Ingredients
– 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk or part skim) forms the creamy base of the dip
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided adds melty texture, with half mixed in and half for topping
– ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided provides sharp flavor, split between the mixture and the top
– 2 tablespoons olive oil enhances richness and helps blend the flavors
– 4 cloves garlic, minced brings aromatic warmth to the dish
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or substitute fresh rosemary) infuses herbal notes for a fresh taste
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon adds bright, citrusy acidity to balance the cheeses
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt seasons the dip perfectly
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes introduces a subtle kick of heat
Instructions
1-Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a small casserole dish, about 8 x 4 inches, with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.
2-In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups ricotta cheese, half of the ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or your chosen substitute), zest and juice of 1 lemon, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes until well combined.
3-Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
4-Bake for about 20 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly, then broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the top, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5-Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm with options like toasted crostini, crackers, or raw vegetables.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌟 Use whole milk ricotta for a richer, creamier texture.
🌿 Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor, but dried thyme works in a pinch.
🍝 Reheat leftovers and mix into hot pasta for a delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams (approximate combined mono- and polyunsaturated)
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 40 mg