Casseroles > Baked > Italian

Baked Ricotta and Tomato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. ricotta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Brush the baking dish with olive oil.
5. Pour the ricotta mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Drizzle the top with olive oil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 14g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil or oregano.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture for a meaty version.
- Add cooked spinach or kale to the ricotta mixture for a vegetarian version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the ricotta mixture for a more flavorful version.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality ricotta cheese for the best results.
- Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese before using it in the recipe.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped parsley

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the casserole is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the ricotta mixture before baking.
- If the casserole is too watery, drain the cherry tomatoes before using them in the recipe.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the casserole until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Ricotta cheese is a traditional Italian cheese that has been around for centuries.
- Tomatoes were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century and quickly became a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Savory
- Tangy
- Fresh

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Serve the casserole as an appetizer with crusty bread or crackers.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting