Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe

The Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe is very easy to make. If you like something creamy with a hint of cheese and lemon flavor, then baked one is perfect for you. 

When you bake it, the taste becomes really good. That’s why you can enjoy it for simple casual meals as well as for heavy dinners. It’s very easy to make & can be ready in just 30 minutes.

What is Ricotta?

It’s cheese. Have you tried cottage cheese? Ricotta cheese is very similar; it just has a smoother texture. It’s also known as secondary cheese because it’s made from leftover milk.

You might be wondering what leftover milk I’m talking about. The remaining leftover milk is used to make this cheese when we make other cheeses.

It’s best for dishes, especially when I try pasta or macaroni; I use this cheese.

Nutritional Information

Calories	116
Carbohydrates	3.2g
Protein	7.1g
Fat	8.4g

Ingredients You Need To Make Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta

Ingredients	Quantity
Ricotta Cheese	2 cup
Full-fat Cream Or Milk	2 to 3 tbsp
Zest of lemon	1
garlic cloves, minced	4
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Olive Oil	2 tbsp

How To Prepare Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Step No. 1: Prepare Your Oven

First, preheat your oven. Set the oven to 180°C. Preheating creates an even and consistent temperature, making sure that your dish bakes properly.

Step No. 2: Prepare Ricotta Cheese

In the next step, you must prepare the main ingredient, ricotta cheese. You can purchase it at the grocery store, but it’ll be dry. However, don’t worry! Add a little milk, and you can make a creamy mixture.

If you are making a recipe where it’s important to mix this cheese well, then adding milk to create a creamy mixture is essential. Otherwise, it remains dry and won’t mix properly.

Step No. 3: Mix Ingredients

In the next steps, mix the ingredients well. In the bowl with the cheese, add lemon zest, minced garlic (which I mentioned in the ingredients above), and salt. Now, you must mix all these ingredients until they are well combined. This will give you a delicious fragrance.

Step No. 4: Prepare Baking Dishes

When your mixture is ready, you’ll prepare the dishes you will be baking your ricotta in. Something smaller than your ramekins (small oven-safe bowls) or another oven-proof dish will work. Fill each ramekin with about 1 cup of the mixture & divide. Do not fill them over full because the mixture will bubble when you bake.

Step No. 5: Add Olive Oil & Bake

It’s time to add even more flavor by drizzling olive oil into the dishes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top of each ramekin to reduce calories. 

It helps to make a nice, golden-brown crust as it bakes. You’ll also have another tablespoon of leftover olive oil to use later.

Now, you’re ready to bake. Put the dishes on a baking sheet in the preheated oven. They will bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You should keep an eye on them, watching for the tops to be lightly browned & bubbly. 

Once they look nice and golden brown, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

Related Article: Easy & Quickest Sourdough Recipe

Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe: Easy Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Herbs

To add extra flavor and color, sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, over the top and serve.

• Chopped Vegetables:

You can even toss in chopped tomatoes, red onion, or some olives. Then, there will be extra texture and flavor to the dish from these ingredients.

• Antipasto Mix:

Add a twist with a mix of sun-dried tomatoes and olives for an authentic taste for a Mediterranean-inspired baked one.

Important Tips For Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta

1. Choose Quality Cheese

Delicious baked ricotta starts with high-quality ingredients. How good yourcheese is will make a big difference in your dish’s taste. 

Use fresh Italian ricotta if you can. It has a creamier texture and richer flavor than others. Your dish will taste much better if you use fresh, so going to a local store or cheese shop is worth finding a fresh one.

2. Avoid Overbaking

As your baked ricotta cools, you’ll want to watch it while it’s in the oven. It’d help if you were sure it’s perfectly cooked, so you’re looking for a slight jiggle in the center when it looks done. 

That means it’s set but not firm & not overbaked, which is what you want in a ricotta. It can dry and lose that wonderful soft texture if you cook it too long. 

If you bake for so long, check it a few minutes before the suggested baking time to make sure it comes out just right.

3. Pairing Options

It’s very versatile. You can bake with it, and it pairs well with many foods. Serve it for a light meal with some fresh salad. The salad has crisp greens and refreshing flavors that pair well with the creamy ricotta. Or add baked ricotta to a cheese platter.  Fruits like grapes, apples, and nuts like almonds and walnuts go best with it. These pairings add an outstanding balance of flavors and texture, and your dish will be much better.

Can I use low-fat Ricotta cheese for this recipe?

While you can certainly use low-fat cheese for the Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta recipe, you should know a few things. This is usually thinner and has more moisture, so it can make the dish less creamy and a bit watery.

To do that, you want to strain the low-fat so it’s not so runny before you use it. If you use low-fat, add some seasoning or herbs to get the rich flavor of full-fat ricotta.

Also, the low-fat may differ, so watch the baking time. The top should be lightly browned, and the middle should be completely heated. 

Conclusion

It’s a simple, fancy dish that takes the ricotta cheese and combines its creamy texture with the bright flavors of garlic and lemon. It’s easy to make and can be eaten in many ways, as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light main meal. 

Feel free to get creative and personalize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables to make it your own.

There are so many opportunities to cook the food & enjoy the process because you can make a special meal for yourself and your friends or family.