Baked spinach ricotta dip is the modern and lighter cousin of the classic hot spinach dip that gives you pure, creamy indulgence without the extra calories. Made with fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dip is baked until bubbly and golden. It can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for busy hosts. Serve hot with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for an irresistible party appetiser.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add fresh spinach in batches (about half at a time) and cook, tossing until just wilted and most of the moisture has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked spinach to a fine-mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Press the spinach firmly to remove all excess water. Transfer drained spinach to a cutting board and roughly chop. Set aside.
Description - Step 2
Make the cheese mixture
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly combined.
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Combine spinach and cheese
Add the chopped spinach to the cheese mixture along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Description - Step 4
Prepare for baking
Preheat oven to 190°C. Spray or grease a small baking dish (about 9-inch round or 8x8 inch square) with olive oil or cooking spray. Transfer the spinach-ricotta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired.
Description - Step 5
Bake the dip
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. If you want extra browning, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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American
Easy
Appetizer
