Description
This Ricotta Herb Christmas Bake is a delightful savory dish combining creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for holiday brunch or a light dinner, it offers a comforting mix of flavors and textures that make it a festive favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 large eggs
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Vegetables & Others
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the dish evenly.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, eggs, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add tomatoes and oil: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and drizzle the olive oil, mixing carefully to maintain the tomatoes’ shape and distribute the oil evenly.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and transfer the ricotta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the ricotta mixture to form a golden crust when baked.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set and firm to the touch.
Notes
- Use freshly chopped herbs for the best flavor and aroma.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a different texture.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course paired with a green salad.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers for a gluten-free option using suitable substitutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the bake set fully.
