Baked Ricotta-Spinach Cream Baskets: perfect as elegant appetizers or as delectable finger food for parties and special gatherings.

Hi there, fellow foodies! A culinary masterpiece that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat is what we have for you today: Baked Ricotta-Spinach Cream Baskets. The silky richness of ricotta-spinach cream and the lovely crunch of a bread basket come together in this scrumptious combination, making for a dish that is both visually beautiful and irresistibly delicious. Join us as we walk you through the process of making this culinary masterpiece.

To start this delightful journey, we’ve crafted a basket of artisanal bread that’s crusty on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside. The bread’s golden-brown exterior gives way to a tender, airy crumb that’s ready to soak up the rich flavors of the creamy filling. The contrast between the hearty bread and the lush creaminess of the spinach and ricotta ensures every bite is a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Bread – Use slices of artisan bread loaf.
Ricotta Cheese – Use the best ricotta cheese on the market.
Spinach – Use fresh organic spinach or frozen organic spinach
Tomatoes – Use medium organic tomatoes
Provolone Cheese – Try to find provolone cheese from Italy
Parmigiano Reggiano – Use Parmigiano Reggiano cheese made in Italy.

How to make Baked Ricotta-Spinach Cream Baskets

Step 1: Creating the Ricotta-Spinach Cream

In a skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden.

Add the boiled and chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until any excess moisture evaporates.

In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with the fresh ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your ricotta-spinach cream is now ready!

Step 2: Crafting the Bread Baskets

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Use a rolling pin to slightly flatten the bread slices, making them more workable.

Brush both sides of each bread slice with melted butter.

Take a bread slice and gently mold it into a muffin tin, shaping it into a basket-like form.

Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices.

Bake the bread baskets in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

Step 3: Assembly and Presentation

Once baked, allow the bread baskets to cool slightly.

Fill each bread basket generously with the prepared ricotta-spinach cream.

Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese a slice of provolone cheese, a slice of tomato, and a sprinkle of oregano.

Re-bake them for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Indulge!

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived: savoring your freshly baked Ricotta-Spinach Cream in a Basket. Taste the pleasing contrast between the crisp bread basket and the smooth, creamy filling, made even better by the earthy tones of the spinach.

These Baked Ricotta-Spinach Cream Baskets are perfect as an elegant appetizer or as delectable finger food for parties and special gatherings. The unique presentation and exquisite flavors are sure to impress your guests, showcasing your culinary creativity. We can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share your culinary adventure with us! Bon appétit!