Showing posts with label ricotta cheese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ricotta cheese. Show all posts

Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Viral Lasagna Soup Everyone’s Making — A Cozy Winter Comfort Food (Perfect for Christmas Eve)

 

This viral lasagna soup is a cozy winter comfort food made in one pot and packed with classic lasagna flavor. Perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or Christmas Eve.




The Viral Lasagna Soup Everyone’s Making — And Why It’s Perfect for Christmas Eve


When the weather turns cold and comfort food cravings hit, this viral lasagna soup is exactly what you want simmering on the stove.  If you’ve been on social media at all lately, you’ve seen the viral lasagna soup taking over everyone’s feeds — and for good reason. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavor you love in traditional lasagna, but without the hours of prep and baking. One pot, a handful of simple ingredients, and a few minutes later, you have a steaming bowl of comfort that tastes like it belongs at a family dinner table. 

This year, I’m putting a holiday twist on this internet favorite. Imagine serving a warm, twirly bowl of lasagna soup on Christmas Eve — something that feels festive and indulgent, yet keeps your kitchen stress-free. It’s also perfect for busy evenings, casual family gatherings, or even a quiet, cozy night at home with your loved ones. The aroma alone will make your house feel like all cozy and warm, and the cheesy, meaty, tomato-rich broth guarantees smiles all around.

And the best part? This viral soup is ridiculously easy to make, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll get the nostalgia of traditional lasagna without the heavy lift, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll want to keep on your rotation. Trust me — once you try it, this lasagna soup will become your new holiday and winter tradition.








What Ingredients Do I Need?

  • Ground Sirloin – Adds a rich, beefy flavor and keeps the soup hearty and filling.
  • Ground Italian Sausage – Brings seasoning, depth, and the classic lasagna flavor you expect.
  • Yellow Onion – Builds a savory base and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
  • Garlic – Essential for that warm, aromatic flavor that ties the whole soup together.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Intensify the tomato flavor and add a subtle tangy richness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Add a touch of heat you can scale up or down to taste.
  • Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the soup its familiar lasagna essence.
  • Salt & Pepper – Balance, enhance, and bring out all the savory flavors.
  • Crushed Tomatoes – The main body of the broth, giving the soup its rich tomato base.
  • Tomato Paste – Deepens the flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
  • Red Wine – Adds boldness and complexity (and cooks off!), but can be swapped if needed.
  • Beef Broth – Forms the savory liquid base and keeps the soup hearty.
  • Lasagna Noodles – Broken into pieces for that fun, twirly “lasagna-in-a-bowl” effect.
  • Ricotta Cheese – Creates that creamy, classic lasagna topping when dolloped onto the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the hot broth.



Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  • Ground Sirloin → Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or extra sausage.
  • Italian Sausage → Replace with mild or spicy sausage, or use all ground beef if preferred.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes → Skip them or swap in a spoonful of tomato pesto for added depth.
  • Red Wine → Replace with beef broth, chicken broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
  • Beef Broth → Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work in a pinch.
  • Lasagna Noodles → Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, mafalda, or broken fettuccine.
  • Ricotta Topping → Swap for cottage cheese blended smooth or use a dollop of mascarpone.

Variations

  • Creamy Lasagna Soup – Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a rich, silky broth.
  • Veggie-Loaded Version – Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk it up and make it extra hearty.






Kitchen Notes & Tips

  • Break the noodles into large pieces so they mimic real lasagna layers and don’t overcook too quickly.
  • Cook the noodles right in the soup for maximum flavor — they soak up all that tomato-rich broth.
  • Taste as you go, especially after simmering — soups need seasoning adjustments at the end.
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot to help the soup simmer evenly without scorching.
  • Let the ricotta topping sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
  • Add extra broth if your soup thickens too much; the noodles continue to absorb liquid as it rests.
  • Top with chopped parsley, or basil for a little garnish.







HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.






    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     




















Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Backyard Fig Harvest Crostini – Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible


Celebrate fig season with these creamy mascarpone & ricotta crostini. Fresh-picked flavor, simple elegance & perfect for sharing—grab figs while you can! 



Backyard Fig Harvest Crostini – Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible


Fig season is fleeting, but oh, what a delicious few weeks it is. Over the past two weeks, I’ve shared my Late Summer Fig Salad with Cucumbers & Feta for a light, savory bite and Rustic Fig & Banana Bread – A Freshly Picked Delight for cozy, sweet mornings. Now, with our backyard fig crop about two-thirds harvested, I’ve been picking 8–10 figs each day, sharing the bounty with friends and family—and savoring them in every way possible.

The best way to enjoy these jewel-like fruits? Sometimes, you don’t need to cook at all—just take a bite. And that’s exactly the idea behind today’s recipe: Backyard Fig Harvest Crostini – Sweet, Creamy & Irresistible. Crispy baguette slices, creamy mascarpone and ricotta, a touch of fig jam, and fresh figs on top create a simple, elegant bite that’s perfect for sharing before the short season slips away.

Enjoy!





What You Need to Make This Dish

  • Rustic French baguette – forms the crispy base for the crostini
  • Olive oil – for brushing the bread to achieve golden, toasted slices
  • Mascarpone cheese – adds rich, creamy texture
  • Ricotta cheese – balances the mascarpone with light, fluffy creaminess
  • Fig jam – provides a sweet, fruity layer
  • Fresh figs – the star ingredient, for fresh, juicy topping



Substitutions & Variations

Don't have an ingredient?  Here are a few substitutions or variations you can use to make this your own.

  • Bread: Swap the baguette for sourdough, ciabatta, or crackers for a different texture.
  • Cheese: Use cream cheese or a soft goat cheese in place of mascarpone/ricotta.
  • Fruit: If figs aren’t available, try fresh peaches, plums, or ripe berries.
  • Sweet touch: Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped toasted nuts for extra flavor.




Kitchen Tips & Notes

  • Choose ripe figs: They should be soft but not mushy, with a deep color and fragrant aroma.

  • Prep ahead: Toast the bread in advance and store in an airtight container; assemble just before serving to keep them crisp.

  • Cheese tips: Let mascarpone and ricotta come to room temperature so spreading is effortless.

  • Short season: Fresh figs are fleeting—grab them from your backyard or local markets while available.





The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—fresh figs shine best when you don’t overcomplicate them.





HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.




💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you tried this recipe? What is one of your favorite summer fruits that you can't get enough of? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!



    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     













Thursday, July 31, 2025

Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas


Savor the flavors of summer with this Golden Croissant French Toast, filled with honeyed ricotta and bananas. A perfect al fresco brunch recipe for sunny patio mornings and leisurely weekends.




Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas


I love the magic of slow summer mornings—the kind that invite you to linger a little longer, sip tea beneath a large umbrella, and let the day unfold at its own pace. For us, we love starting our weekends with a quiet breakfast outdoors, poolside, while the air is still cool, the birds are still chirping, and the world hasn’t quite stirred. It’s our little ritual—a pause before the heat and hustle of the day—and the perfect excuse to make something a little special.

Enter this Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas—a dish that feels elegant enough for a garden brunch but is casual and simple enough to make any weekend morning feel like a celebration. Buttery mini croissants are gently stuffed with a creamy ricotta-honey filling and slices of ripe banana, then dipped in vanilla-scented custard and crisped to golden perfection in a skillet. It’s rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite café—without ever leaving the patio.

Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this easy, elevated French toast brings the sunshine straight to your plate. All you need is a shady spot, your favorite mug, and someone to share a second helping with.

Enjoy!





Ingredients for Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas:


This elegant yet easy French toast recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand—but when combined, they create a brunch dish that feels straight from a café. Below is everything you’ll need to bring this golden croissant magic to life.
  • Mini croissants – 8 of them, preferably a day or two old for best texture

  • Ricotta cheese – for the creamy, lightly sweet filling

  • Honey – adds floral sweetness to both the filling and as a drizzle on top

  • Bananas – sliced thin, folded into the filling and layered on top

  • Eggs – the base of your vanilla custard dip

  • Whole milk – makes the custard rich and silky

  • Vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth to the French toast custard

  • Butter – for browning the French toast to golden perfection

  • (Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, chopped nuts)







Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Need to work with what’s already in your kitchen? No problem! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and a few thoughtful substitutions can help you customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry situation. Here are some easy swaps to keep in mind:

Croissants - Use instead: 

  • Brioche buns or thick-cut brioche slices
  • Challah rolls or sliced challah
  • Day-old soft rolls or Hawaiian buns (slightly sweet works best)

Ricotta Cheese - Use instead:

  • Mascarpone (for a richer, silkier filling)
  • Cream cheese (softened and slightly sweetened)

Honey - Use instead:

  • Maple syrup
  • Agave nectar
  • Brown sugar (mixed into the ricotta filling)

Bananas - Use instead:

  • Fresh berries (for a lighter, tangier option)

Whole Milk - Use instead:

  • Half & half or heavy cream (for a richer custard)
  • Any unsweetened plant milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, try putting your own spin on this stuffed croissant French toast! Whether you’re looking to highlight seasonal fruit or explore new flavor profiles, these simple variations are just as indulgent and easy to pull off.

  • Summer Stone Fruit & Mascarpone - Swap out the bananas for thinly sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums, and use mascarpone in place of ricotta. Add a touch of almond extract to the custard for a subtle, nutty finish. 
  • Chocolate Hazelnut & Berry - Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread inside each croissant along with the ricotta, and add fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of banana. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a few dark chocolate shavings on top for a decadent brunch twist.



Kitchen Tips & Notes

A few extra tips can make all the difference when turning a simple brunch into something memorable. Here’s what I’ve learned from making this cozy dish a few too many times (in the best way):

  • Choose slightly stale croissants:  Day-old croissants work best—they’re a bit firmer and hold up beautifully to the custard without falling apart. If your croissants are super fresh, you can dry them out slightly by placing them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5–7 minutes.
  • Don’t overstuff:  It’s tempting to load them up with filling, but keeping the stuffing light ensures they seal properly and cook through evenly without spilling in the skillet.
  • Low and slow is best:  Cook the croissants on medium to medium-low heat. This allows the custard to set inside without burning the outside too quickly.
  • Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned griddle:  You want a golden, even sear without tearing the delicate croissant crust. A bit of butter in the pan helps create that perfect browning.
  • Warm your filling for extra indulgence:  For a melty center, microwave the ricotta mixture for just 10–15 seconds before stuffing. It makes the contrast between warm filling and crisp exterior extra satisfying.






Brunch Accents: Drinks & Dishes to Complement the Main Event

While this Golden Croissant French Toast shines on its own, a thoughtfully curated side or refreshing drink can turn your morning into a true brunch experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal on the patio, here are a few ideas to elevate your plate:


Fresh & Fruity Sides

  • Refreshing Melon Salad - cool mix of sweet melons, onion, feta, over baby spinach.  A great compliment to the rich French toast.  
  • Stone Fruit Salad with Mint & Lime – Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums sliced and tossed with the zest and juicy of 1 lime , a drizzle of honey, and chopped mint. 

Savory Balance

  • Crispy Bacon or ProsciuttoAdds a salty bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta filling.

Sips & Sparkles

  • Freshly Brewed Tea or Cold Brew Coffee
  • Peach Bellini or Citrus MimosaLightly bubbly and just sweet enough for a celebratory touch.

A small vase of garden flowers, linen napkins, and a playlist of soft acoustic tunes will set the perfect backdrop. Brunch doesn't need to be elaborate—just thoughtfully delicious.







HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.


















Saturday, May 31, 2025

Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera – A Fresh Twist with Sonoma Gourmet’s Ricotta Sauce

This Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera combines spring veggies and bowtie pasta with Sonoma Gourmet's Lemon & Herb Ricotta Sauce for a fresh, flavorful weeknight dinner. 



Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera – A Fresh Twist with Sonoma Gourmet’s Ricotta Sauce


There’s something about spring that makes me crave color—on my plate, in my kitchen, and in my mood. The markets are brimming with bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet tomatoes, practically begging to be tossed into a light, vibrant pasta. Pasta Primavera has always been a favorite when the weather warms up and I want something quick yet nourishing, but this time, I stumbled on a little jar of magic that completely changed the game: Sonoma Gourmet’s Lemon & Herb Ricotta Pasta Sauce.



I wasn’t sure what to expect at first—a lemony pasta sauce? But one spoonful and I was hooked. It’s impossibly creamy without being heavy, bright with citrus, and balanced by fresh herbs and mellow ricotta. It felt like it was made for vegetables. I built the dish around that velvety texture and tangy freshness, sautéing mushrooms, yellow peppers, zucchini, and broccoli in olive oil until just tender. Then came the sauce, frozen peas for a pop of sweetness, and bowtie pasta to catch every creamy crevice. A few minutes later, I had a bowlful of spring sunshine, finished with juicy grape tomatoes and torn basil.

If you're looking for a way to shake up your weeknight pasta routine—or impress guests without stress—this dish is it. Sonoma Gourmet’s sauce does the heavy lifting, giving you restaurant-level flavor with barely any effort. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp white wine, and you've got a seasonal masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks.




What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

  • Baby Bella mushrooms
  • Yellow bell pepper
  • Broccoli florets
  • Zucchini
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Fresh basil

Frozen

  • Green peas

Pasta & Sauces

Dairy

  • Unsalted butter

Oils & Vinegars

  • Olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • Salt
  • Black pepper



Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible—here are a few easy swaps if you're missing an ingredient or want to change things up:

  • Pasta:  No bowties? Use penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
  • Vegetables:  Swap in green beans, snap peas, or spinach for any of the veggies listed. Cauliflower also works well in place of broccoli.
  • Frozen peas:  Canned peas work in a pinch—just rinse and add them at the end to avoid overcooking.
  • Fresh basil:  Use fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning if basil isn’t available.


Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile—here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

  • Add Protein:  Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
  • Make it Spicy:  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a gentle kick.
  • Use What’s in Season:  Swap in roasted butternut squash, asparagus, or even cherry tomatoes cooked into the sauce if that’s what you’ve got.
  • Try a Different Pasta:  Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, or go gluten-free with your favorite alternative pasta variety.



Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Reserve your pasta water:  Don’t forget to save a little of the starchy pasta water before draining—it helps loosen the sauce and makes everything cling beautifully to the noodles.
  • Don’t overcook the veggies:  For the best texture and color, sauté the vegetables just until crisp-tender. They’ll soften slightly more when combined with the warm sauce.
  • Layer your seasoning:  Lightly season the veggies as they cook, then taste and adjust again once everything is combined. A little salt at each step builds better flavor.
  • Chop evenly:  Try to keep your veggie pieces around the same size so they cook evenly and look great in the finished dish.
  • Serve immediately:  This pasta is best served fresh, when the sauce is hot and silky. Leftovers are still tasty but may need a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
  • Storage and Reheating Tips:  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it may thicken a bit.  To reheat, place a portion in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or even a bit of milk to loosen the sauce, and stir gently until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between and adding a splash of liquid to keep the texture creamy.  Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate and the vegetables can become mushy when thawed.




HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.



💬 Let’s Chat!

Did you make this Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you stick with the recipe or add your own twist?  Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!





















LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...