Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! This Four Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato recipe is not just a dish – it's a creamy, savory explosion of flavors that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a show-stopping appetizer, this recipe promises to be your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended and smooth.
- Drain and pat the sun-dried tomatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess oil, then finely chop them into small, uniform pieces.
- Fold the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the blend.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir gently to incorporate all seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the cheese and sun-dried tomato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a dip, spread, or side dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Allow your cheeses to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more even blend.
- Pat Those Tomatoes Dry: Thoroughly drying the sun-dried tomatoes prevents excess moisture and ensures a perfect texture in your dish.
- Customize Your Seasonings: While Italian seasoning works wonderfully, don't be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor kick.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish can be served as a warm dip, spread on crusty bread, or even used as a unique pasta sauce.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum convenience.
- Cheese Quality is Key: Use high-quality, fresh cheeses for the most robust and delicious flavor profile.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dish to prevent over-browning – you want a golden, melted finish, not a burnt top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
