Baked Ricotta
Baked ricotta is a simple and delicious appetizer that the whole family will enjoy. Creamy ricotta is combined with parmesan, lemon zest, garlic and thyme and baked until bubbly. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers.
Baked ricotta is a great appetizer for get-togethers. Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, this warm cheese dish will disappear quickly! And with mild and pleasing flavors, its a great one for kids to enjoy smearing on bread and crackers!
I love the combination of lemon and thyme, and when you add in a hint of garlic and creamy ricotta, this warm and comforting yet light and refreshing appetizer is one of my favorites to have all year long.
Add this baked ricotta to your next charcuterie board, along with marinated mozzarella balls! It is a great kid friendly appetizer that everyone will enjoy!
How to make baked ricotta
This recipe is very simple to make! Here is a brief overview of the recipe to give you an idea of how it works. For the full set of directions and measurements, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below!
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together all the ingredients until smooth.
- Place in an oven safe baking vessel.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbling, the top is slightly golden, and the mixture looks pretty firm when you jiggle the pan.
Timing of this recipe
This recipe is quick and easy to make. Stir the ingredients together, and bake for 10-15 minutes. It is a great last minute recipe that takes no time at all!
How to serve
Serve this easy appetizer with slices of soft baguette, or crackers, or with toasted bread for a crostini.
Storage Information
Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can reheat it in the microwave. I do not recommend freezing it as the texture gets funny.
Kids in the kitchen: How your kids can help you cook
Inviting kids into the kitchen to bake with you is a great way to help them be more curious about the food you serve, which means they will be more likely to eat it.
This recipe is a great way to practice measuring different kinds of ingredients, cracking eggs, and layering flavors together.
- Kids aged 1-3 can help you measure ingredients and place the dip in the baking dish.
- Kids aged 4-6 can do everything above plus zest the lemon.
- Kids aged 7-10+ can help you do everything above, plus help you mince the garlic.
*Please note that these recommendations are generalized, and to please use your personal discretion with your child’s skill level. And always, always supervise! Read more about how to have your children help you in the kitchen.
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Baked Ricotta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon zested
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 3 teaspoons dried thyme or 3 Tablespoons fresh
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F
- Get out a or similarly sized oven safe baking dish.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix together the ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, egg, honey, thyme, and salt and pepper, until well combined.
- Place the ricotta mixture into the baking dish and smooth out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the dip is warm and bubbling, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve with bread for dipping.
Personally, this recipe transported me to Italy, where I’ve enjoyed similar dishes on my travels.