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    Home » Appetizer Recipes

    15-Minute Whipped Ricotta Dip

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    Posted January 30, 2023 by Wendy Polisi

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    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    For a delicious and easy appetizer that is sure to delight, don’t miss this whipped ricotta dip. This easy appetizer has just a handful of ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make.  Serve it with baguettes, pita chips, or raw vegetables, and be prepared for happy smiles all around.

    Overhead photo of a small bowl with whipped ricotta dip garnished with pine nuts and crushed red pepper flakes and surrounded by baguette slices.

    Have you ever tried whipped ricotta dip? This amazing appetizer is so creamy and full of flavor that it's sure to be a hit at your next gathering. 

    Whether served as an accompaniment with some crispy garlic-seasoned baguette slices or enjoyed by itself (it’s that good!), this quick and easy recipe will tickle your taste buds with its savory flavor. 

    From the smooth texture of whole milk ricotta cheese combined with spices, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a hint of heavy cream for richness—this scrumptious dip is as easy as it is delicious. 

    Read on to discover how to make this simple yet delicious ricotta cheese dip from scratch.

    Ingredients for Making 

    Photo of prepped ricotta cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, seasonings, lemon zest, and thyme.
    • Ricotta: I recommend using full-fat (whole milk) ricotta for the best flavor, but you can use low-fat if you prefer.
    • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream helps to give the ricotta dip a creamy texture.
    • Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese adds a delicious flavor and saltiness. Use freshly grated parmesan, not the kind from a can.
    • Lemon Zest: The zest of one lemon gives this dip its subtle citrus flavor.
    • Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme or rosemary and a pinch of red pepper flakes give this dish a nice bite.  Parsley, chives, basil, or mint also work if you prefer.
    • Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the flavor of the dip and helps to bring out all the flavors.

    Step By Step

    First, start by placing the ricotta into a medium bowl. If you have a stand mixer, using that is a great option. A food processor will also work.

    Beat the ricotta until it is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

    Photo of ricotta cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer.
    Photo of whipped ricotta cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer.

    Next, add in heavy cream and beat for 30 seconds to combine.

    Then stir in the parmesan, lemon zest, thyme (or other herbs), salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until everything is well incorporated but try not to deflate the whipped ricotta too much.

    Photo of whipped ricotta cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, seasonings, lemon zest, and thyme in the bowl of a stand mixer.

    Finally, transfer to a serving bowl and top with your choice of nuts, flaky salt, olive oil, and fresh ground black pepper.

    Tips & Tricks

    • Don't forget to taste the dip as you make it and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
    • Once you have whipped the ricotta, be careful not to overmix the dip. You want to mix until everything is incorporated while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
    • If you want to mix up the flavors,, add some freshly minced garlic or roasted red peppers.
    • Want to make baked ricotta dip?  Place the dip in a small baking dish and top with mozzarella or goat cheese.  Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake at 350° Funtil heated through about 15 minutes.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve lemon ricotta dip with crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, or your favorite raw slice vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers are all fabulous options.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    How do you make ricotta light and fluffy?

    To make ricotta light and fluffy, use a stand mixer or electric beaters to whip it for 1-2 minutes on high speed. You can also add in heavy cream to help aerate it, which will give it an even lighter texture.  Follow these steps and your ricotta cheese spread will have the perfect light texture.

    Can you make whipped ricotta in a blender?

    Yes, you can make whipped ricotta in a blender. Just blend the ricotta with heavy cream until light and fluffy.

    Tools Needed to Make 

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    • Stand mixer or hand mixer.

    Storage

    This whipped ricotta dip is best served the day it is made but can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Give it a good stir just before serving.

    More Appetizer Recipes to Try

    • Looking for a starter that is sure to wow the whole crowd? You are going to love these vegetarian stuffed mushrooms.
    • Baked brie with jam is quick to make and always impresses guests!
    • Corn dip with cream cheese works just as well for a cook out and game day as it does for your holiday buffet.
    • Buffalo potatoes are a family favorite appetizer that also works well as a tasty side dish.
    Photo of whipped ricotta tip spread onto a baguette slice and sitting on a wooden cutting board with a bowl of whipped ricotta dip next to it.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square close up overhead photo of a small bowl with whipped ricotta dip garnished with pine nuts and crushed red pepper flakes and surrounded by baguette slices.
    Print Recipe
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    ​​Whipped Ricotta Dip

    Are you looking to kick your appetizer game up a notch? Look no further than this decadent, creamy whipped ricotta dip! This luscious dish is sure to be the star of any gathering.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Keyword: dip
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 145kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer

    Ingredients

    • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup grated parmesan
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme or rosemary
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • For serving: baguette flaky salt, toasted nuts, extra virgin olive oil, fresh cracked pepper

    Instructions

    • Place the ricotta in a medium bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on high until light, fluffy, and well-aerated.
    • Beat in the heavy cream until mixed.
    • Stir in the parmesan, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
    • Transfer to a serving bowl and top with nuts, flaky salt, olive oil, and black pepper.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Filed Under:

    Appetizer RecipesChristmas RecipesDips, Dressings & SaucesEaster RecipesGame Day RecipesGluten Free RecipesKeto and Low Carb RecipesThanksgiving RecipesValentine's Day RecipesVegetarian Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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