Are you craving a warm, comforting bread that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This ricotta cheese bread recipe is a delightful blend of fluffy texture and subtly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both quick and satisfying – an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. This recipe proves that delicious dishes don’t need to be complicated!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup dried cranberries or blueberries for added flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Step 3: Gently Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix. If adding dried fruit, fold it in gently at this stage.
Step 4: Baking the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ricotta Cheese Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps them blend more easily and results in a more evenly textured bread.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Herbs: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Cheese: Incorporate shredded parmesan or mozzarella cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
- Sweet Additions: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped apricots or raisins.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and slice size. However, a rough estimate is:
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: Around 5-7 grams
- Fat: Around 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35 grams
This quick dinner idea or delightful breakfast option is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. Enjoy this simple yet delicious ricotta cheese bread! It’s one of the best recipes for a reason!