How to Thicken Ricotta Cheese

Manicotti pasta filled with thickened ricotta cheese

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient for many sweet and savory recipes. Unfortunately, the thickness can vary by brand, and a watery batch of ricotta can ruin an otherwise perfect lasagna or cannoli recipe. Before using the ricotta for a savory entrée or a sweet dessert, you can first thicken even the thinnest ricotta.

Things You'll Need

• Ricotta cheese
• Strainer
• Cheesecloth
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Measure out slightly more than your required quantity of ricotta. Thickening the cheese will remove some of the water; using slightly more cheese than your recipe calls for ensures that you will have the correct amount after draining the cheese.

2. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place the strainer over a bowl or in the sink. Scoop the ricotta onto the cheesecloth and let it sit for one hour. Much of the excess water in the ricotta will drain out, thickening it substantially. If you are using the ricotta for a dessert and do not need to cook it, you can use it now.

3. Place the strained cheese in a bowl if you are cooking the cheese in a recipe. Mix with a little grated Parmesan cheese. The heat of cooking could cause even more moisture to be released from the cheese. If this occurs, the dry Parmesan will help to soak up the moisture so that the water doesn't make your food soggy.

References

• Curds N Whey: How Can You Thicken Ricotta Cheese?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish