If you love rich, creamy cheese dishes that burst with bright, zesty flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe. It’s simple yet elegant, marrying the smoothness of ricotta with the fresh zing of lemon zest and the punchy aroma of garlic. Imagine warm, bubbling ricotta topped with golden olive oil, perfect for spreading on crusty toasted bread or dolloping onto your favorite salad. This dish feels like a cozy hug on a plate and makes for an effortless, impressive appetizer or snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for nailing that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory in your Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe. Each one brings texture, flavor, or richness that turns simple ricotta into something spectacular.
- 2 cups of full-fat ricotta: The star ingredient providing creamy, luscious texture, best with high-quality or fresh Italian ricotta for extra smoothness.
- 1 to 3 tbsp full-fat cream or milk: Optional but handy if using drier supermarket ricotta; helps loosen the cheese for spreading.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds bright citrus notes that lift the dish and balance the richness beautifully.
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the recipe with savory depth and a fragrant kick.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat or dull.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used in baking and finishing for a silky, fruity richness and a golden crust.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This moderate temperature is just right for gently warming the ricotta until it’s bubbly and slightly golden on top without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Base
Place your ricotta in a mixing bowl. If you’re working with supermarket ricotta, it often tends to be a bit dry, so add 1 to 3 tablespoons of full-fat cream or milk. Stir it in until the texture resembles creamy peanut butter – smooth, spreadable, and luscious.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Mix in the freshly grated lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt. This combination creates a wonderful balance of brightness and savory aroma that complements the ricotta’s mild creaminess perfectly.
Step 4: Portion and Drizzle Olive Oil
Divide the ricotta mixture evenly into 1-cup capacity ramekins or any small ovenproof dishes you have on hand, such as tapas plates. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of each portion, which will help create a gorgeous golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your dishes in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the top to turn lightly browned and the cheese to be warm and slightly bubbling—this is where all those flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Olive Oil and Serve
Once baked, pull the ramekins out and immediately drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Serve your Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe straight away with toasted bread. Pro tip: gently rub the toast with a cut garlic clove before adding the cheese for an additional layer of flavor that is nothing short of amazing.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or basil elevate this ricotta dish visually and taste-wise, adding a pop of green color and herbal brightness. A few red pepper flakes also bring a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and zesty lemon.
Side Dishes
This baked ricotta pairs wonderfully with crunchy toasted baguette slices or rustic sourdough. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that will soak up the luscious cheese perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe as part of a mezze platter with olives, charcuterie, and fresh vegetables. Alternatively, spoon warm ricotta over grilled fish or steamed asparagus for a simple yet elegant finish that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover baked ricotta covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and develop further, making reheated portions just as enjoyable.
Freezing
While ricotta’s texture changes when frozen, you can freeze the baked lemon garlic ricotta in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creaminess as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a low oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the ricotta grainy. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top before serving to revitalize the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?
You can, but full-fat ricotta gives a creamier, richer texture that really makes this recipe shine. Low-fat versions might result in a drier, less luscious bake.
Is fresh lemon juice required or just the zest?
This recipe calls for lemon zest only, which offers a concentrated lemon aroma without adding extra moisture that could affect the texture.
Can I add herbs directly into the ricotta before baking?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ricotta mix before baking infuses more flavor throughout and makes the dish even more aromatic.
What’s the best bread to serve with this baked ricotta?
Crusty breads such as sourdough, baguette, or focaccia are excellent choices. The bread’s crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and makes it easy to scoop.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. You can bake multiple ramekins simultaneously or use a larger baking dish and adjust the timing, making it a fantastic appetizer for entertaining friends and family.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for a reason: it’s effortless, vibrant, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an impressive starter for guests, this ricotta dish delivers both on flavor and charm. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Garlic Baked Ricotta is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. Made with rich ricotta cheese combined with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, this baked dish develops a lightly browned top and a luscious texture inside. Perfect when served warm with toasted garlic bread, it makes for a delightful starter or snack.
Ingredients
Ricotta Mixture
- 2 cups full-fat ricotta cheese (the best quality you can afford)
- 1 to 3 tbsp full-fat cream or milk (optional, only required if not using fresh Italian ricotta)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
Finishing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare it for baking the ricotta.
- Prepare the Ricotta: Place the ricotta in a mixing bowl. If you are using supermarket ricotta, which tends to be drier than fresh Italian varieties, add 1 to 3 tablespoons of cream or milk to loosen it to a creamy, spreadable texture similar to peanut butter.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Assemble in Ramekins: Use one-cup capacity ramekins or any oven-proof dish. Divide the ricotta mixture evenly between these dishes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tops, reserving the remaining tablespoon for later.
- Bake: Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the ricotta from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Serve immediately alongside toasted bread slices, ideally rubbed gently with garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- If using supermarket ricotta, adding cream or milk helps achieve the right creamy consistency.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste for milder or more intense garlic flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus aroma and brightness.
- Serve warm for the creamiest texture and optimal taste experience.
- Toasted bread rubbed with garlic complements the dish perfectly, adding crunch and depth.
