Herby Ricotta Biscuits Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 stick very cold butter
• 3/4 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup very cold water
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, thyme, and/or oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.

Step 3: Coat the entire stick of butter in the flour mixture. Using a box grater, grate the butter into the bowl with the flour. If the butter starts to melt, coat it in flour again and continue grating. Use your fingers to toss the grated butter in the flour until it is well-coated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese and water. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and gently fold to bring the dough together. The dough should be moist but still crumbly. If it feels too dry, add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until fully moistened.

Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly knead it 3-4 times until the dough comes together. Sprinkle with flour and pat it out to a 3/4-inch thickness.

Step 6: Cut the dough into four equal portions. Stack the portions, press them down, and pat them out again to form a 3/4-inch-thick rectangle. Repeat this process three times, adding flour as needed.

Step 7: Using a 2 1/2- to 3-inch biscuit cutter, press down into the dough to cut out the biscuits. Gather the scraps, gently knead them together, pat out to 3/4-inch thickness, and repeat the cutting process.

Step 8: Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are just barely touching each other.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, or until the tops are crisp and golden brown. Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 10: In a small bowl, stir together the fresh herbs and lemon zest. Brush the tops of the baked biscuits with melted butter, then sprinkle with the herb mixture and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 11: Store the biscuits in an airtight for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. To reheat, bake at 375F (190C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	173
Total Fat	10g (13% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	6g (32% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	29mg (10% Daily Value)
Sodium	437mg (19% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	16g (6% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2% Daily Value)
Protein	4g (8% Daily Value)
Calcium	99mg (8% Daily Value)
Iron	1mg (6% Daily Value)
Potassium	42mg (1% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins of Herby Ricotta Biscuits

Herby ricotta biscuits trace their roots to the rich culinary traditions of European baking, particularly Italian and Southern American influences. Ricotta, a soft Italian cheese made from whey, has long been incorporated into breads and pastries in Italy, lending a delicate creaminess and tender texture. The modern American adaptation combines this Italian ingredient with the classic biscuit, a staple of Southern cuisine in the United States, creating a savory treat that is both soft and flavorful.

Regional Characteristics

These biscuits have gained popularity in regions with a strong affinity for artisanal breads and farm-to-table cooking, such as the Southern and Northeastern United States. While traditional Southern biscuits are often simple and rely on butter or buttermilk for flavor, the addition of fresh herbs and ricotta in these biscuits gives them a distinct regional twist, aligning them with contemporary, gourmet interpretations of classic comfort foods. The choice of herbs can also reflect local availability, with parsley, thyme, chives, and oregano being the most common.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike standard biscuits, which are typically leavened with baking powder or buttermilk alone, herby ricotta biscuits incorporate ricotta cheese for moisture and richness. This makes them softer and denser than their flaky counterparts. Compared to scones, which may be sweeter and often contain dried fruits or sugar, these biscuits are firmly savory, making them ideal for pairing with soups, salads, or cheeses. The herb and lemon zest topping sets them apart from plain biscuits, offering a bright, aromatic finish.

Common Serving Occasions

Herby ricotta biscuits are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. They are often found at brunches, paired with eggs, smoked salmon, or fresh greens. They also appear as a side dish at family dinners, complementing roasted meats, hearty stews, or fresh vegetable dishes. Their elegant flavor and texture make them suitable for both casual and formal occasions, such as holiday tables or catered events.

Interesting Facts

One interesting fact is that ricotta itself was historically considered a byproduct of cheese-making, yet it became a treasured ingredient in Italian cuisine. Additionally, the combination of fresh herbs and ricotta not only enhances flavor but also adds subtle nutritional benefits, including protein and calcium. Baking biscuits with ricotta also improves their shelf life slightly compared to traditional butter-only biscuits, as the moisture helps prevent rapid staleness. Finally, these biscuits demonstrate how global ingredients and local traditions can merge to create entirely new culinary experiences.

FAQ about Herby Ricotta Biscuits Recipe

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