Whipped Ricotta Makes the Creamy Cheese So Fluffy + Luxurious: Easy 10-Minute Recipes
Plus learn about what makes ricotta so healthy.
Let’s talk ricotta — everyone’s favorite creamy Italian cheese. Known for its lightness and delicate flavor, ricotta lends itself to many dishes, from pizzas to cheesecakes. But there’s one version of this versatile spread that you need to try: whipped ricotta. With the magic of a blender, you get an ultra-smooth, fluffy and delicious cream. Whether mixed with fresh herbs and spices or eaten straight from the bowl, this quick upgrade never fails to disappoint. We have two easy recipes that taste so good, you’ll never go back to eating plain ricotta again. And the best part? Ricotta has a ton of nutritional value, including calcium and protein. So keep reading to learn a chef’s secrets for perfectly whipped ricotta, plus how to incorporate it into your favorite dishes.
What is whipped ricotta?
Before we get into whipped ricotta, let’s first break down ricotta. Originating in Italy, this cheese derives from whey, the leftover liquid after cheese production (where milk gets curdled and strained). Its name, translating to “recooked” in Italian, reflects the traditional process of making whey cheese, which includes gently reheating the whey to yield soft, creamy curds. These curd have a hint of graininess and a mild, adaptable flavor profile.
“Whipped ricotta is simply ricotta cheese whipped either with a hand mixer, in a food processor or blender to give it a lighter, fluffier consistency,” says Sarah Herrington, MS, CNC, CPT, nutritionist at Brio-Medical. Usually, milk, oil or cream gets added during the process. Whipping ricotta adds a luxurious touch to any dish for enhanced texture and flavor. But the main reason people swear by this recipe? “”It can be used in many dishes, or served as the main event,” adds Herrington. Just watch this TikTok and see for yourself.
The health benefits of ricotta
Ricotta doesn’t just taste good, it also boasts important vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support a healthy diet. It’s a great source of high-quality protein, which helps build and repair tissues in the body. Additionally, you can find high amounts of calcium and phosphorous, two minerals that work to maintain strong bones and teeth. Ricotta also contains vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc and selenium, which play important roles in supporting immune function and overall health.
Chef’s secrets to perfectly whipped ricotta
It doesn’t get much easier than using a blender or hand mixer to whip ricotta. But we have a few expert tips to help you nail the perfect appetizer your guests will fall in love with. Here, Chef Serge Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions shares his secrets.
1. Choose the right ricotta
The right blend of ricotta matters. “Start with a good-quality, fresh ricotta cheese,” says Krikorian. “The quality of the cheese will greatly impact the final texture and flavor of the whipped ricotta. Look for ricotta that is creamy, smooth and not overly grainy.” Additionally, whole milk versions add creaminess, but avoid low-fat versions, as they may not whip as well.
2. Drain excess liquid
“If your ricotta is watery, it’s important to drain any excess liquid before whipping,” says Krikorian. He advises to let it come to room temperature first, then “place the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander and allow it to drain for about 30 minutes. Removing excess moisture will help achieve a smoother whipped texture.”
3. Skip the hand whisk
According to Krikorian, while you can always whip ricotta by hand with a whisk, “using a food processor or blender will yield the best results.” This is because “the high-speed motor will incorporate more air into the cheese, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.” But be careful not to over-mix. “Use the pulse setting and avoid over-processing, as it can make the ricotta grainy,” suggests Krikorian.
3. Adjust flavors + consistency
Many choose to add flavor to their whipped ricotta, and we firmly support. Krikorian says to experiment with a little salt, olive oil, lemon zest, fresh herbs like basil or thyme and spices. And if the becomes gets too thick, you can thin it out slowly with a bit of milk, olive oil or cream (he prefers cream!). Conversely, folding in a small amount of cornstarch helps stabilize runny ricotta.
4. Chill before serving
“After whipping the ricotta, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and develop its flavors,” explains Krikorian. “Chilled whipped ricotta will be easier to handle and will hold its shape better when used as a spread or filling.”
How to use whipped ricotta
So what exactly can you do with whipped ricotta? If you have an unopened container of ricotta in your fridge right now, now is the time to put it to good use. And no, we don’t just mean the usual lasagna or cannoli. Whipped ricotta can do a lot more than you may think, so keep reading to learn more.
Substitute for dairy
Whipped ricotta makes a dynamic substitute for conventional dairy products. You can use it in place of heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese and even cottage cheese in a variety of dishes. And for those who don’t consume dairy, you can easily make dairy-free whipped “ricotta” using almonds (or almond flour). Watch this recipe video from Heather Cristo to learn how to make it in five minutes.
Make it sweet or savory
You can use whipped ricotta in just about anything. Because of its mild taste and fluffy texture, it can subtly enhance many sweet and savory dishes without overpowering them. You can add a dollop onto pizzas or savory pies for a light contrast against roasted vegetables, salty meats and rich cheeses. Similarly, whipped ricotta seamlessly blends into meatball mixtures, pasta sauces or risottos for added thickness. You can even make it the center piece of a charcuterie board or crudité platter for dipping sliced vegetables or crackers. And let’s not forget savory breakfast staples. Spread it generously on a toasted bagel or English muffin, whisk it with egg yolks for the fluffiest omelette you ever had or use it as creamy base for a breakfast bowl with crispy bacon, sautéd spinach and eggs.
On the sweeter side, ricotta becomes a true superhero. You can turn it into an indulgent mousse, add layers of it between crêpes, use it for cake frosting or fold it into pancake batter. Whipped ricotta also adds a creamy touch on top of french toast, fruit tarts, and granola bowls. Additionally, it can be the secret ingredient various baked goods: “It can be the base for parfaits, chilled into a cheesecake or served stand-alone with chocolate chips (my favorite),” says Herrington.
Storing whipped ricotta
To ensure that your whipped ricotta stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible, it’s important to store it properly. Transfer any leftover mixture to an airtight container. “Usually, it will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator before it starts to loose its fluff,” says Herrington. Before using it again, give it a quick stir to reincorporate any separated liquids. Additionally, you can freeze whipped ricotta for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. Before freezing, consider portioning it to make it easier to thaw in the future. Importantly, always thaw whipped ricotta in the refrigerator overnight.
Two easy whipped ricotta recipes
You know by now how versatile ricotta can be, and we simply couldn’t settle on just one recipe to share. These two delicious recipes take only 10 minutes to prep and feature whipped ricotta in two ways: a savory appetizer and a sweet dessert.
Ricotta Dip with Herbs and Honey
Hosting a dinner party soon? This ricotta dip recipe from Fork In The Kitchen makes the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer. Creamy whipped ricotta topped with honey, olive oil and fresh herbs? Say no more. Add some grilled crostinis on the side for easy dipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh, whole milk ricotta, fresh
- 2 Tbs. fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp. lemon zest
- 1 Tbs. olive oil, plus more for baguette slices
- 3 tsp. honey
- Generous pinch of sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For crostinis: 1 French baguette, sliced
Directions:
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Place ricotta in a small mixing bowl. Using a blender or hand mixer, whisk for 2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy; you may still see tiny bumps of ricotta, but this is ok. Then place the whipped ricotta in a serving bowl or spread on a plate.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the mint, parsley, lemon zest, olive oil, honey and salt. Pour the herb and honey mixture on top of the whipped ricotta. Then top with freshly ground black pepper as desired. Finally, serve with toasted crostinis.
- For the crostinis: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then turn them over and spread them a bit to coat. Sprinkle the slices with salt and pepper. Toast for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.
Want more delicious dips? Click through for Million Dollar Dip and Chile Con Queso Dip.
Whipped Ricotta Mousse with Summer Berries
End the night on a high-note with an ultra-elegant dessert. In this recipe from Wonder & Sundry, whipped ricotta and cream come together to create the perfect mousse. Topped with fresh fruits and a drizzle of honey, you’ll wonder why you never made it before.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (6-oz.) fresh ricotta
- ½ lemon, zested to taste
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1⅔ Tbs. confectioner’s sugar
- Fruit drizzled with honey, optional to serve
- Mint leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Add ricotta and lemon zest to the bowl of a mini food processor. Then whip on high for 3-5 minutes, until smooth. Put in the fridge while you whip the cream.
- Add the cream to a medium mixing bowl (this will help prevent splatters). Then whip by hand until cream is thickened. Sprinkle the confectioner’s sugar over the cream and then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- In 3-4 batches, add the whipped ricotta to the whipped cream, folding gently to just combine.
- Transfer to 2 serving dishes, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one, but preferably at least two hours. Add fruit, mint leaves and serve.
For more recipes featuring ricotta, check out these stories:
Ina Garten Has a Surprising Favorite Recipe —A Fruity Twist on Ricotta Cake
Dessert Pizza Tastes Like a Slice of Heaven — And It’s So Easy to Make in 15 Minutes
This ‘Lazy’ Cannoli Dip Is Sweet, Creamy Perfection — Ready in Just 10 Minutes!
