It is a type of cheese that is made from milk and whey.
It has a creamy and smooth texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
It is often used in dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli.
But what to do with leftover ricotta cheese? If you’re still asking that question, then here are some ideas of mine to help use it up.
Let’s check them out.
Add it to your morning oatmeal or cereal
Adding the leftover to your morning oatmeal or cereal will give it a nice creamy texture and a subtle flavor that you’ll surely enjoy.
To do this, simply place the cheese in a bowl.
Add some milk.
Microwave for about 30 seconds.
Let it sit until is no longer hot, then add your favorite cereal or oatmeal to the bowl.
Toss it with pasta noodles
It can be used with pasta noodles too.
Simply combine about half a cup of pasta noodles with the ricotta cheese then toss until well-combined.
You can also add some milk if you want to give your pasta more creaminess and flavor.
Make breakfast tacos
You can use the leftover for making breakfast tacos.
Prepare some taco shells by frying them in oil or grease, then let them cool.
Take out the cheese from the fridge and transfer it to a bowl.
Add some milk then mix until it becomes fluffy or creamy.
Spoon some mixture onto your taco shells, add some bacon bits if you want, then enjoy.
Make breakfast sandwiches
It can also be used for making breakfast sandwiches too.
Just take out the cheese from the fridge then place it in a bowl.
Add some milk then mix until it becomes fluffy or creamy.
Spoon mixture onto toasted bread, top with bacon bits if you want, eggs, and your favorite vegetables, then enjoy.
Use it to make pancakes or waffles
It can be used to make pancakes or waffles too.
To do this, just place the ricotta cheese in a bowl.
Add some milk and whisk until it becomes fluffy.
Spoon mixture onto a greased pan over medium-high heat then let it cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Make an Italian-inspired omelet
An Italian-inspired omelet is simply a type of omelet that has the same flavors and ingredients as an Italian dish.
To do this, take out the ricotta cheese from the fridge then place it in a bowl.
Add one egg and mix until well-combined.
Put some oil or butter on your frying pan over medium-high heat then add the ricotta-egg mixture.
Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, similar to making a pancake or crepe.
Then, flip it over and cook the other side in the same manner.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Make cheesy grits
Cheesy grits are a type of breakfast grits dish that has cheese and spices.
To do this, you’ll need to prepare some instant or quick grits then add the leftover ricotta cheese to it while still hot.
Stir until combined then add some milk and continue stirring until smooth.
Add your favorite spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, parsley flakes, or basil.
Mix until well combined then serve warm.
Make vegetable quiche
Making vegetable quiche is very easy.
To do this, just take out the ricotta cheese from the fridge then place it in a bowl.
Add some milk then whisk until creamy and smooth.
Stir in your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or peas.
Pour mixture into a pre-baked pie shell then place it in the oven and bake at 350°F for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Make a ricotta cheese frittata
Making a ricotta cheese frittata is as easy as combining all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisking until well combined.
To do this, you’ll need to take out the leftover from the fridge and place it in a large bowl.
Add some milk then whisk until creamy and smooth.
Stir in your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or peas.
Pour mixture into a greased frying pan then place it in the oven and bake at 350°F for about 30 to 40 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as ketchup or hot sauce.
Can I freeze ricotta cheese for later use?
Yes, you can freeze it for later use if you’d like.
Just make sure that you transfer the leftovers to a freezer-safe bag or container then put it in the freezer.
Don’t forget to label and date your containers before putting them in the freezer.
Frozen ricotta cheese will last for about three months.
How do you keep ricotta cheese fresh?
It is very perishable so it can’t be left out for too long.
To keep it fresh, just transfer it to an airtight container then place it in your fridge. (source)
How do you reheat refrigerated ricotta cheese?
To reheat, just add a little milk to a microwave-safe bowl then heat it in the microwave oven for a minute or two.
Don’t forget to stir your milk and cheese mixture halfway through cooking.
If you don’t have a microwave oven, then try reheating the leftover on top of your stove using medium heat. (source)
Where can I use ricotta cheese?
It can be used in pretty much any recipe that requires cheese.
However, it is important to note that the leftover doesn’t last very long so you need to use it right away or freeze it for later use.
What can you do with spoiled ricotta cheese?
It can go bad pretty quickly depending on storage conditions.
Spoiled ricotta cheese will have a sour smell so if the leftover has turned bad, just throw it in the trash to avoid getting sick. (source)
Is ricotta cheese healthy?
Yes, traditional ones are definitely very healthy.
It is made out of milk, salt, wheat flour, or cornstarch which are all good things.
One serving of it has around 6 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat so it’s perfect for your keto diet.
Can you eat expired ricotta cheese?
No, you should never eat it as it can cause illness.
Expired ricotta cheese will have a sour smell and a peculiar taste that’s too cheesy which is a sign that it has gone bad.
Can you eat uncooked ricotta cheese?
It is not recommended for consumption because it may be contaminated with harmful microbes that can cause food poisoning.
Since it’s made out of milk, leftovers of uncooked ricotta cheese will spoil quickly, especially when exposed to warm temperatures.
Is ricotta cheese watery?
No, it is not watery.
It’s actually pretty thick and creamy which is why it’s perfect for cooking delicious recipes.
How do I know if my ricotta cheese is bad?
It can quickly go bad depending on its storage conditions.
To tell if the leftover has gone bad, just look out for mold or an off-putting sour smell.
If you find any of these, then it’s best not to eat the leftovers as it may cause illness.
How do you store homemade ricotta cheese?
It’s best to store your homemade products in an airtight container then transfer it to the fridge.
They can be refrigerated for about a week or so which is longer than store-bought leftovers.
Conclusion
By now, I hope you won’t have to ask what to do with leftover ricotta cheese anymore.
All of these recipes are easy and quick to make, and they all use leftover ricotta cheese.
Not only will you save money by using up your leftovers, but you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch meal.
This type of cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with it.
What’s your favorite recipe?