Herb-Infused Ricotta & Golden Mushroom Bake

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the ricotta mixture.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly will create a smooth and well-seasoned base for our dish.

3. Bake the Ricotta Mixture

Spread the cheese mixture evenly into one 16-ounce baking dish or two 8-ounce baking dishes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and creates a deliciously creamy base.

4. Sauté the Garlic

While the cheese mixture is baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. This helps release the garlic's fragrant aroma into the butter.

5. Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms and ½ teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Cook them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown. The mushrooms will absorb the garlic butter, making them rich and flavorful.

6. Finish the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of chopped thyme over the cooked mushrooms. Then, spoon this topping evenly over the baked ricotta mixture. The fresh thyme adds a final touch of herbaceousness to the dish.

7. Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.