Description

Serve this easy to make appetizer anytime, but especially during the holidays. It's made with ricotta and Italian cheeses, nuts and seasonings.

Ingredients

• 15 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese
• 4 oz. finely shredded Italian cheese
• 1 t. lemon zest
• 1/4 t. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 t. garlic powder
• 1 T. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 T. chopped fresh basil
• 2 T. chopped roasted unsalted pistachios, walnuts, or pine nuts
• 1/4 t. paprika
• bagel chunks, for dipping
• 1 T. extra virgin olive oil, optional

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, Italian cheese, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and parsley until combined; season with salt and black pepper, if desired.
3. Spread mixture into a shallow oven-safe dish; bake until lightly browned, 25–35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.