Description
Silky baked ricotta dip offers creamy Mediterranean charm with roasted garlic and herbs. Warm bread and crisp vegetables complement this simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, divided
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
- Mixing: In a bowl, combine ricotta, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary, stirring until the ingredients form a smooth, harmonious blend.
- Skillet Assembly: Transfer the ricotta mixture into a cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base that will showcase the dip’s creamy texture.
- Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the ricotta, creating a rich, golden layer that will melt and caramelize during baking.
- Baking and Broiling: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the ingredients meld together. Switch to broil, allowing the cheese to develop a crisp, bronzed surface with enticing caramelized edges.
- Finishing Touch: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, adding an aromatic flourish that enhances the dip’s visual and flavor profile.
- Serving: Present immediately with toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to savor the warm, creamy dip straight from the skillet.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh ricotta and genuine Italian cheeses for authentic flavor and creamy texture.
- Temperature Precision: Maintain exact 400°F oven temperature to ensure perfect melting and golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
- Herb Freshness Boosts Flavor: Use fresh rosemary sprigs instead of dried herbs to enhance aromatic complexity and create vibrant taste profile.
- Serving Strategy: Serve immediately after broiling to capture the dip’s optimal temperature, melted consistency, and crispy cheese edges for maximum enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg