Ricotta/4 recipes

We like this piquant tomato sauce, which is easy on the calories, but if you are in the mood to indulge, try cream in place of the ricotta and yogurt.

Crispy fried eggplant slices rolled around creamy ricotta and mozzarella, baked in marinara until the cheese bubbles golden. An Italian-American classic that eats like lasagna without the noodles.

Rice con queso: a layered Mexican-American casserole of brown rice, black beans, ricotta, Monterey Jack, and cheddar with green chilies. A vegetarian pantry dinner that bakes in 30 minutes flat.

Stacked crepe tower layered with spinach, ricotta, smoked ham, and roasted red peppers, baked under cheese sauce and Parmesan. A stunning make-ahead centerpiece.

Mediterranean lasagna layers tender pasta with eggplant in tomato sauce and a creamy mix of ricotta, feta, and yogurt. A vegetarian Greek-Italian fusion lasagna without ground meat or heavy bechamel.

A succulent and savory lasagna made with mild pork sausage, mushrooms and a variety of tasty cheeses.

Artichoke, tomato, and three-cheese pizza with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Asiago over Roma tomatoes and marinated artichoke hearts. The Italian-style white pizza with bright flavor.

Savory cheese tart with Jarlsberg and ricotta blended smooth, baked in a blind-baked crust with fresh tomato slices and herbs on top. An elegant brunch or light dinner centerpiece.

Tiny lemon ricotta turnovers with a butter cookie dough, creamy lemon-ricotta filling, and colorful nonpareil sprinkles. Italian-style filled cookies.

Three cheese stuffed shells fill jumbo pasta with a creamy ricotta filling, blanket them in marinara, and bake under melted mozzarella and parmesan. An easy vegetarian pasta bake the whole family loves.

Vegetarian spinach and mushroom lasagna with ricotta-spinach filling and a pureed mushroom-soy sauce in place of tomato. British-style meatless main with deep umami flavor for 6.

Ham and cheese calzones fry yeasted dough pockets stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped ham until puffed and golden. A handheld Italian-American classic, crispy outside and molten in the middle.

Italian cheesecake blends silky mascarpone with creamy ricotta, brandy, and vanilla, then bakes into two graham cracker pies with a tender, lightly set filling. A no-water-bath cheesecake with old-country flavor and zero fuss.

German cheese torte with a cinnamon graham crust top and bottom, filled with ricotta beaten with eggs, sugar, and a splash of heavy cream. Old-world dessert, baked in a springform.

Italian-inspired layered dessert with sponge cake soaked in rum and orange liqueur, sweetened ricotta cream, and fresh berries. A boozy, elegant trifle for special occasions.

Pan-seared chicken breasts get draped in a tangy mustard sauce with dry sherry and a creamy ricotta-yogurt finish. All the richness of a cream sauce with half the guilt.