Baked Ricotta Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

If you’re searching for a delicious, comforting, and effortlessly elegant vegetarian dish, look no further than baked ricotta. This dish transforms creamy ricotta cheese into a golden, luscious delight that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a stunning appetizer for guests.

Baked ricotta is wonderfully versatile and can be paired with fresh herbs, tangy lemon zest, or even a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy ricotta’s creamy texture while adding a warm, slightly caramelized finish.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress.

Perfectly creamy on the inside and lightly browned on top, baked ricotta brings a comforting richness that satisfies without overwhelming. Plus, it fits beautifully into vegetarian diets, making it a crowd-pleaser for meatless meals.

Ready to elevate your ricotta game? Let’s dive into this delicious baked ricotta recipe and discover why it deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked ricotta is a simple yet impressive dish that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Here’s why this recipe should be your go-to:

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Baking ricotta enhances its natural creaminess, creating a luscious, spoonable dish that melts in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a gourmet-quality dish ready in under 40 minutes.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a dip, spread, or side dish. Add herbs, spices, or toppings to customize it to your taste.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians, focusing on dairy goodness without any meat products.
• Elegant Presentation: Serve it straight from the oven in a pretty ramekin or dish to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese (fresh and creamy)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a savory depth)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended for brightness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Ramekin or small baking dish (6-inch diameter recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Spatula or spoon
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese and lemon zest)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your ramekin or baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add richness.
2. Combine ricotta, Parmesan, and eggs in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk or fork to blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated.
3. Add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and thyme to the ricotta mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
4. Transfer the mixture to your prepared ramekin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the surface for a beautiful golden crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the ricotta is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, use fresh ricotta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid pre-grated cheeses as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.”

• Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or chives to change the flavor profile.
• Sweet Variation: Add a tablespoon of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking for a sweet baked ricotta treat. Top with toasted nuts after baking.
• Cheese Additions: Mix in crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for heat.
• Make it Vegan: Try substituting ricotta with a vegan ricotta alternative made from tofu or cashews, and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked ricotta is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Serve warm with toasted slices of sourdough or crusty baguette for an easy appetizer.
• Use it as a creamy topping on roasted vegetables or grilled eggplant for a hearty vegetarian meal.
• Spread it on warm flatbreads or pita with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
• Add a dollop atop your favorite pasta or grain bowl for a rich, creamy boost.
• Pair it with fresh salads or roasted tomatoes for a light yet satisfying combination.

For more delicious baked goods to complement your meal, check out our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or try the comforting Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe. If you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe is a delightful choice.

Conclusion

Baked ricotta is a quietly impressive dish that brings warmth, richness, and versatility to any vegetarian table. Its creamy texture and simple preparation make it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

By combining fresh ricotta with Parmesan, eggs, and fragrant herbs, you create a dish that’s comforting yet refined.

Whether you enjoy it as a dip with crusty bread or as a creamy topping for vegetables and grains, baked ricotta offers endless possibilities. Plus, with easy customization options, you can tailor it to your own taste preferences and dietary needs.

Give this recipe a try and discover how a humble cheese can transform into a deliciously satisfying meal centerpiece. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Baked Ricotta Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and flavorful baked ricotta dish perfect as an appetizer or side. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and herbs.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup ricotta cheese”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 large egg”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1/2 cup marinara sauce”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a small baking dish and smooth the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle olive oil evenly over the ricotta mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and spoon marinara sauce on top before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “14 g”, “fatContent”: “16 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “4 g”}}