Ingredients:

  • 2 cups High Quality Marinara Sauce
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil, roughly chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella (pearls or small cubes)
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the shallow baking dish (8-inch or 1.5 L).
  2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 60 seconds). Add the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and half of the fresh basil. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor. Remove from heat.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and the 1 cup of shredded low-moisture mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until a sticky, cohesive cheese paste forms.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully pour the warm marinara mixture over the cheese base, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
  5. Evenly scatter the fresh mozzarella pearls or cubes over the marinara sauce. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using.
  6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is visibly bubbling vigorously around the edges and the mozzarella topping is completely melted and beginning to turn light golden brown in spots.
  7. Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with the reserved fresh basil and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.