Elevate your appetizer game with this luscious Baked Ricotta in a Tomato Base—a perfect harmony of creamy ricotta and zesty tomato sauce baked to golden perfection. This rustic yet elegant dish features airy ricotta blended with parmesan and a touch of egg, nestled atop a fragrant tomato base infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of chili flakes for optional heat. Baking brings out rich, caramelized flavors and creates a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Serve it straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil, alongside crusty bread or crackers to scoop up every last bite. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is ideal for cozy dinners or as a crowd-pleasing starter.
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, olive oil, and egg until smooth. Set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Stir and let it simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly in a small ovenproof dish or skillet.
Scoop the ricotta mixture on top of the tomato base, creating mounds or spreading it evenly, depending on your preference.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the ricotta is set and lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Calories |
866 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.6 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 2782 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.7 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.9 g | ||
| Protein | 44.6 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1307 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 21.1 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 2528 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.