Let’s talk about one of those recipes that makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. I’ve always been a fan of garlic bread, but adding ricotta? That’s when things get really interesting. The first time I made this for my family, they couldn’t believe how creamy and comforting it was.
Sometimes the simplest twists on classic recipes turn out to be the ones we make again and again. This ricotta garlic bread has become my go-to when I need something quick but want it to feel special. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does when friends drop by unexpectedly.
Whether you’re a garlic bread purist or someone who likes trying new spins on old favorites, I think you’ll appreciate how easy and satisfying this version is. Trust me, once you try it, regular garlic bread might start feeling a little lonely without its creamy ricotta companion.
Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Garlic Bread
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 30 minutes, this garlic bread is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something tasty alongside your pasta or soup.
- Creamy twist on a classic – The addition of ricotta cheese makes this garlic bread extra rich and creamy, taking it from good to absolutely irresistible.
- Simple ingredients – You’ll only need basic pantry staples and some ricotta cheese to make this – most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
- Perfect for sharing – One loaf makes enough for the whole family, and it’s always a hit at dinner parties or potlucks.
What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use?
For the best garlic bread experience, whole milk ricotta is your friend here – it’s creamier and richer than its lower-fat cousins. Fresh ricotta from your local deli or cheese shop will give you the smoothest texture, but the store-bought stuff in the dairy case works perfectly fine too. If your ricotta seems a bit watery, just drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 minutes before using it in your recipe. And here’s a pro tip: give your ricotta a quick stir before measuring to make sure it’s nice and smooth – this will help it spread more easily on your bread.
Options for Substitutions
This cheesy garlic bread recipe can be tweaked with several easy substitutions:
- French bread: Any sturdy bread works here – try Italian bread, ciabatta, or even a baguette. Just avoid very soft bread types as they won’t hold up well to the toppings.
- Ricotta cheese: If you’re out of ricotta, try cream cheese (softened) or cottage cheese (blended smooth). Mascarpone works great too, though it will make the spread richer.
- Mayonnaise: You can replace mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier taste. Just make sure to use full-fat versions for the best texture.
- Dried herbs: Fresh herbs work great – just use 3 times the amount called for dried herbs. You can also mix and match different Italian herbs based on what you have.
- Parmesan cheese: While fresh Parmesan is best, you can use Romano or Asiago cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan will work in a pinch, but it won’t melt as nicely.
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic is a great swap – use 2-3 cloves. You could also use roasted garlic for a mellower flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making ricotta garlic bread is using cold ingredients straight from the fridge – make sure your butter and ricotta are at room temperature for a smooth, easily spreadable mixture that won’t tear your bread. Another common error is cutting the bread too thin or too thick – aim for 1-inch slices to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. To prevent your garlic bread from becoming overly dry, avoid baking it for too long; keep a close eye after the 10-minute mark and remove it from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown. For the best flavor and texture, save half of the Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, which creates that irresistible cheesy crust without burning.
What to Serve With Ricotta Garlic Bread?
This rich and cheesy garlic bread makes a perfect partner for any pasta dish – from simple spaghetti and meatballs to creamy fettuccine alfredo. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, try pairing it with a light marinara sauce for dipping, which adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy ricotta. For a complete Italian-style meal, serve it alongside a fresh Caesar salad or a bowl of minestrone soup. You can also use it to round out lighter meals like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, where it adds that satisfying carb component everyone loves.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover ricotta garlic bread? Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The herb-cheese mixture might not be quite as creamy after refrigeration, but it’ll still taste great!
Make Ahead: You can prep this bread earlier in the day by making the ricotta mixture and storing it separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just spread it on the bread and bake. The cheese mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Warm Up: To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, wrap the bread in foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you want the top crispy again, unwrap the foil for the last 2-3 minutes. The microwave works too, but the bread might get a bit chewy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 22-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 150-160 g
- Carbohydrates: 190-210 g
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of french bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (split into portions)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bread
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Slice the French bread in half, cutting across the equator to create two large pieces.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth.
Once combined, stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the ricotta mixture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Bread
Evenly spread the prepared Ricotta mixture over both halves of the French bread.
Place them on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F, allowing the bread to warm and the mixture to set slightly.
Step 4: Broil and Add Final Touches
Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of each bread half.
Switch the oven setting to broil, and without moving the oven rack, broil the bread for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Watch closely to prevent burning.
Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and basil, if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
Slice and serve your deliciously cheesy Ricotta French bread as an appetizer or side dish.
Enjoy!