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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to a robust 400°F, ensuring an optimal baking environment for the creamy dip.
- Select a shallow baking vessel, coating its interior with a delicate layer of non-stick spray to prevent adherence.
- Combine ricotta, goat cheese, egg, aromatic lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, fragrant thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform texture with no visible lumps, approximately 2 minutes of blending.
- Transfer the velvety cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, smooth surface.
- Artfully scatter ripe blackberries across the cheese base, ensuring a balanced distribution.
- 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.
- Carefully extract the dip from the oven, showcasing its golden, slightly puffy appearance.
- Generously drizzle golden honey over the warm surface, creating an inviting sheen.
- Sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of coarse salt to enhance the flavor profile.
- 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