Ricotta cheese is a delicious soft Italian cheese that can be used in many recipes. Store-bought ricotta provides a convenient base, but on its own it can be a little bland. Luckily there are lots of simple ways to add extra flavor and richness to ricotta cheese bought from the grocery store.
Why Add Ingredients to Store Bought Ricotta?
There are a few key reasons you may want to add extra ingredients to store bought ricotta cheese:
- Enhance the flavor – Plain ricotta can be mild and benefit from extra seasoning.
- Adjust the texture – Stirring in ingredients can make ricotta creamier or thicker.
- Make it more interesting – Complementary flavors create a more complex, nuanced ricotta.
- Suit your recipe – Adding ingredients can customize ricotta for the dish you’re making.
With just a few simple additions, it’s easy to improve the taste, texture and versatility of ricotta cheese purchased from the grocery store.
Flavorful Ingredients to Mix with Ricotta
Here are some of the most popular options for mixing into plain store-bought ricotta cheese:
Herbs
Fresh or dried herbs are an easy way to infuse ricotta with extra flavor. Options like basil, oregano, dill, chives, parsley or mint pair nicely with creamy ricotta. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs or 1 teaspoon dried herbs per cup of ricotta. Herbs add freshness and complement ricotta’s mild tang.
Spices
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin or red pepper flakes can give ricotta a flavor boost. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground spices per cup of cheese and adjust to taste. Nutmeg is another classic choice for ricotta recipes.
Citrus Zest
For a bright, summery twist, stir in some grated lemon, lime or orange zest. The zest provides citrus aroma without overpowering acidity. Use about 1 teaspoon freshly grated zest per cup of ricotta.
Vegetables
For extra texture and nutrition, you can blend in small diced vegetables. Options like roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, caramelized onions or peas pair well with ricotta. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of veggies per cup of cheese.
Nuts
Finely chopped nuts add crunch and richness to ricotta. Try walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts or toasted almonds. Use 2-3 tablespoons of chopped nuts per cup of ricotta.
Flavorings
Condiments and extracts also work nicely in ricotta. Add a teaspoon at a time of options like pesto, hot sauce, sun-dried tomato paste, honey, vanilla extract, maple syrup or lemon juice. Whisk vigorously to fully incorporate the flavors.
How to Adjust Ricotta Texture
Along with boosting flavor, you can also modify the texture of store-bought ricotta by mixing in:
- Cream cheese – Makes ricotta smoother and richer
- Mascarpone – Adds luxurious creaminess
- Greek yogurt – Contributes tangy thickness
- Milk – Thins out ricotta to a pourable consistency
- Cream – Lightens and softens ricotta
Start by whisking 1-4 tablespoons of the creamy ingredient per cup of ricotta until it reaches the desired texture.
Recipe Ideas Using Flavored Ricotta
Here are some tasty ways to use ricotta cheese punched up with extra flavor:
Breakfast
- Ricotta pancakes or waffles
- Stuffed French toast with ricotta filling
- Fruit and ricotta toast topping
- Ricotta breakfast casserole
- Parfaits with ricotta, granola and berries
Appetizers
- Whipped herb ricotta crostini
- Ricotta bruschetta
- Stuffed mushrooms with spiced ricotta
- Fig, walnut and ricotta flatbread
- Ricotta cheese board
Main Dishes
- Lasagna, manicotti or cannelloni
- Vegetable tart or galette with ricotta
- Eggplant or zucchini rollatini
- Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells
- Ricotta gnocchi or ravioli
Desserts
- Ricotta cheesecake
- Ricotta custard or panna cotta
- Ricotta and honey cake
- Lemon ricotta cookies
- Ricotta cannoli
The possibilities are endless for how to utilize ricotta cheese enhanced with extra flavor. Even just adding a pinch of spice and splash of olive oil can transform a tub of plain ricotta into something special.
Complementary Flavors for Ricotta
| Flavor | Good for Adding to Ricotta |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Basil, oregano, parsley, mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, chives |
| Spices | Garlic, onion, paprika, red pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin |
| Vegetables | Spinach, broccoli, peas, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, artichokes |
| Fruits | Lemon/lime zest, orange zest, figs, apples, berries, mango |
| Nuts | Pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts |
| Cheeses | Parmesan, mozzarella, feta, goat cheese |
| Other Flavorings | Pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, vanilla, coffee, wine, bacon |
How to Store Flavored Ricotta
To keep homemade flavored ricotta cheese fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Place the ricotta in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate flavored ricotta for up to one week.
- For longer storage, dollop ricotta in portions on a parchment lined tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags.
- Clearly label flavored ricotta with the ingredients and date.
- Avoid introducing extra moisture into the container which can cause mold.
With proper storage, flavored ricotta can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Conclusion
Ricotta cheese is a blank canvas ready to be livened up with herbs, spices, vegetables, citrus and more. With minimal effort, it’s easy to whip plain grocery store ricotta into a special ingredient. Boosting the flavor transforming the texture opens up new possibilities for using ricotta in both savory and sweet recipes. A little creativity can turn a tub of ordinary ricotta into something extraordinary.