Introducing a delicious and nutritious bariatric recipe: High Protein Ricotta Bake. Packed with flavor and protein, this single serve dish is perfect following weight loss surgery. With a creamy ricotta base and delicious Italian flavors, each bite is a delight. Stay tuned for the full recipe and get ready to indulge guilt-free!
This was one of my go-to bariatric meals after my gastric bypass surgery and it's still a popular dish six years later. The whole family loves it.
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Why This Recipe Works
- High in Protein: This Ricotta Bake is packed with protein, an essential nutrient for muscle recovery and growth, making it an ideal choice for those who have undergone bariatric surgery or are looking to increase their protein intake.
- Portion-Controlled: The recipe is designed as a single serve, helping you manage portion sizes and prevent overeating. It's perfect for those following a strict dietary plan.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Despite being a healthy option, this recipe doesn't compromise on taste. The blend of ricotta cheese with the seasonings creates a rich and satisfying flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Ricotta Bake is one of my favorite Bariatric Recipes.
🥘 Ingredients
- Fresh Ricotta Cheese - In this recipe we use light ricotta cheese as it contains less fat than regular ricotta.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese - Adding a small amount of parmesan cheese adds a savory and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce - Using a high-quality marinara sauce adds depth and richness to the dish. Look for low-sugar or sugar-free options or make your own Unprocessed Marinara Sauce.
- Fresh Basil - This fragrant herb adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Garlic Salt - I like to add a pinch of garlic salt for an extra kick of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper Important as they help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Olive Oil - Cooking spray or regular olive oil for the ramekins.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- To make a sweet version, skip the seasonings and marinara sauce and add lemon juice and berries to the baked ricotta mixture instead. Bake as usual and top with lemon zest.
- You can add blended meat such as cooked chicken or turkey to this bariatric recipe for added protein.
- You can also mix in vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- You can use dry basil in place of fresh basil if needed. Just use ⅓ the amount of dried basil compared to fresh.
- You can use cottage cheese or grated mozzarella cheese in place of ricotta for a different texture and flavor.
Love this recipe? Try our spinach and ricotta bake recipe too! It's another real winner!
🔪How To Make Baked Ricotta?
Baked Ricotta is a great Bariatric meal and in ready to enjoy in only 20 minutes.
Step One: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Step Two: Pulse the ingredients until well blended.
Step Three: Spray the bottom of a small ramekin with non-stick cooking spray.
Step Four: Pour the ricotta mixture into the single serve ramekin and spread evenly.
Step Five: Layer one more spoon of marinara sauce on top of the ricotta mixture. Bake for 20 minutes in the oven.
Step Six: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and protein-packed bariatric friendly Ricotta Bake!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Be sure to use cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also line the ramekin with parchment paper for easier removal.
- For added protein, you can add in some chopped cooked chicken or turkey. Be sure to blend if you're on the soft foods, Pureed Food Stage of your bariatric diet.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create different flavor profiles. Some other ideas include using pesto or adding in some diced bell peppers.
- This recipe is also great for meal prepping - just make several batches, let them cool completely, then wrap individually with Plastic Wrap and store in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy protein-packed meal.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more servings. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
While using ramekins is a great way to make this dish, you can also make it in a small baking dish. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient measurements accordingly and keep an eye on your bake time.
A food processor is recommended to make the ricotta mixture smooth and well blended – especially for the pureed food stage. However, if you do not have one, you can use a blender or simply mix the ingredients in a medium bowl.
Yes, you can use regular ricotta cheese if that is your preference. Just keep in mind that it will be higher in fat and calories.
Yes, you can prepare the baked ricotta ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two.
Yes, you can make ricotta bake in the Instant Pot. You’ll need a trivet and ramekins to do so. Simply prepare the baked ricotta following the instructions above. Next place a cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Cover the ramekins with tin foil and place on the trivet. Pressure cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot version won’t have a golden brown crust but it tastes just as good and saves some time!
Using Ramekins After Bariatric Surgery
After Gastric bypass surgery you're tummy will be super small. I have found having small plates and ramekins super useful as it helped me to manage my portion sizes better. You can get budget friendly White Ramekins online or if you want something fancy, you might want to invest in some Colorful Ramekins.
I'd stick with 4 ounce ramekins or 6 ounce ramekins as this is a realistic amount you would want to serve for one bariatric meal. You can also fit up to four 6 ounce ramekins into your 6 quart Instant Pot.
This Bariatric Friendly Ricotta Bake is a delicious and nutritious option for anyone following a bariatric diet or looking to increase their protein intake. With its creamy ricotta base, savory seasonings, and easy preparation, it's a must-try recipe for anyone who loves Italian flavors.
So next time you're craving a tasty and guilt-free meal, give this Baked Ricotta recipe a try! It's one of the best bariatric recipes around! Happy cooking!
🧂Serving Suggestions
If you're sharing this recipe with others then you may want to serve the ramekins as a ricotta dip or cheese dip with fresh veggies such as celery sticks, cucumber slices and carrot sticks. It also tastes great with crusty bread or pita chips! If serving it as a meal, try pairing it with a Mango Chicken Salad for some added goodness.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Bariatric Friendly Ricotta Bake
Equipment
- 4 Ramekins
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Low Fat Skim Ricotta
- ¼ Cup Parmesan
- Olive Oil Spray
- 8 tablespoon Marinara Sauce
- ¼ Cup Fresh Basil
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Salt
- Pinch Salt
- Pinch Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Pulse until well blended.
- Spray the bottom of a small ramekin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add a layer of marinara sauce to the bottom of the ramekin dish.
- Pour the ricotta mixture into the single serve ramekin and spread evenly.
- Layer one more spoon of marinara sauce on top of the ricotta mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the oven.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and protein-packed bariatric friendly Ricotta Bake!
Notes
Nutrition
More Puree Recipes:
Here are a few more bariatric friendly recipes you may want to try.
This Bariatric Friendly Ricotta Bake is one of my absolute favorites! It's creamy, protein-packed, and so easy to make. I love how the light ricotta and parmesan blend with the marinara and fresh basil for that cozy Italian flavor. Sometimes I mix in a little chopped spinach or top it with a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra goodness. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner—especially when you're craving something warm and satisfying without the heaviness.
Easy to make and smelled yummy baking. I added some pepperoni on top of mine for the protein and request from my husband. Its very good.