Ricotta & Fig Oatmeal
When was the last time you used an entire tub of ricotta cheese at once? Unless we’re talking about lasagna, that answer is pretty much never in my household.
But ricotta is just too delicious to let go unused, so I’m always trying to think of new ways to use it up.
One of my favorite ways is easy cannoli dip. But this morning, I thought “why not stir some ricotta into oatmeal?”
I’m SO glad I took a little risk in trying this, because this Ricotta & Fig Oatmeal turned out to be the best oatmeal I’ve ever made or eaten.
Even better, the combination of oats and dairy is an incredibly nutritious way to start the day, providing 9 vitamins and minerals, including calcium and Vitamin D.
I quickly made this oatmeal in the microwave, then finished it with a few special mix-ins and toppings.
The combination of ricotta and a pinch of salt creates a savory base for old-fashioned oats, but then a drizzle of honey and a topping of dried figs adds a touch of sweetness for a perfect balance of flavors.
A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch, and breakfast is served!
Psst- if you want your oatmeal even more savory, try my oatmeal for dinner recipe!
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Ricotta & Fig Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
- 2 dried figs, halved
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- In microwave-safe bowl, stir together milk, oats and salt. Microwave on high 2-1/2 minutes or until oats are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove bowl from microwave; stir in ricotta. To serve, top with figs and almonds and drizzle with honey.
I can’t believe I had this recipe for so long before finally making it for breakfast this morning. My husband initially thought it looked very strange, but he liked the flavor. As did I. It has just occurred to me that this would be a great way to use some of the amazing honey I’ve bought on our travels. Definitely a keeper recipe! And it’s back on the menu next week.
I am so glad to hear that, Susan! And I’m happy to hear that somebody else buys honey when they travel, too! I have so much honey in my cabinet for this reason!
This granola was the perfect mix of savory and sweet. I really thought the ricotta did a nice job of thickening it up while the fig and honey gave it a nice punch of sweet. I absolutely loved it.
You called it granola again 😉 It’s oatmeal, silly husband!
I have, literally, done that multiple times now. Sorry. As a food blogger husband it is shameful that I don’t know the difference between granola and oatmeal . . . I think it is because they both have oats?!
Throw some museli in the mix, and who knows what would happen.
I just used a tub of ricotta but it was for a ricotta recipe so umm yeah. Anyway, I’m finally branching out of just the brown/sugar cinnamon thing with the oatmeal and I love this!
Haha, I just made a baked ricotta, which would have called for an entire tub. Except I went to the store on Monday morning, and everything was picked over from the weekend still, so there were only QUARTS of ricotta available. Yeah, a quart is a lot of ricotta.
Perfect timing for this,because i will be having leftover ricotta from Italian enchiladas.
Glad I could help. Let me know how you like those enchiladas!
OMG. I put figs in my oatmeal when I was in CA last summer and it was the BOMB. Then I completely forgot about it and never did it again. I definitely need to try this. And I always am letting half-used tubs of ricotta go bad. Never would have thought to plop it in my oatmeal!
I must confess that I am only recently getting on the fig train, and for some reason, I still like dried ones better than fresh ones. I love that little touch of sweetness they add without being too sweet.
Adding ricotta to oatmeal sounds like a great idea. Seems like it might work also with the buckwheat cereal I just bought. I’m liking getting original ideas of ways to fix hot cereal to make it interesting.
I think this ricotta idea would work for just about any hot cereal. Adds a little touch of creaminess, and like Liz pointed out above, a boost of protein!
we lived in Michigan almost all of our lives, we always supported the local farmers. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jennifer. Thumbs up for the Mitten State 🙂 What part of the state did you live in?
I was raised in Madison Heights my husband in Warren, we raised our kids in Marysville in St Clair County. We enjoyed going to the farmers market, to the u-pick places and always the pumpkin patch and the apple orchards.
My husband and I have just discovered all the amazing Vietnamese places in Madison Heights! We are obsessed with pho and noodle bowls and all that good stuff. I’m sure you miss the apple orchards, depending on where you are now!
Love the ricotta idea!! A good boost of protein too!
Great point, Liz. Thanks!
I am ALWAYS throwing out ricotta! I love the idea of putting it in oatmeal. Brilliant!
Thanks Leslie! Wasted ricotta makes me so sad, so I think I’m going to try to come up with more recipe ideas like this.