Description
This Baked Ricotta Dip is a warm, cheesy delight featuring a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses mixed with roasted grape tomatoes and seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for serving with crusty toasted bread, this dip offers a cheesy, savory experience with fresh basil and a hint of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Ingredients
Tomato Roast
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ricotta Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Toppings and Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- Grated parmesan cheese, to taste
- Toasted bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Place grape tomatoes, olive oil, and minced garlic in a casserole dish. Toss together thoroughly so the garlic and oil coat the tomatoes evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes until they are soft and flavorful. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Mix Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, lemon juice, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Dip: Grease a fresh casserole dish and spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly on the bottom. Top this layer with the roasted tomatoes from step 2.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the tomatoes layer for added flavor and aroma.
- Bake Dip: Bake the assembled dip at 350°F (177°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and the cheeses have melted and started to turn golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the dip immediately with toasted bread for dipping. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ricotta Texture: Ricotta cheese is naturally grainy due to its curds and whey composition. Adding shredded mozzarella is essential to achieve a gooey, melty texture in this dip.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve hot dips fresh to avoid cooling and hardening of the cheese. Crusty Italian breads or small toasted slices are ideal dippers. For a unique twist, use large tortellini or stuffed shells on toothpicks to serve as savory bite-sized dippers.
