Today, we are going to focus on two cheeses: ricotta cheese and cottage cheese. Both of these creamy delights obviously belong to the cheese family but have their own unique qualities.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta has a smooth and velvety texture that is incredibly indulgent. Ricotta is a traditional Italian cheese and is made from the whey leftover from cheese production. It has a slightly sweet and mild flavor, a creamy white color and a delicate, spreadable consistency.
What Is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is made by curdling milk, typically using an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice. It has a mild and fresh taste, with a slight tanginess. You can buy cottage cheese in a lumpy consistency (its original form) or in a smooth format.
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Cooking with Ricotta vs Cottage Cheese
In terms of how to use it: ricotta cheese is often found in Italian dishes like lasagna, cannoli, and cheesecake.
Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is a great choice for salads, snacks, breakfast bowls, and as a topping for toast or crackers.
Here are some easy and tasty ways to incorporate these cheeses into meals for your family. Kids love creamy, mild tasting cheeses.
Cottage Cheese Sweet Ideas:
- Cottage cheese pancakes: Stir cottage cheese into your pancake batter for a protein-packed and fluffy breakfast treat. Use it in place of buttermilk in your recipe.
- Breakfast cup: Layer cottage cheese with fresh fruits, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious start to your day.
- Toast: Top a slice of toasted sourdough with cottage cheese, sliced strawberries and honey.
- Stuffed peaches: Core peaches, fill them with a mixture of cottage cheese, cinnamon, and a sweetener of your choice, then bake until tender and golden.
Cottage Cheese Savory Ideas:
- Cottage cheese and herb dip: Combine cottage cheese with fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, along with some garlic and lemon juice, for a flavorful dip.
- Stuffed bell peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of cottage cheese, cooked veggies, and herbs, then bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden.
- Veggie wrap: Spread cottage cheese on a tortilla or wrap, then add your favorite vegetables, such as cucumber, spinach, and bell peppers.
Ricotta Cheese Sweet Ideas:
- Ricotta pancakes: Make light and fluffy pancakes by incorporating ricotta cheese into the batter, then serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.
- Ricotta cheesecake: Whip up a creamy and decadent cheesecake using ricotta as the main ingredient, enhanced with flavors like vanilla or lemon zest.
- Ricotta stuffed french toast: Stuff slices of bread with a mixture of ricotta cheese, cinnamon, and a touch of honey, then dip in beaten eggs and pan-fry until golden.
- Ricotta berry tart: Spread a layer of ricotta cheese onto a pre-baked tart crust, then top with fresh berries for a pretty dessert.
Ricotta Cheese Savory Ideas:
- Ricotta and spinach stuffed shells: Stuff jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, garlic, and herbs. Bake them in marinara sauce and melted cheese.
- Ricotta and roasted veggie quiche: Whisk up ricotta, cream, eggs and seasoning. Add roasted veggies to a savory tart base and pour over the ricotta mix. Sprinkle over a little extra cheese and bake until golden at a medium-high heat.
- Ricotta and herb omelette: Fold ricotta cheese, along with your favorite herbs, into a fluffy omelette for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.
My Favorite Ways to Eat These Two Cheeses
I love both of these cheeses. One of my favorite ways to eat ricotta cheese is with thin spaghetti. However, you can use any pasta you prefer. The other way I love ricotta cheese is made as a sweet filling for cannoli and other desserts. Mind you, I don’t make the filling myself. I prefer to go to my favorite bakery and let the experts create their masterpieces for me to enjoy.
One of my favorite ways to eat cottage cheese is with fruit, especially peaches or pineapples. I also love cottage cheese as an alternative to shredded cheese in a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
Do You Love Ricotta Cheese or Cottage Cheese?
I would love to hear from you! If you enjoy eating either of these creamy cheeses, how do you serve them? Do you prefer one over the other? And do you lean more toward savory or sweet recipes?
