Baked Ricotta Balls in Marinara Sauce Recipe

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Baked Ricotta Balls in Marinara Sauce are a delightful dish that combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the rich flavors of marinara. These golden-brown balls are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a delicious appetizer. They are easy to make, satisfying, and sure to please both family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that makes every bite a joy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s both approachable and rewarding.

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great as an appetizer or main dish.
• Flavorful: The combination of ricotta and marinara is irresistible.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Comfort Food: A warm, hearty dish that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Olive oil spray (for baking)

How to Make Baked Ricotta Balls in Marinara Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
4. Roll each ball in the remaining breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.
5. Place the ricotta balls on the prepared baking dish and spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. While the ricotta balls are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
8. Once the ricotta balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the marinara sauce. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb some flavor.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

To ensure your baked ricotta balls turn out perfectly:

• Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the ingredients; just combine until smooth.
• Make sure to roll the balls evenly for consistent cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste—add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Easy Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe:

• Substitute the parsley with basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the ricotta mixture for an extra twist.
• Try using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or feta, for varied taste.
• Serve with a side of pesto or white sauce in addition to marinara.

What to Serve With It

These baked ricotta balls pair beautifully with:

• Pasta, tossed in olive oil or marinara sauce.
• A fresh green salad, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping.
• Roasted vegetables for a wholesome side.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover baked ricotta balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option, although the oven will keep them crispier.

Recipe Card