The Best Baked Lemon Ricotta Dip with Blackberries & Honey Recipe

Baked lemon ricotta dip reimagines ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Creamy, tangy, and bright, this delightful recipe promises a sensory adventure that awakens your taste buds.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that feel both sophisticated and comforting.

Soft cheese melts into a luxurious texture, while vibrant citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich base.

Seasonal blackberries add natural sweetness and a stunning visual appeal that makes this dish irresistible.

The honey drizzle elevates the entire composition, introducing golden warmth and delicate complexity to each delectable bite.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dip works beautifully as a crowd-pleasing starter or elegant party offering.

Helpful Tips for Creamy and Bright Ricotta Dip

• Cheese Temperature Trick: Let ricotta and goat cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before blending to ensure ultra-smooth texture.
• Zest Maximization: Use a microplane grater to extract maximum lemon flavor without bitter white pith.
• Berry Placement Strategy: Gently press blackberries halfway into cheese mixture to prevent burning and create beautiful visual presentation.
• Moisture Control: Pat blackberries dry with paper towel to prevent excess liquid from making dip watery.
• Serving Suggestion: Toast bread or crackers just before serving to maintain crisp texture and complement warm, creamy dip.

How to Keep Your Ricotta Dip Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Reheating: Warm the dip gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it regains its creamy texture without drying out or burning.
• Quick Tip: Consider adding a fresh drizzle of honey and sprinkle of thyme after reheating to revive the original serving presentation and enhance the flavor profile.

What to Serve with Baked Lemon Ricotta Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Match the tangy lemon ricotta dip with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the bright citrus notes and creamy texture.
• Serve Alongside Rustic Bread Selection: Create a delightful spread with artisan sourdough, rosemary focaccia, and whole grain crackers to provide varied textures and absorb the warm, creamy dip.
• Combine with Charcuterie Elements: Add prosciutto, salami, and mild goat cheese to the platter, creating a balanced appetizer that enhances the dip's rich and zesty flavors.
• Offer Fresh Herbal Accompaniments: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or basil around the dish, adding an aromatic layer that echoes the herb notes in the recipe and provides a vibrant garnish.

Ways to Change Up This Lemon Ricotta Dip

• Berry Bonanza: Swap blackberries with raspberries or mixed berries for a vibrant color and tangy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Medley: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and fresh basil to create a savory Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spiced Sensation: Incorporate ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warm, slightly spicy dip experience.
• Herb Garden Remix: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary, oregano, or a blend of fresh herbs to elevate the aromatic complexity of the dish.

Why You’ll Love Baked Lemon Ricotta Dip with Blackberries & Honey

• Burst of Flavor Fusion: Experience a delightful combination of tangy lemon, creamy ricotta, and sweet blackberries that dance together in every single bite.
• Effortless Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer with minimal prep time and a straightforward baking method that makes you look like a culinary pro.
• Sensational Texture Party: Enjoy the luxurious smooth cheese base contrasted with juicy burst of blackberries and the crispy toasted bread for a multi-dimensional mouthfeel that keeps every bite exciting.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, sophisticated dinner parties, or a quick weekend treat that impresses friends and family without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Everything You Need for Lemon Ricotta Blackberry Dip

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base with mild flavor, choose fresh and smooth for best texture.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy complement to ricotta, select soft and creamy variety.
• Egg: Helps bind and create smooth consistency, use large fresh eggs.

• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes, use fresh organic lemons.
• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and freshness, choose ripe, juicy lemons.
• Thyme: Herbaceous aroma, pick fresh sprigs with vibrant green color.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use fine sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat, freshly ground preferred.
• Blackberries: Sweet-tart fruit topping, select ripe and plump berries.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, choose raw and local if possible.

• Toasted Bread or Crackers: Crispy vehicle for dipping, select artisan or rustic varieties.

Steps to Prepare Baked Ricotta Dip with Honey and Berries

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get ready for a delightful cooking adventure.

Grab a 9-inch oval baking dish or a similar shallow dish that can hold about 3 cups.

Lightly coat the dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Goat cheese
• Egg
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss all these ingredients into a food processor.

Blend for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Assemble the Dip

Pour the silky cheese blend into your prepared baking dish.

Scatter fresh blackberries across the top, spreading them evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes until the blackberries turn saucy and the cheese starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Carefully remove the dip from the oven.

Drizzle golden honey over the top.

Sprinkle some extra fresh thyme leaves.

Add a pinch of coarse salt for an extra flavor pop.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the dip warm alongside toasted bread or crispy crackers.

Baked Lemon Ricotta Dip with Blackberries & Honey Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon ricotta dip marries tangy cheese with sweet blackberries and golden honey. Creamy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer promises a delightful blend of flavors you’ll savor at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh goat cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 6 ounces (170 grams) blackberries

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Finishing Touch:

• 2 tablespoons honey

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a robust 400°F, ensuring an optimal baking environment for the creamy dip.
2. Select a shallow baking vessel, coating its interior with a delicate layer of non-stick spray to prevent adherence.
3. Combine ricotta, goat cheese, egg, aromatic lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, fragrant thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a food processor.
4. Pulse the ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform texture with no visible lumps, approximately 2 minutes of blending.
5. Transfer the velvety cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, smooth surface.
6. Artfully scatter ripe blackberries across the cheese base, ensuring a balanced distribution.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for the berries to release their juices and the cheese to develop a gentle, bubbling surface.
8. Carefully extract the dip from the oven, showcasing its golden, slightly puffy appearance.
9. Generously drizzle golden honey over the warm surface, creating an inviting sheen.
10. Sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of coarse salt to enhance the flavor profile.
11. Serve immediately alongside crisp, toasted bread or an assortment of crackers for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

• Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy, zesty baked dip that combines tangy ricotta, sweet blackberries, and aromatic thyme.
• Prep work takes just minutes in a food processor, making this impressive dish surprisingly quick and easy to whip up.
• Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the rich cheese blend, creating a vibrant flavor profile that’ll wow your guests.
• Blackberries transform into a luscious sauce during baking, adding beautiful color and bursts of fruity sweetness.
• Serve immediately after baking for the ultimate texture – warm, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy.
• Versatile serving options include toasted bread, crackers, or even as a unique spread for your next cheese board.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg