16 Lidia Italian Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Lidia Bastianich is a renowned Italian-American chef and television personality known for her delicious and authentic Italian recipes. One of her most beloved creations is her ricotta cheesecake, a classic dessert that is loved by many. In this article, we will take a closer look at Lidia's Italian ricotta cheesecake recipe and the secrets to making a creamy and indulgent treat that will have everyone coming back for more.
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Large Egg, Large Egg Yolk, Ground Black
If you want to take your beer can chicken to the next level, try this Italian-inspired recipe. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy and rich texture to the chicken, making it a perfect match with the beer's smoky flavor. It's a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your guests.
This is not your typical cheesecake. Instead of using cream cheese, this recipe calls for ricotta cheese, giving the cake a lighter and fluffier texture. The addition of lemon zest and vanilla extract adds a refreshing twist to the classic dessert. It's the perfect way to end a delicious meal.
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Pressure Cooker Authentic Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter, Sugar
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian ricotta cheesecake, this recipe is for you. Using a pressure cooker cuts down the cooking time without sacrificing the cake's flavor and texture. It's a must-try for any cheesecake lover.
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Crostata di Ricotta - Ricotta Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Ricotta, Granulated Sugar, Large Farm Fresh
This Italian-style cheesecake is a sweet and tangy treat that will leave you wanting more. The combination of ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and sugar creates a creamy and slightly tart filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky crust. It's a dessert that will impress your taste buds and your guests.
These soft and pillowy cookies are a favorite in Italian households. The addition of ricotta cheese gives the cookies a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart from traditional cookies. They are perfect for any occasion, from a morning snack to a holiday treat.
This light and airy cake is a staple in Italian homes. The combination of ricotta cheese and lemon creates a moist and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It's a simple yet elegant cake that will leave your guests wanting more.
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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain
Take your lemon ricotta cake to the next level by adding a beer can to the mix. The beer's steam will infuse the cake with its smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. It's a delicious twist on a classic recipe that will impress your friends and family.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This hearty and flavorful dish is a great option for a vegetarian meal. The combination of eggplant, ricotta cheese, and herbs creates a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a must-try for all eggplant lovers.
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Stuffed Peppers with Ricotta and Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Red Bell Peppers, Ricotta, Egg, Romano, Italian
Take your stuffed peppers to the next level with this Italian-inspired recipe. The combination of ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
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TORTA DI RICOTTA AL LIMONCELLO (ITALIAN-STYLE...
Main Ingredients: Cookies, Melted Butter, Ricotta, Sugar, Heavy Whipping
This decadent and creamy cheesecake is a perfect way to end a meal. The addition of limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, adds a refreshing and tangy twist to the classic ricotta cheesecake. It's a must-try for any cheesecake lover.
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Italian Ricotta Fritters (Polpette di Ricotta)
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Grated Pecorino Cheese, Grated Parmigiano
These crispy and golden fritters are a popular snack in Italian homes. The combination of ricotta cheese, herbs, and parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and addictive snack that is perfect for any occasion. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
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Ricotta Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Pasta Flour, Egg
These pillowy and soft gnocchi are a favorite in Italian cuisine. The addition of ricotta cheese gives them a light and airy texture that pairs perfectly with a rich and flavorful sauce. It's a must-try for any pasta lover.
This classic Italian ricotta cheesecake is a staple in many households. The combination of ricotta cheese, lemon, and vanilla creates a rich and creamy dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. It's a must-try for all cheesecake lovers.
This flaky and buttery pastry is a popular treat in Italian bakeries. The combination of ricotta cheese and semolina creates a creamy and rich filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy layers of dough. It's a delicious treat that will transport you to the streets of Italy.
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Italian Ricotta, Raisin and Chocolate Doughnuts...
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Eggs, Lemon, Orange, Buttermilk, Flour, Baking
These indulgent and delicious doughnuts are a must-try for all chocolate lovers. The combination of ricotta cheese, raisins, and chocolate creates a unique and decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. They are perfect for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast treat.
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Lemon-ricotta Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Butter, Cookies, Sugar, Mascarpone, Large
Take your lemon-ricotta cheesecake to the next level with this beer can chicken recipe. The beer's steam will infuse the cake with its smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. It's a delicious twist on a classic recipe that will impress your friends and family.
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Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ground Beef, Salt, Black
This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect option for a family dinner. The combination of ricotta cheese, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato sauce creates a mouth-watering and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
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Italian Baked Ricotta Cheesecake With Blueberries
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Egg, Plain Flour
This delicious and colorful cheesecake is a perfect option for a summer dessert. The addition of blueberries adds a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the creamy and rich ricotta cheesecake. It's a must-try for any occasion.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Meat Sauce, Ricotta, Shredded
No list of Italian recipes is complete without a classic lasagna. The combination of layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
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Italian Ricotta Marinara Frittata
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Red Pepper, Green Pepper, Yellow Onion, Shredded
This savory and flavorful frittata is a perfect option for a brunch or a light meal. The combination of ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and herbs creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
The Secret Ingredient: Ricotta Cheese
When it comes to making a perfect cheesecake, the key ingredient is undoubtedly the cheese. While most recipes call for cream cheese, Lidia's version uses ricotta cheese as the star ingredient. This soft and creamy cheese is usually made from sheep's milk and gives the cheesecake a unique texture and flavor. Not only does it make the cheesecake lighter and less dense, but it also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Choosing the Right Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese comes in different varieties, and it's essential to choose the right one for your cheesecake. For this recipe, it's best to use whole milk ricotta cheese as it has a higher fat content, making the cheesecake richer and creamier. Avoid using low-fat or skim ricotta cheese as it may result in a dry and crumbly cheesecake. If you can't find whole milk ricotta, you can make your own at home by straining regular ricotta through a cheesecloth until it reaches the desired consistency.
Adding a Twist: Amaretto Liqueur
While traditional Italian ricotta cheesecakes are flavored with lemon or orange zest, Lidia's recipe includes a splash of amaretto liqueur for an extra layer of flavor. This sweet almond-flavored liqueur pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta cheese and gives the cheesecake a subtle but distinctive taste. If you don't have amaretto on hand, you can also use almond extract for a similar flavor.
Making the Perfect Crust
A cheesecake is not complete without a delicious crust, and Lidia's recipe calls for a graham cracker crust. The combination of buttery graham crackers and a touch of sugar gives the cheesecake a crunchy and slightly sweet base that perfectly complements the creamy filling. For a twist, you can also use crushed amaretti cookies or biscotti for an Italian-inspired crust.
Baking and Serving Tips
To ensure a smooth and crack-free cheesecake, make sure to bring all the ingredients to room temperature before starting. When baking, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which will prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Once the cheesecake is done, let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. When serving, top the cheesecake with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect Italian ricotta cheesecake, it's time to put on your apron and get baking! With Lidia's recipe, you'll have a decadent and delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead and give it a try, and don't forget to share your creations with us. Buon appetito!
