Put out a delicious appetizer and they’ll come running. Well…I, for sure, will come running. Whether it’s my crowd favorite pepper jack cheese dip or this baked ricotta cheese dip, you’ll find me and my friends standing by it, boxing each other out for the best bite.
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Everyone loves a good cheese dip recipe
Especially when it’s a simple as this one! Some other things you’ll love about this easy ricotta dip:
- One bowl recipe. A stand mixer (or hand mixer) makes quick work of this appetizer prep.
- Elegant comfort food recipe. A warm cheese dip that manages to be elegant and not heavy at the same time.
- Creamy texture. The perfect dip to spread on crackers or as the centerpiece for a cheese board.
- Make ahead cheesy dip. You can mix the recipe, pour it in the baking dish and bake it in time for your guests to arrive.
⇢ Other dip and appetizer recipes like this you’ll ♥️: whipped ricotta with figs, cheesy baked Reuben dip or potato and tenderloin crostini. Or serve baked ricotta with a basket of fresh made Italian focaccia bread …so good!
Best kind of ricotta for ricotta dip
Just like in cheese lasagna or ricotta cheese ravioli, ricotta cheese thickens up when beaten and baked with eggs.
This easy appetizer is made with whole milk ricotta but you certainly can use part-skim ricotta, deli counter fresh ricotta or homemade ricotta.
Pro tip
If your ricotta has a lot of liquid, drain it using a fine mesh strainer in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight if the time is available to you.
Ingredient rundown
Other than the previously discussed ricotta cheese, we’ll be adding lots of good stuff to this creamy dip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Time to make a simple appetizer
- Grab a medium mixing bowl and a hand mixer (or use a stand mixer).
- Method #1: Beating eggs first. Beat eggs on their own for 2 minutes. Then mix in ricotta.
- Method #2: Beating eggs and ricotta together. Add the eggs and ricotta cheese to the bowl and beat for about 2 minutes.
- With either method: add the parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and seasoning and stir to incorporate.
- Use a microplane grater to zest the lemon and stir into the cheese mixture.
- Pour into a small baking dish, sprinkle with additional parmesan and bake until golden brown.
Baking tip
Place the dip under the broiler for a few minutes for a nice golden brown topping.
-Josie + Nina
What to serve with baked ricotta dip
A equally great option for an elegant dinner party or game day, serve this delicious dip with:
- pita chips
- baguette slices
- crusty bread chunks (like Italian bread)
- fresh veggies like celery, thick strips of red pepper, and cucumbers
Storage, Reheating and Freezing Suggestions
Storage. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat. Warm in a 325˚ oven until heated through. Or microwave in 30 second increments (you might have to stir in a little milk or cream).
I do not recommend you freeze this this baked ricotta dip.
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Italian Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip with Fresh Herbs
Equipment
- small baking dish
Ingredients
- 15 oz ricotta
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup grated parmesan, divided
- 1 T fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, from 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚.
- Beat the ricotta and eggs in a medium mixing bowl either with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Stir in the 1/2 cup of the parmesan, garlic, herbs and seasoning.
- Pour into a small baking dish, sprinkle over remaining parmesan and bake for 35 minutes. Turn on the broiler and bake until browned about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with additional lemon zest and fresh thyme, as desired.
- Serve with pita chips, chunks of Italian bread or French baguette; or fresh veggies like thickly sliced cucumbers, stalks of celery, and big pieces of red pepper.