Savory Ricotta Tart

Chef John's savory ricotta tart is a simple combination of high quality ricotta cheese and fresh herbs with just enough egg to hold it together.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 139 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or as needed
• 1 ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Brush 1 tablespoon oil over the bottom of a springform pan.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano; cook and stir until toasted and golden brown, about 1 minute. Spread mixture over the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3

Whisk eggs in a bowl until pale yellow, thick, and frothy. Stir in basil, parsley, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Whisk in ricotta cheese and 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drop spoonfuls of mixture into the pan and spread over bread crumbs. Gently tap the pan against a work surface to settle ricotta layer. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano over top and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until set, 20 to 25 minutes. Run a paring knife around the side to loosen the sides. Cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Unlatch and remove the ring.

Step 5

Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Place a wire rack onto baking sheet; place tart onto the rack.

Step 6

Broil under the preheated broiler until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Cut into six pieces to serve.