Ricotta Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe
The Popular Flavor of Kadıköy: Ricotta Cheese Garlic Bread
Recently, a viral sensation has taken over Kadıköy – Ricotta Cheese Garlic Bread sold at a local pizzeria. People are lining up to try this delicacy, which has become a social media phenomenon thanks to its soft texture and aromatic flavor. Now, you can recreate this delectable treat at home and experience the same taste in your own kitchen. Here's the story of this famous bread from Kadıköy, its key tips, and insights into the culture of garlic bread!
Getting to Know Ricotta Cheese
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is Ricotta cheese, a special variety that originated in Italian cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide. The name "Ricotta" means "recooked" in Italian, as it is made by reheating whey left over from the production of other cheeses. Unlike traditional cheeses made from milk, Ricotta is produced by utilizing the whey, much like Turkish curd cheese (lor cheese), giving it a uniquely creamy texture and mild flavor.
Fresh Ricotta is soft and spreadable. In Italy, it’s widely used in desserts like cannoli, but it also pairs beautifully with savory dishes thanks to its subtly sweet undertones. Its light, creamy consistency adds a surprise layer to garlic bread, elevating the recipe to another level.
If you can’t find Ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with a mix of homemade curd cheese (lor) or cottage cheese blended with a bit of cream. For this recipe, mix 500 grams of curd/cottage cheese with 100 grams of cream.
A Brief History of Garlic Bread
While garlic bread is a staple of Italian cuisine, it has since become a globally beloved snack. Traditionally, it consists of toasted or baked bread slices topped with minced garlic, olive oil, or butter. Originally made in rural Italy to extend the shelf life of bread and enhance its flavor, garlic bread gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century.
Over time, various adaptations have emerged, incorporating cheese, herbs, or flavored oils. Today, garlic bread is commonly served as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish accompanying pizzas or pasta.
Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese to achieve a creamy consistency and light flavor.
- Be cautious not to overuse garlic, as it might overpower the balanced, aromatic taste.
- Allow the bread to cool completely after baking to avoid crushing it while slicing.
With this recipe, you can recreate the Ricotta Cheese Garlic Bread that has become a hit in Kadıköy and impress your family or guests with a special culinary experience.
Is the Recipe Worth the Hype?
Now, let’s get to my personal opinion about this recipe. As an idea, it’s fantastic. The appearance is mouthwatering, which drew me to try it. However, to be honest, I didn’t find it entirely satisfying. Ricotta cheese doesn’t contribute a flavor significant enough to justify its calorie count. This is natural since Ricotta is a very mild cheese. I believe a 50-50 mix of cream cheese and curd cheese would yield better results. Additionally, the excessive oiliness of the topping can be a bit overwhelming.
That being said, the combination of bread, olive oil, garlic, and cheese is delightful. If you want a less oily version of this recipe, you might enjoy trying my **pull-apart garlic cheese bread recipe** instead.
One last note: I’m not a fan of overly strong garlic aromas, so I used as little garlic as possible. Feel free to increase the amount if you’re a garlic lover!
Bon appétit!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water,
- 1 cup warm milk,
- 1 tbsp butter,
- 1 packet instant yeast,
- 1 tbsp sugar,
- 1 tsp salt,
- 5 cups flour.
For Filling and Topping:
- 1 egg yolk,
- 1 bunch parsley,
- 1/4 cup olive oil,
- 1 clove garlic,
- 600 g Ricotta cheese,
- Salt to taste.
Preparation
- In a deep bowl, mix water, milk, melted butter, yeast, and sugar,
- Gradually add flour while mixing,
- After adding half the flour, mix in the salt,
- Continue adding flour until you achieve a non-sticky dough. Knead well,
- Form the dough into a ball, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size,
- Meanwhile, finely chop parsley and garlic,
- Place three-fourths of the parsley in a bowl, add olive oil and garlic, and mix,
- Add the remaining parsley and salt to the Ricotta cheese and mix well,
- Knead the risen dough briefly,
- Divide the dough into pieces the size of a mandarin and roll them into thick ropes,
- Coil each rope into a spiral and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper,
- Cover and let rise for 15-20 minutes,
- Brush with egg yolk and bake in a preheated 190°C (375°F) oven until golden brown,
- Allow the bread to cool, then slice each piece in half,
- Fill with the parsley-cheese mixture and brush the tops with the garlic-parsley oil.
Enjoy!