This Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip is a warm, savory cheese dip that is packed with flavor! This quick and easy baked dip is perfect for game day, parties, or even as a snack option anytime that craving hits!
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If you love a good appetizer, look no further! This warm and savory ricotta dip is filled with fresh herbs, garlic, and just a hint of lemon. Perfect to serve on your favorite crackers, roasted vegetables, or toasted baguette slices. The best part, you can enhance the flavor is more by adding your favorite toppings. From red pepper flakes, additional fresh herbs, a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar, the topping options are endless!
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Why This Italian Baked Ricotta Dip is the BEST
- Cheesy– if you’re a cheese lover like I am, this is the perfect recipe for you! Creamy, cheesy, and delicious!
- Perfect for any occasion– whether you serve for game day parties like the Superbowl, having guests over, or just looking for a simple appetizer to make, this is perfect and ready in no time!
- So many topping options– so many great options to dress the flavor up even more based on desired tastes!
- Hearty– this dip can be a meal in itself due to the creaminess, toppings, and way you enjoy it using crackers, baguette, and more!
Ingredients Needed for Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe
For exact recipe ingredients and step by step directions, see printable recipe card below.
- Ricotta Cheese– you will want to use whole milk Ricotta cheese in this recipe
- Garlic– fresh, minced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil– you can enhance the flavors by using a flavored olive oil, I use a garlic thyme oil
- Lemon Juice– fresh is best, but bottled works too
- Rosemary– fresh, chopped
- Salt/Black Pepper– to taste
- Mozzarella Cheese– shredded, try to use fresh as it offers the most flavor versus shredded bags
- Parmesan Cheese– shredded, fresh is best
- Baguette Bread, crackers, roasted fresh veggies, etc.- anything you would like to serve with this savory dip
Topping Options
This hot cheesy dip is packed with flavor on its own, by these great toppings will bring it to a whole new level. Give one or a few a try!
- Grape or cherry tomatoes
- Fresh Thyme or additional fresh rosemary
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Extra-virgin olive oil or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
- Lemon Zest
- Drizzle of Honey
How to make Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and ½ tbsp. rosemary.
- Stir to combine and season with salt/pepper to taste.
- In a 6-inch baking dish, spread the ricotta mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Turn oven to broil and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining rosemary on top.
- Serve dish warm with sliced baguette, pita chips, crackers, veggies, and more.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- If you want to add additional cheese, Asiago is a great option that can either be added in addition OR used in place of the Mozzarella.
- The best way to serve this dip is with a yummy bread. Something like French bread, crusty bread, baguette, crostini, Pita Bread, bread sticks, and just about any other type of bread.
- Try to use fresh garlic versus using jarred as it offers so much additional flavor. If you are a garlic lover, feel free to double the amount called for.
Storing Hot Ricotta Cheese Dip
- This spread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven; however, leftovers are wonderful also.
- Allow leftovers to fully cool before placing in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- To reheat, place in oven at 300 degrees until creamy and warmed through or in the microwave in thirty second increments.
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change and once warmed up again, it won’t be as smoothe and creamy.
FAQ’s
Can I use cottage cheese in place of the Ricotta cheese?
In a lot of dishes, cottage cheese is a great option to use as a substitute, however, this dip does not work with cottage cheese as its not as airy in texture and doesn’t bake into the same yumminess.
Can I bake this cheese dip in a cast iron pan?
Absolutely! IN fact, I LOVE using cast iron. Not only does it keep the dip warm longer, but I love how evenly it cooks dishes.
Would honey be a great option to serve on this cheese dip?
Absolutely! To add some sweetness, this Ricotta spread can have up to 1 tablespoon honey drizzled on top just prior to serving.
Can I enjoy this cold?
Although you can eat this as a cold Ricotta dip, I highly recommend hot Ricotta dip as it is much creamier, hearty, and savory when heated through.
More Appetizer Recipes to try
Mexican Burrito Roll Ups– These pinwheel sandwiches feature a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy refried bean fillings wrapped in tortillas and cut into bite-sized treats.
Easy Layered Nacho Dip– calls for only a few simple ingredients and can be prepared quickly!
Smoked Deviled Eggs– a show-stopping twist on an old classic recipe! Perfectly flavorful and the perfect appetizer to accompany any meal
Creamy Layered Dip– the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Whether serving at a BBQ, picnic, tailgating, or get together….you’ll see just how fast this disappears!
PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps– A copycat recipe that you can easily make right at home in just 20 minutes. And it tastes a million times better too!
This simple Baked Ricotta Dip is a delightful and versatile addition to any gathering or meal. With its creamy and slightly tangy flavor, it pairs perfectly with an array of dippable options, from crispy breadsticks to fresh vegetables. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress their guests with minimal effort. So, whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a delicious snack, this baked ricotta cheese appetizer is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more. Give it a try and indulge in the irresistible combination of flavors!
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Creamy Baked Ricotta Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, fresh, divided
- salt/pepper to taste
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Baguette bread, sliced and toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and ½ tbsp. rosemary.
- Stir to combine and season with salt/pepper to taste.
- In a 6 inch pan, spread the mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Turn oven to boilr and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining rosemary on top.
- Serve warm with sliced baguette. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Trish says
How many people does this serve? We’re having a crowd.
Kristin says
About 8-10 servings!
Rose says
Delicious! Husband love it!!!
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing that! Glad you both enjoyed!
Linda Niepoth says
Wow, excellent!! And super fast and easy 👍
Kristin says
Yes!! Glad you enjoyed!!
Lisa says
I may add some sundried tomatoes for a little kick!
Kristin says
Great idea! I bet that would be a tasty addition for sure!
Joan Schaller Bauer says
Actually, on second thought, this will make a terrific cheesy cream sauce for au graten potatoes! Yum!
Kristin says
Oooo, good idea! Keep me posted how that turns out! Yum!!
Joan Schaller Bauer says
Perfect way to use up an extra container of ricotta, bought by mistake! Thanks! nice treat for Father’s Day lunch! Thank you!
Kristin says
Hope you enjoy!!
Jane says
Enjoy your Beautiful Presentation
Kristin says
Thanks! It was a good spread 🙂