Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect as an appetizer or a light snack. With bright lemon zest and savory garlic, this baked ricotta is both simple to prepare and delightful to serve with toasted bread.

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, it may be dry—add cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency similar to peanut butter.
3. Step 3: Add lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt to the ricotta. Mix thoroughly to combine.
4. Step 4: Divide the ricotta mixture evenly into 1-cup capacity ramekins or any oven-proof dishes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each portion, reserving the remaining olive oil for after baking.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is lightly browned and bubbling.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Serve immediately with toasted bread—try rubbing the bread lightly with a garlic clove for extra flavor.
7. Step 7: Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, chopped tomatoes with red onion and parsley, or finely chopped antipasto like olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tips & Variations

• If your ricotta is too dry, adjusting the texture with cream or milk will create a smoother spread.
• Experiment with herbs such as thyme or parsley for fresh garnish and added aroma.
• Serve with garlic-rubbed toasted bread for a delicious contrast to the creamy ricotta.
• For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes as toppings.

Storage

Store any leftover baked ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook as the texture may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh for peak creaminess.

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 the creamiest texture and richest flavor, but you can use low-fat ricotta if needed. The result might be less creamy but will still taste good.

What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta?

This dish pairs beautifully with toasted or crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. It also works well as a topping for bruschetta or alongside salads and grilled vegetables.

Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta is a creamy, flavorful appetizer made by baking ricotta cheese with fresh lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil until lightly browned. It is perfect served warm with toasted garlic-rubbed bread and can be garnished with fresh herbs or antipasto for an extra burst of flavor.

• Author: Maya
• 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 (the best quality you can afford)
• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the ricotta mixture.
2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Place the ricotta in a bowl. If using supermarket ricotta, which can be dry, add 1 to 3 tablespoons of cream or milk to loosen it to a spreadable ‘peanut butter’ consistency.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in the lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt until well combined.
4. Portion Into Ramekins: Divide the ricotta mixture evenly between 1-cup capacity ramekins or other ovenproof dishes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of each.
5. Bake: Place the dishes in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Serve immediately with toasted bread pieces, ideally rubbed lightly with garlic for added flavor.
7. Add Garnishes (Optional): Enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, chopped tomatoes with red onion and parsley, or a finely chopped antipasto mix including olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Notes

• Use full fat ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• If your ricotta is dry, adding cream or milk is essential for spreading consistency.
• Garlic-rubbed toasted bread makes a delicious accompaniment and complements the flavors perfectly.
• Feel free to experiment with different garnishes to customize the dish.
• Serve the baked ricotta warm for the best taste and texture.

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