Ricotta Toasts

Using ricotta as a creamy spread can be a great contrast to varying sandwich elements: play with layering savory, smokey, crunchy and tangy flavors. Here are a few pairing ideas:

Ricotta, prosciutto, balsamic and arugula

Ricotta, thinly sliced roasted beets, lemon zest, sea salt and black pepper

Ricotta, crispy egg, honey and maldon sea salt

Ricotta grilled cheese, roasted vegetables, fresh basil

Ricotta Dips

Ricotta makes a great base for creamy dip. Use it alone as the base, or blended with other ingredients to diversify. Serve with crackers, toasty bread, and crunchy crudite, like cut up carrots, cucumber spears and radishes. Here are some flavor combinations to get you started:

Plain ricotta topped with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and lime zest

Plain ricotta blended with tender herbs, like basil, dill, or parsley, lemon, sea salt, pepitas

Plain ricotta blended with greek yogurt or sour cream, harissa or roasted red peppers, garlic, sea salt, pine nuts

Ricotta Gnudi

One of the best things I’ve ever done with ricotta was make gnudi. Even if the concept of making your own pasta seems intimidating, believe me that this is so easy and delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Because making gnudi does require slightly more specific measurements, I’m happy to outsource you to this fantastic recipe here from our friends at Bon Appétit. You can also add spinach, like in this version of the recipe here. Either way, you simply cannot go wrong!