Leite's Baked Ricotta

By stancec44

This baked ricotta is essentially a creamy, indulgent, crowd-pleasing cheese dip made from three ingredients—ricotta, eggs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano—that’s baked until it’s puffed like a souffle. Serve it with crostini, a drizzle of honey, dried fruits, blanched vegetables, anything, really.

Ingredients

• What Do I Serve With This Baked Ricotta?
• Butter for the baking dish
• 15 to 18 ounces fresh whole-milk ricotta (not reduced fat)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
• A few oregano leaves, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 chile pepper, such as jalapeño or serrano,, seeded and thinly sliced (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 2-cup baking dish.

2. Beat all the ingredients in a bowl with a fork or a standing mixer until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake until golden and puffed, 25 to 30 minutes, give or take a little depending on how shallow or deep your baking dish.

3. Let cool slightly prior to serving straight from the baking dish by the generous spoonful. (Okay, so you can serve the dip hot, but honestly, it’s even more spectacular when allowed to cool somewhat.)