Description
Ricotta cheese dip celebrates Mediterranean flavors with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Creamy textures and zesty notes create a perfect appetizer for casual gatherings and quick entertaining moments you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup (85 grams) shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 6.5″ square baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring gently to maintain a smooth texture.
- Carefully incorporate quartered cherry tomatoes into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without crushing the tomatoes.
- Smoothly transfer the cheese and tomato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously scatter shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the mixture, covering the surface completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and bubbling sides that indicate the dip is perfectly cooked.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, serving immediately while warm or allowing to cool to room temperature for a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- Opt for full-fat ricotta to ensure a creamy, rich texture that melts perfectly in the baking process.
- Customize herb selections by using fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to match your flavor preferences or complement your main dish.
- Reduce dairy content by substituting part-skim ricotta and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lighter, diet-friendly version.
- Enhance the dip’s versatility by serving with toasted baguette slices, crisp vegetable sticks, or as a spread for grilled proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 392 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg