Indulge in a culinary delight that brings the heart of Italy straight to your table with our Baked Ricotta with Sausage and Tomato Jam! This dish is a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious tomato jam that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a stunning presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup tomato jam
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble the meat into a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the sausage into small pieces, until it is fully browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-seasoned.
- Transfer the seasoned ricotta cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage crumbles evenly over the ricotta cheese layer.
- Carefully spread the tomato jam over the sausage, creating an even layer that covers the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the cheese is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil before serving.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers as an appetizer or light meal.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose high-quality ricotta cheese and fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor. If possible, opt for homemade tomato jam to enhance the dish's richness.
- Don’t Rush the Sausage: Make sure to cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned. This adds depth of flavor and ensures a deliciously crispy texture.
- Layer it Right: When spreading the ricotta, sausage, and tomato jam, take your time to create even layers. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your ricotta mixture before layering it in the baking dish. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crispy crackers. Consider adding a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bake it for a quick and easy dish that tastes freshly made.
- Experiment with Herbs: While fresh basil is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 468kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
