Use It Up! 11 Recipes for Leftover Ricotta (2024)

FAQs

Can I freeze ricotta cheese for later use? ›

Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese in its original store-bought container, even after opening it. Because ricotta tends to be sold in large quantities, but recipes typically only require a small amount, freezing the excess can help prevent waste and preserve it for future use.

Shelf life for homemade ricotta cheese will vary based on the type of milk you use. For instance, organic milk has a longer shelf life than non-organic. In a restaurant, 3 days is the maximum time this would be served. Properly stored homemade ricotta will last up to 1 week.

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny. One or more eggs are recommended whether you add the other ingredients mentioned here or not.

Fats. A half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 14.2 grams of fat, 8 grams of which is saturated. Saturated fats are known to contribute to the risk of heart disease.

Because ricotta has a high moisture content, the water in it will become ice once it's frozen, causing the texture to change.

Soft cheeses like ricotta should last around one week after opening, according to the USDA — that's provided you're storing it between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (that is, at normal fridge temperatures).

Transfer the remaining ricotta cheese to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place the container or wrapped cheese in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Consume the ricotta cheese within the recommended time frame specified on the package or within five to seven days after opening.

You can smear ricotta on toast and then top it with almost anything for an easy meal. Try it with corn and scallions, or pesto and tomatoes, or a fried egg. You can also eat it for dessert: top with strawberries and honey or banana and nutella.

The key distinction between the two really comes down to moisture content and texture: ricotta is smooth and spreadable with extremely fine (almost imperceptible) curds, whereas the preparation of cottage cheese results in a soupy and lumpy finished product with a higher moisture content.

Is ricotta cheese healthy? ›

Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated. It's light and creamy with a slightly grainy texture and delicate flavour that can be used on its own or in sweet and savoury dishes.

Take a Whiff. Unlike many cheeses that naturally have a pronounced odor, ricotta cheese has almost no odor. Ricotta is a mild, soft cheese that tastes and smells mostly of milk. If you notice a sour or fermented odor, throw discard it.

Homemade ricotta is tastier, fresher, and healthier than store-bought versions, which usually have preservatives. This isn't the kind of cheese you want to preserve.

If the ricotta is unopened, just mark with the date and freeze as is. However keep in mind that once thawed you will need to use the whole lot within two days. When freezing leftovers or smaller portions, remove excess moisture by pressing the cheese with a wad of paper towels.

As with most cheeses, ricotta is high in fat. The majority of the fat in whole milk ricotta cheese is saturated. According to a study published in 2018 by PLoS One, eating a diet high in saturated fat increases risk of cardiovascular disease by raising blood cholesterol levels.

In other words, the cheese doesn't melt. So ricotta falls in the same category as paneer, halloumi, queso blanco and other cheeses that can be heated without melting. This is why ricotta is such a fine choice for lasagna, stuffed shells, ravioli and cheesecake. It heats wonderfully, but doesn't reduce to a pool of goo.

To find out how to make ricotta last, you need to know how which is the most suitable storage method. Ricotta is usually kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 4°C. The packaging must be intact, but after opening, it needs to be properly closed properly or store in a container with a hermetic seal.

One key detail to keep in mind is whether the package of ricotta cheese has been opened or not. Unopened ricotta will last about two weeks in the fridge, while opened ricotta will last just a week. As for the freezer, you can store ricotta for up to three months.