Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe: Creamy Delight for All

Baked ricotta dip changes ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary experiences with its creamy, luxurious texture.

Soft cheese lovers appreciate the delightful warmth and rich complexity this simple yet sophisticated dish offers.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of tantalizing flavors that elevate any gathering.

The smooth, velvety consistency melts effortlessly on your palate, promising an indulgent sensory journey.

Herbs and subtle seasonings enhance the natural elegance of this crowd-pleasing starter, making it irresistibly tempting.

Gathering friends and family around this delectable appetizer sparks conversation and shared joy.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, this recipe invites you to savor every delightful bite.

Baked Ricotta Dip That’s Warm, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing

• Elevate Appetizer Game: Transform simple ricotta into a luxurious, golden-brown dip that instantly impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Speedy Gourmet Experience: Whip up this restaurant-quality starter in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or unexpected company.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine creamy ricotta, sharp garlic, bright lemon, and aromatic rosemary for a multilayered taste sensation that dances across your palate with every bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve hot directly from the skillet as a warm, melty dip or cool appetizer, making it adaptable for various party styles and preferences.

Creamy Ingredients Inside This Baked Ricotta Dip

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base with mild flavor, choose fresh and high-quality for best texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty stretch and additional creaminess to the dip.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create golden brown top.

• Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herb that brings earthy, pine-like flavor to the dip.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent taste that complements the cheese.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances cheese flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and adds subtle tangy notes.

How to Bake and Serve Baked Ricotta Dip Hot and Bubbling

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Base

• Ricotta cheese
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Fresh rosemary

Stir everything together and season with kosher salt and black pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 3: Prepare The Cooking Vessel

Select a 6-inch cast iron skillet and spread the ricotta mixture into an even, smooth layer.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Initial Baking

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the edges start to bubble and look slightly golden.

Step 6: Broil To Perfection

Switch the oven to high broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a beautiful golden-brown surface.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven, scatter remaining fresh rosemary on top, and serve immediately with sliced toasted baguette.

Tips for Smooth Texture in Every Bite of Baked Ricotta Dip

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh ricotta for the smoothest and creamiest texture in your dip.
• Balance Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from ricotta beforehand to prevent a watery consistency and ensure a thick, spreadable result.
• Herb Intensity Boost: Chop rosemary finely to distribute flavor evenly and release its aromatic oils throughout the dip.
• Broiling Precision: Watch the dip closely during the final broiling stage to achieve a golden-brown top without burning.
• Serve Temperature Trick: Let the dip rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to stabilize and develop a more robust flavor profile before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Baked Ricotta Dip Success

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover dip to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, place dip in an oven-safe dish, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added freshness.
• Microwave Quick Reheat: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when the dip is hot and creamy, typically taking 1-2 minutes total.

Crackers, Veggies, and Spreads to Pair with Baked Ricotta Dip

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy ricotta and cut through the rich, cheesy flavors. The wine's bright acidity balances the dip's richness perfectly.
• Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Choose a variety of artisan breads like sourdough, ciabatta, and whole grain to provide different textures and enhance the dip's herbal rosemary notes. Toasting the bread adds a delightful crunch.
• Serve with Fresh Vegetable Platter: Create a colorful spread of raw vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes. These fresh, crisp options offer a light counterpoint to the warm, melted cheese dip.
• Enhance with Charcuterie Board: Add cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and sopressata to create a more substantial appetizer experience. The salty meats will beautifully contrast the creamy ricotta and provide additional flavor complexity.

Flavor Swaps That Elevate Basic Baked Ricotta Dip

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace rosemary with za'atar spice blend, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, sprinkle with taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese, and serve with tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
• Herbed Garden Blend: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, chives, and thyme into the ricotta mixture, then finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toasted pine nuts for an aromatic herb-packed experience.
• Truffle Elegance: Stir in a small amount of truffle oil before baking, then finish with shaved black truffles and microgreens for a luxurious gourmet touch.

Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy baked ricotta dip delivers Mediterranean charm straight to your table. Italian herbs and roasted garlic elevate this simple appetizer, inviting friends to savor each delightful spoonful alongside crusty bread or crisp vegetables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, divided

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform your oven into a culinary haven by heating it to a robust 400°F, creating the perfect environment for a delectable ricotta transformation.
2. Craft a harmonious blend in a mixing vessel by gently folding ricotta with aromatic minced garlic, silky olive oil, and a zesty splash of lemon juice, infusing the mixture with vibrant rosemary fragments.
3. Elegantly distribute the creamy concoction across a petite cast iron skillet, ensuring a smooth, even canvas that promises delightful flavors.
4. Lavish the surface with a generous cascade of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a tantalizing cheese mosaic that will melt into golden perfection.
5. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and bubble for approximately 15 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.
6. Activate the broiler, intensifying the heat to transform the cheese surface into a crisp, bronzed landscape with enticing caramelized edges.
7. Carefully extract the skillet, crowning the dip with a final flourish of fragrant rosemary sprigs, creating an aromatic garnish that elevates the entire dish.
8. Present immediately alongside crusty, toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to dive into this warm, creamy culinary experience.

Notes

• Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy, golden-brown ricotta dip that’s packed with herbal and cheesy flavors.
• Quick and easy preparation means you can have a gourmet starter ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Cast iron skillet creates a perfect crispy golden top while keeping the interior smooth and velvety.
• Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic touch that transforms this simple cheese dip into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan blend creates a rich, melty cheese layer that makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
• Serve warm with crusty baguette slices for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg