This Baked Ricotta Dip is the perfect addition to your appetizer lineup. It’s a warm, creamy blend of ricotta cheese, parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, all baked until golden and topped with fresh thyme.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or a game day gathering, serve this creamy baked dip and watch it disappear in no time!
Pair it with a crusty baguette, your favorite crackers or even some crisp vegetable sticks, and you’ve got a simple but flavorful dish. It’s easy to whip up and full of savory flavors. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, check out our: Baked Mussels With Garlic, Tuna Carpaccio, Goat Cheese Balls, Burrata and Prosciutto, Baked Clams Oreganata, or Burrata Caprese.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Simple - This hot ricotta dip recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients, and all you need to do is mix, bake, and serve. There are no complicated steps or techniques required! It’s a quick, fuss free recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
- Versatile - You can easily customize this simple appetizer with different herbs, cheeses, or additions like roasted veggies. Serve it with anything from baguette slices to crackers or fresh veggies. It works for casual snacking, dinner parties or as a crowd pleasing appetizer during the holiday season!
- Delicious - The ricotta and parmesan blend creates a smooth, rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth, while the garlic and Italian seasoning add a savory depth of flavor. The golden, slightly crispy top perfectly contrasts its soft, velvety center.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this hot dip:
- Ricotta cheese - Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture, but if you prefer a lighter dip, you can substitute part-skim ricotta.
- Egg
- Garlic - For the best results, use fresh minced garlic to provide the best flavor.
- Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated parmesan will give the best flavor and melt smoothly into the dip.
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Thyme - Use fresh thyme for serving. You can also top with a drizzle of olive oil, a drizzle of honey, or even some lemon zest.
- Baguette - A crispy, toasted baguette is perfect for scooping, but any bread, cracker or veggie can be used depending on your preference.
How to Make Baked Ricotta Dip
Let's make this appetizer together!
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
Step 2
Transfer the ricotta mixture to an oven safe baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 3
Top with fresh thyme, serve with baguette slices, serve, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this baked ricotta cheese dip:
- Bake time - Keep an eye on the creamy dip as it bakes. If you like it extra golden, leave it in for an extra 5 minutes. Be sure not to overbake, as it will dry out.
- Garnish - Add the fresh thyme and any extra garnishes right before serving to keep flavors bright and fresh.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this delicious baked ricotta dip. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Baking dish - Use a good quality baking dish that will bake your ricotta dip evenly! This dish should hold up well in the oven and ensure the dip comes out perfectly golden.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for the perfect dip.
- Ricotta - You could substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone. Cottage cheese has a similar texture but might be slightly more liquid, so it’s best to drain it. Mascarpone would make the dip richer and creamier. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change a bit.
- Italian seasoning - You can easily swap Italian seasoning with a blend of dried oregano, basil, or rosemary. Fresh herbs like parsley or even dill could also work well if you want a more delicate flavor.
- Additions - You can add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture before baking for more flavor. You could also sprinkle more parmesan or mozzarella on top to create a crispy cheesy layer. Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to give the dip a little heat.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this delicious dip at your next gathering or dinner party—each a great option to complement your appetizer spread:
Frequently Asked Questions
Besides a baguette, try serving it with crackers, pita chips, or even raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a lighter option. Crostini or breadsticks would also be great.
Yes! You can make the ricotta mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When you're ready, just pop it in the oven as instructed. You can also bake it, let it cool, and reheat when needed, though it’s best served fresh from the oven.
The dip is done when the top is golden brown and the center feels firm with no jiggle. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, which can make it dry. About 20 minutes should do the trick!
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this baked ricotta dip recipe:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, warm it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its creamy texture.
Other Recipes to Try
Easy Italian Baked Ricotta Dip with Garlic
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme for serving
- Baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Transfer ricotta mixture to an oven safe baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Top with fresh thyme and serve with baguette slices.
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