Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. With bright lemon zest and savory garlic, this dish bakes to a golden top and pairs wonderfully with toasted bread. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive for guests or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 cups full fat ricotta (the best you can afford)
• 1 to 3 tbsp full fat cream or milk (optional, only if not using fresh Italian ricotta)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: Place the ricotta in a bowl. If using supermarket ricotta, loosen it with 1 to 3 tablespoons of cream or milk until it reaches a creamy, spreadable “peanut butter” consistency.
3. Step 3: Add the lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt to the ricotta. Mix well to combine.
4. Step 4: Divide the ricotta mixture evenly into ramekins or any ovenproof dishes of about 1 cup capacity. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each portion, reserving the other tablespoon for after baking.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the ricotta is warmed through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Serve immediately with toasted bread, optionally rubbed lightly with garlic for extra flavor.
7. Step 7: For garnish, you can add fresh thyme, parsley, chopped tomatoes with red onion, or finely chopped antipasto such as olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tips & Variations

• If your ricotta is dry, don’t skip adding cream or milk to achieve a smooth texture.
• Try topping the baked ricotta with herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh aroma.
• Serve alongside crisp garlic-rubbed toasted bread to enhance the flavors.
• Experiment with garnishes such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh diced tomatoes and red onion for variety.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through, or enjoy cold as a spread. Avoid microwaving to prevent the ricotta from becoming watery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?

Full fat ricotta is recommended for creaminess and flavor, but you can use low-fat ricotta if needed; just be aware the texture may be less rich.

What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with toasted bread rubbed with garlic, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It also complements antipasto platters and salads.

Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta recipe featuring full-fat ricotta cheese mixed with fresh lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil, baked until lightly browned and perfect for serving with toasted garlic bread and fresh herbs or antipasto toppings.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups full fat ricotta cheese (preferably fresh Italian ricotta)
• 1 to 3 tbsp full fat cream or milk (optional, only if using supermarket ricotta)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh thyme, parsley, or other fresh herbs, finely chopped
• Chopped tomatoes, red onion, and parsley
• Finely chopped antipasto (e.g. olives, sun-dried tomatoes)
• Toasted bread, lightly rubbed with garlic, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is ready for baking the ricotta dish.
2. Prepare the ricotta mixture: Place the ricotta cheese in a bowl. If it is supermarket ricotta and feels dry, add 1 to 3 tablespoons of cream or milk to loosen it to a creamy, spreadable consistency similar to peanut butter.
3. Add flavorings: Mix in the lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
4. Portion into baking dishes: Spoon the ricotta mixture into 1-cup capacity ramekins or any small ovenproof dishes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the ricotta in each dish.
5. Bake the ricotta: Place the dishes in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops of the ricotta are lightly browned and the mixture is warmed through.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top. Serve warm with toasted bread rubbed with garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Add garnishes (optional): Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, chopped tomatoes and onion, or a mixture of antipasto such as olives and sun-dried tomatoes over the baked ricotta for additional flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Using fresh Italian ricotta is preferred for better creaminess, but supermarket ricotta can be improved by adding cream or milk.
• Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for pungency.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
• Toasted bread with garlic is highly recommended as a perfect accompaniment.
• Herb and antipasto garnishes add variety and can be customized to taste.

Keywords: baked ricotta, lemon garlic ricotta, Italian appetizer, creamy ricotta dip, baked cheese appetizer