17+ Holiday Bread Or Muffin Recipe That Uses Ricotta Cheese Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 2, 2024
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a creamy and rich texture to any dish. From pastas to desserts, this cheese can elevate the flavor profile of any recipe. But have you ever thought of incorporating it into your holiday bread or muffin recipe? The addition of ricotta cheese not only adds a unique twist to the traditional holiday treats but also makes them extra moist and fluffy. In this article, we will share with you a delicious holiday bread or muffin recipe that uses ricotta cheese as its star ingredient.
If you're looking to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than this mouth-watering holiday lasagna recipe. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a hearty meat filling make this dish a winner every time. The addition of Italian sausage and seasonal spices give this lasagna a festive twist that will have your guests asking for seconds.
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Lemon Ricotta Muffin
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Lemon Zest, All Purpose Flour, Baking
These lemon ricotta muffins are the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. The combination of tangy lemon and creamy ricotta cheese creates a muffin that is moist and bursting with flavor. Serve them warm with a dollop of honey butter for a truly indulgent treat.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Tomato
No list of top Italian recipes would be complete without a classic lasagna. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese come together to create a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Add some ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier version, or keep it vegetarian with layers of spinach and mushrooms.
These homemade Italian meatballs are a family favorite for a reason. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian seasoning, these meatballs are packed with flavor. Serve them with your favorite spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
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Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese
Stuffed shells are a delicious and easy way to switch up your usual pasta routine. These cheesy stuffed shells are filled with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian sausage, then topped with a rich marinara sauce. The best part? They can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you're ready to eat.
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Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Olive Oil, Bulk Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic
If you're a fan of lasagna but don't want to spend the time assembling all those layers, baked ziti is the perfect solution. This easy baked ziti recipe is made with tender ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of mozzarella cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser and can easily be doubled for a larger group.
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Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash, Italian Sausage, Pasta Sauce, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthier option, try this stuffed spaghetti squash recipe. The tender strands of squash are mixed with a savory mixture of ground turkey, spinach, and tomatoes, then topped with melty mozzarella cheese. It's a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
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Baked Ricotta Dip
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Garlic, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Fresh
This baked ricotta dip is the perfect appetizer for any Italian meal. Creamy ricotta cheese is mixed with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. Serve it with crackers or toasted bread for a delicious and easy starter.
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Easy Beef Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Small Onion, Dried Oregano, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious homemade lasagna, this easy beef lasagna recipe is for you. Made with pre-cooked lasagna noodles and a jar of marinara sauce, this dish comes together in no time. The addition of ground beef and Italian seasoning gives it a homemade touch without all the work.
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Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cream, Whole Milk, Ricotta Cheese, Sharp
Macaroni and cheese may not be a traditional Italian dish, but it's a favorite among many. This homemade mac and cheese recipe is made with a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese, then baked until it's gooey and golden. Add some crumbled bacon or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
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Skinny Spinach Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Butter, Minced Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Spinach
For a lighter take on traditional lasagna, try this skinny spinach lasagna recipe. Layers of tender spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms replace the usual pasta layers in this dish, making it both delicious and healthy. Top it off with a light tomato sauce and reduced-fat cheese for a guilt-free indulgence.
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Easy Calzone
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Pizza Sauce, Pepperoni, Salami, Shredded
For a quick and easy dinner, try making calzones instead of traditional pizza. These easy calzones are filled with your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, and bell peppers, then sealed in a tender pizza dough and baked until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Traditional Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Pasta Sauce, Ground Beef, Ricotta Cheese, Egg, Italian
If you're a fan of classic Italian food, this traditional lasagna recipe is a must-try. Layers of tender homemade pasta, a rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel sauce come together to create a lasagna that is truly indulgent. Top it off with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese and bake until it's bubbly and golden.
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Cheesy Eggplant Bake
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Small Onion, Garlic
For a delicious and healthy side dish, try this cheesy eggplant bake. Slices of tender eggplant are layered with a savory tomato sauce and topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
If you're looking for a vegetarian version of lasagna, try this eggplant lasagna recipe. Thinly sliced eggplant takes the place of traditional pasta, while layers of ricotta cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce add plenty of flavor. Top it off with a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture.
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Healthy Carrot Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
This healthy carrot bread is a great way to use up any leftover carrots you may have in your fridge. The addition of whole wheat flour and honey make this bread a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a delicious snack or breakfast treat.
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Eggplant Rollatini
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Ricotta Cheese, Egg
Eggplant rollatini is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a special occasion. Thinly sliced eggplant is filled with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and parmesan cheese, then rolled up and topped with a rich tomato sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a dish that is both elegant and delicious.
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Quick & Easy Eggplant Naan Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Naan, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Small Eggplant, Basil
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner option, try making these eggplant naan pizzas. Tender slices of eggplant are roasted until they are crispy and golden, then topped with your favorite pizza toppings and baked on naan bread. It's a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that the whole family will love.
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Easy White Cheese & Garlic Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Naan, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Shredded
For a simple and flavorful dinner option, try making these easy white cheese and garlic pizzas. The combination of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and garlic creates a creamy and delicious base for these pizzas. Top with your favorite vegetables and fresh herbs for a personalized pizza experience.
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Cheese Manicotti
Main Ingredients: Manicotti, Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Grated
This cheese manicotti recipe is a great option for a meatless meal. Tender manicotti shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and parmesan cheese, then topped with a creamy alfredo sauce. Bake until it's hot and bubbly for a comforting and satisfying dish.
The Benefits of Using Ricotta Cheese in Baked Goods
1. Moist and Fluffy Texture
Ricotta cheese is known for its creamy and slightly grainy texture. When added to baked goods, it creates a moist and fluffy texture that is irresistible. This is especially beneficial for holiday bread and muffins, as they tend to dry out quickly. The addition of ricotta cheese ensures that your baked treats stay moist and delicious for longer.
2. Nutrient Boost
Apart from adding flavor and texture, ricotta cheese also provides a nutritional boost to your holiday bread or muffins. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system. This makes indulging in these holiday treats guilt-free.
3. Versatile Flavor
Ricotta cheese has a mild and creamy flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. In holiday bread or muffins, it adds a subtle sweetness and richness without overpowering other flavors. This allows you to play around with different flavor combinations and create unique and delicious treats for the holidays.
Recipe: Ricotta Cheese Holiday Bread or Muffins
Now that you know the benefits of using ricotta cheese in baked goods, let's dive into the recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering holiday bread or muffins that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries (or any other dried fruit of your choice)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in dried cranberries or any other dried fruit of your choice.
If making a loaf, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If making muffins, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with batter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes for muffins and 50-55 minutes for a loaf, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread or muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy your delicious ricotta cheese holiday bread or muffins!
In Conclusion
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with a unique and delicious treat by incorporating ricotta cheese into your holiday bread or muffin recipe. With its rich and creamy texture, nutrient boost, and versatile flavor, it is sure to be a hit. Try out this recipe and let us know how it turned out!
