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Irresistible Baked Ricotta Dip is the perfect party appetizer! It takes just minutes to combine creamy ricotta cheese with parmesan, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. Then, bake until bubbly and delicious, and get ready for an explosion of flavor!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beyond Flavorful: If you love the taste of my whipped ricotta dip, you will especially enjoy this delicious, creamy, warm version!
- So Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple and only takes 3 minutes to prep! All you have to do is add all the ingredients to a baking dish, then bake until golden and bubbly!
- Perfect for a Crowd: This is one of those appetizers that everyone LOVES! You can serve it with crackers, bagel chips, or freshly cut veggies. This would be great to serve for a game day or holiday gathering!
Ingredients Needed for Ricotta Dip
This baked ricotta dip recipe is made with minimal ingredients that come together for amazing taste and texture. It’s bound to be your new go-to appetizer for game day, parties, or family get-togethers. For exact measurements, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Whole Milk Ricotta: Ricotta cheese is perfect for making dips. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a thick, smooth texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Compliments the creamy texture and adds a salty, umami flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Ensures the baked ricotta has a rich, silky finish.
- Egg: This will add thickness and richness to the dip.
- Lemon Zest: To brighten up the flavor and balance the richness of the cheese. Use one teaspoon of lemon juice instead, if you prefer!
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh thyme and chopped fresh parsley provide a savory, herby flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a tasty kick of heat! Add more or less, depending on your preference.
How to Make Baked Ricotta Dip
This baked ricotta dip could not be any easier. Just stir everything in a bowl, pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake. So good, no one will believe it’s this simple!
- Combine Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and then spray a small baking dish or skillet with pan spray. Add the ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, egg, lemon zest, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes to a large bowl.
- Bake: Mix until fully combined, then transfer into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. For more color, you can broil the baked ricotta dip on high for about 1 minute. Serve immediately.
Baked Ricotta Dip Tips and Variations
The great thing about this baked ricotta cheese dip recipe is that you can easily switch it up to fit your taste preference. Moreover, there are many different ways to serve it. So, get creative with these easy tips and ideas!
- Type of Ricotta: For the best flavor and richness, be sure to use whole milk ricotta.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit more spice, you may add more red pepper flakes to the dip.
- Broiling: If you choose to broil the dip, keep a close eye on it. It can go from lightly browned to burned very quickly!
- Add Honey: Add a drizzle of honey to the baked ricotta right as it comes out of the oven. It will give a sweet contrast to the salty flavor.
- Topping Ideas: Try a topping with broiled cherry tomatoes, pesto, toasted nuts, honey, chopped roasted red peppers, or some simple fresh herbs.
- Serving Options: Serve with crostini, bagel chips, pita chips, crisp apple slices, or fresh vegetables.
Storing Leftover Baked Ricotta Dip
During the holidays, I love having dips and appetizers I can just pull out and eat for dinner. I rarely have time to cook. This dip is one of my favorites to have on hand.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until completely heated through.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep this baked ricotta dip ahead of time by combining the ingredients and putting them into your chosen baking dish. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bake as directed before serving.
More Warm Dip Recipes
Bubbling hot dips have my heart! They are perfect year-round, but I especially love them during the cool fall and winter months. If you are looking for more incredible dip recipes, you have to try some of our other tried and true favorites! For more snack inspiration, check out my full list of appetizers!
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Baked Ricotta Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a small baking dish or skillet with pan spray.
- Stir the ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, egg, lemon zest, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes together in a large bowl until fully combined.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. For more color, you can broil the dip on high for about 1 minute. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What size skillet is that in the picture? I like that idea of serving it, but I’ll need to add to my cast iron collection, I think.
Hi Kathi, I believe I used a 6.5 inch cast iron skillet. Something similar to this.
Thank you! I served it topped with chopped roasted cherry tomatoes from my cast iron skillet. Yum!