: This cheese pairs well with zucchini, so it should come as no surprise it also gels with squash blossoms (the flowering portion of the zucchini plant). Season this [ricotta-stuffed squash blossom recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/squash-blossom-recipe) with black pepper and serve it alongside sweet potatoes. 11. __Whipped ricotta dip recipe__: You might want to use ricotta cheese as an appetizer or a side dish. This [whipped ricotta dip recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whipped-ricotta-dip-recipe) can meet your needs well when you simply want to snack. Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Massimo Bottura, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more. Ricotta is a creamy, thick cheese that serves as a key ingredient in many Italian dessert and dinner recipes. Home cooks can whip up ricotta recipes for a special occasion or laidback weeknight dinner.