Herbed Ricotta Bake
A creamy, savory bake featuring low-sodium ricotta infused with fresh parsley, basil, and chives. This light yet satisfying dish is designed to be kidney-friendly, perfect as an appetizer, and pairs wonderfully with low-sodium crackers or bread.
For 2 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat oven and prepare baking dishes
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Lightly grease two small, single-serving oven-safe dishes or ramekins.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine the ricotta mixture
- b.In a medium bowl, add the low-sodium ricotta, olive oil, and egg white.
- c.Add the finely diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, fresh parsley, basil, chives, and lemon zest.
- d.Season with the black pepper and the 1/8 tsp of salt.
- e.Stir everything together gently until just combined and creamy. Do not overmix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bake the ricotta
- b.Divide the ricotta mixture evenly between the two prepared baking dishes.
- c.Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- d.Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- e.The top should feel firm to a light touch and be slightly puffed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and serve
- b.Carefully remove the dishes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- c.Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley if desired.
- d.Serve warm with low-sodium crackers or toasted low-sodium bread slices for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh herbs. If you must use dried, use 1/3 of the amount called for.
- 2To ensure this recipe remains kidney-friendly, it is crucial to use low-sodium ricotta and not to add more salt than specified.
- 3This bake can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it in the ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- 4Serve alongside a simple green salad with a lemon-oil vinaigrette for a more complete meal.
- 5Don't overmix the ricotta mixture; stir just until everything is combined to keep the texture light and creamy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta cheese, though the texture may be less creamy.
quickQuick
To save time, use pre-minced garlic from a jar and skip dicing the bell pepper, serving it with pepper strips for dipping instead.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the garlic and black pepper for a milder flavor that kids might prefer. Serve with their favorite crackers.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Ricotta cheese provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Kidney-Friendly
This recipe is specifically designed with low sodium to be suitable for a kidney-friendly diet, helping to manage blood pressure.
Rich in Calcium
As a dairy product, ricotta is a good source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Contains Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil adds monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is designed to be healthy, particularly for those on a low-sodium diet. It's a good source of protein and calcium. Using whole milk ricotta provides a creamy texture, but part-skim can be used to lower the fat content.