You bring home a tub of ricotta cheese—maybe for a recipe, maybe just because it looked like a good idea—and then it sits in the fridge while you wonder what to actually do with it. The good news?
Ricotta is one of the easiest ingredients to turn into something delicious, whether you’re cooking a quick breakfast, a cozy dinner, or even a simple dessert.
So if you’re wondering what to make when you have ricotta cheese?
These are the kind of recipes you’ll make once and then keep coming back definitely. So save now and start trying.
Ricotta Pancakes:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Recipetineats
If you’ve ever had pancakes at a café and wondered why they feel softer, richer, and almost melt-in-your-mouth, ricotta is usually the secret.
These fluffy ricotta pancakes take a simple breakfast and turn it into something special—light, creamy, and just indulgent enough to feel like a weekend treat, even when you make them at home.
Ricotta Toast (with honey + berries):
Try This Amazing Recipe By Bingeworthybites
Sometimes the simplest combinations turn out to be the most satisfying, and this honey-drizzled ricotta toast is proof.
With creamy ricotta spread over warm, crispy bread and topped with fresh fruit and a touch of sweetness, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both effortless and special at the same time.
Spinach & Ricotta Omelet:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Lacasa
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels light yet satisfying, this ricotta spinach omelette is the perfect choice.
Soft, fluffy eggs paired with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach create a simple dish that’s both comforting and nourishing.
It’s quick enough for busy mornings, but delicious enough to feel like something special.
Ricotta Smoothie (blend with banana + vanilla):
Try This Amazing Recipe By Lacasa
Ricotta Crostini:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Fromscratchfast
When you want something that looks impressive but takes almost no effort, whipped ricotta crostini is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
With crispy toasted bread and a creamy, airy ricotta spread, it’s simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable—perfect for everything from casual evenings to special gatherings.
Whipped Ricotta Dip:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Loveandlemons
This whipped ricotta is a simple yet elegant appetizer or spread that turns basic ricotta into something incredibly smooth, light, and luxurious.
It takes just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients, but tastes like something you’d order at a café.
Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Marcellinaincucina
These baked mushrooms are a simple, flavorful Italian-style appetizer or side dish, filled with creamy ricotta and baked until golden. They’re light, satisfying, and come together in just 25–30 minutes.
The filling combines ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, creating a bright, creamy flavor in every bite.
Ricotta Flatbread Pizza:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Sallybakingaddiction
Classic Ricotta Lasagna:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Familystylefood
There’s something timeless about a classic lasagna, and this ricotta cheese version brings all the comfort you expect in every layer.
With rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a creamy blend of cheeses, it’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and brings everyone to the table.
Ricotta Gnocchi:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Recipeineats
If you’ve ever thought making gnocchi at home was complicated, this ricotta version will completely change your mind.
Soft, pillowy, and ready in just 30 minutes, it turns a classic Italian dish into something quick and approachable.
With simple ingredients and an easy method, it’s the kind of recipe that feels impressive but is surprisingly effortless to make.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Loveandlemons
Ricotta Stuffed Shells:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Forkknifeswoon
If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting, these spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are exactly what you need.
Filled with a creamy, herby mixture and baked in rich tomato sauce, they bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels both satisfying and homemade.
It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for sharing, yet easy enough to make on any night of the week.
Ricotta Cheesecake (Italian-style):
Ricotta Parfait:
Try This Amazing Recipe By Nibbleanddine
These parfaits are a beautiful, no-cook recipe that combines creamy ricotta, sweet raspberries, and crunchy almonds into a layered treat that works as breakfast, snack, or light dessert.
The texture is often described as “cheesecake-like but lighter,” thanks to whipped ricotta and natural sweetness.