Italian Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip Recipe
This Italian Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip bakes a mixture of ricotta, egg, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until set with golden edges. It's topped with a fresh bruschetta of cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The warm, creamy dip pairs well with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese other % may be used, but won't be as creamy, whole milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed (not shown
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Bruschetta Topping
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomato or grape tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 1/4 cup basil chiffonade (cut into ribbons, fresh leaves
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- black pepper to taste, fresh ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190° C). And spray a 3 cup baking dish with a little oil or rub with oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh ricotta (15 oz), beaten egg (1), 2 cloves minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup), Italian seasoning (1 tsp), salt (1 tsp), and black pepper (½ tsp). Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a 2-3 cup baking dish, using a paper towel or pastry brush to make evenly coated to prevent sticking. Transfer the ricotta mixture to the dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and the center is set. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes or until the top is golden brown - watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- While the ricotta is baking, combine the chopped cherry tomatoes (1 ½ cups), chiffonaded basil leaves (¼ cup), oregano (1 tsp), salt (1 tsp), and olive oil (2 TBL)in a separate bowl. Mix well to allow the flavors to marry.
- Spoon the fresh tomato topping over the warm ricotta once the baked ricotta is out of the oven.
- Drizzle a bit of additional olive oil on top if desired, and serve the baked ricotta with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Serve the baked ricotta warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Store leftover ricotta dip and tomato topping separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture, consuming within 2–3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter ricotta's creamy texture.
- Variations include adding lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños to the cheese mixture for additional flavor.
- Enhance the tomato topping with olives, cucumber, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 -6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 52mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 688mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 142mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 480IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 165mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.