simple ricotta pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple ricotta pie recipe

I’ve been making this simple ricotta pie recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in my household. It’s a classic Italian dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

The creamy ricotta cheese, sweetened with sugar and vanilla, is balanced by the tangy flavor of the lemon zest. I love that this recipe is so versatile – it’s perfect for a quick dessert or as a show-stopping centerpiece for a special occasion.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites because they can get involved with measuring out the ingredients and mixing everything together. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to the concept of cooking with cheese – they love learning about different types of cheese and how to use them in recipes.

As for me, I appreciate that this recipe is relatively healthy compared to some other desserts. The ricotta cheese is high in protein and calcium, and the lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor without any added sugars.

This pie is also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and no complicated techniques. In fact, I often make it when I’m short on time or need a last-minute dessert for a dinner party.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – this pie freezes beautifully, so I can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Simple Ricotta Pie

4.9 from 1397 votes

A delightful Italian pie with a creamy ricotta filling and a simple crust. It is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp dried oregano

For the Topping

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
4Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5Add 2-3 tbsp of cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
6Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
7In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and oregano until well combined.
Set aside.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
9Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, pressing it into the edges to form a crust.
10Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
11Spread the tomato sauce over the ricotta mixture.
12Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
13Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the pie.
14Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
16Enjoy your simple ricotta pie warm.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Rolling pin

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Simple Ricotta Pie Works

This simple ricotta pie recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that works well for any occasion. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy dinner at home.

The combination of creamy ricotta and flaky pie crust makes it a favorite among both adults and kids. You can serve it with a side salad or fruit for a balanced meal.

Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this classic Italian dish and always keep it in your recipe collection for a go-to dish when you need something comforting and tasty.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ricotta Pie

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

Ricotta cheese is a must-have for this recipe – you can’t substitute it with other types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan.

Q: Can I make this pie without an electric mixer?

No problem! You can mix everything together by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Q: Do I need to chill the pie before serving?

Nope! You can serve this pie straight from the oven – just be sure to let it cool slightly first.

Q: Can I substitute the lemon zest with something else?

Yes, you can use lime zest as an alternative if you prefer.

Q: How do I know if my pie crust is done?

Carefully check the edges of your pie crust for any signs of browning – if they’re lightly golden brown, you’re good to go!

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