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5 Snow Day Recipes for Natural Pastures Ricotta

Check out these 5 Recipes to get you excited about having a day home making the coziest meal for tonight on this snow day!

We’ve got something fresh and delicious waiting for you at the Natural Pastures Cheese Company—our fresh ricotta is in stock this week! Made with care right here in Courtenay, BC. It’s light, creamy, with a slight caramel finish and perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to your favorite dishes.

Swing by our Artisan Cheese Shop on McPhee at 6th, open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, to pick up a tub of this freshly made goodness. Need some culinary inspiration? Keep reading for 5 easy and mouthwatering recipe ideas that showcase just how versatile fresh ricotta can be!

Items in the recipe you can also pick up while you are at the shop.
Natural Pastures Pacific Parmesan, Natural Pastures Cultured Churned Butter, and Jenny’s Crackers

5 Irresistible Ricotta Recipes to Elevate Your Culinary Creations

Ricotta cheese, with its creamy texture and mild flavor, is a versatile ingredient that can transform both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a comforting main course, or a delightful dessert, ricotta is your go-to ingredient. Here are five irresistible ricotta recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure.

1. Whipped Ricotta with Honey and Fresh Herbs
Perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (like thyme, basil, or mint), finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crusty bread or crackers for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whip the ricotta with a hand mixer until light and creamy.
  2. Drizzle in the olive oil and honey, then fold in the fresh herbs.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful, creamy spread.

2. Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A comforting, cheesy classic.
Ingredients:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture.
  5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange the stuffed shells, and top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Fluffy, zesty, and perfect for brunch or breakfast for dinner!
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, separated
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Butter for cooking

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, combine ricotta, milk, egg yolks, lemon zest, and juice.
  3. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.
  5. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour batter to form pancakes and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
  6. Serve with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

4. Ricotta Gnocchi
Light, pillowy gnocchi with a delicate flavor.
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, divide into portions, and roll into ropes.
  4. Cut into 1-inch pieces and lightly dust with flour.
  5. Boil salted water and cook gnocchi until they float to the surface (2-3 minutes).
  6. Serve with your favorite sauce, like brown butter and sage or marinara.

5. Ricotta Cheesecake
A creamy, slightly tangy dessert that’s lighter than traditional cheesecake.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, beat ricotta and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  4. Stir in vanilla, lemon zest, and flour.
  5. Pour into a greased springform pan.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until set and lightly golden.
  7. Cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Ricotta cheese isn’t just for lasagna—its versatility shines in sweet and savory dishes alike. Try these recipes and discover new ways to enjoy this creamy, delightful ingredient. What’s your favorite ricotta recipe?
Post it to Instagram with #Findnaturalpasturescheese so we can check out your creations!
Have a great snow day Comox Valley!