Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs
This super easy yet incredibly flavorful whipped ricotta dip is pure creamy garlicky goodness in a bowl. Serve it with some toasted baguette and fresh veggies on the side for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that’s perfect for your next dinner party or gathering!
Easy Summer Dipping
Why is this creamy whipped ricotta dip sure to be your latest kitchen crush?
Flavor Fusion: The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, aromatic garlic, fresh mint and basil, and the bright pop of lemon zest create a balanced flavor that is both rich and refreshing.
Versatile Vibes: Whether you’re serving it as a pre-dinner appetizer or a snack during a movie night, this dip seamlessly fits any occasion.
Quick Fix: Sometimes you need a crowd pleaser that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients in this easy recipe, you’ll create an impressive appetizer that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Dip and Done: The beauty of this dip is in the simplicity of the dipping. No complex assembly or intricate techniques required. Just dip in your favorite bread, crackers, or veggies, and savor the deliciousness.
Everyone’s Invited: With its balanced flavors, this creamy ricotta dip is a hit across all taste preferences. From the die-hard garlic lovers to those seeking a refreshing minty kick, it’s a winner with everyone.
Looking for more easy crowd-pleasing appetizers? Check out our delightful tomato and peach burrata bruschetta, sweet and savory goat cheese phyllo cups with balsamic strawberries, fresh Rainier cherry goat cheese crostini, savory truffle-flavored whipped burrata dip, prosciutto-wrapped apricots, fresh mango corn salsa, and our whipped ricotta crostini with antipasto toppings. Your entertaining game will never be the same!
Ingredient Notes
*For the full list of ingredients and quantities see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Whole-milk ricotta cheese – The creamy, dreamy star of the show. Choose a high-quality whole milk ricotta for unparalleled creamy texture and flavor. Opt for stabilizer-free ricotta for the ultimate taste and texture.
Lemon juice and zest – They add a bright and tangy flavor that complements the creamy ricotta perfectly.
Fresh garlic – A little fresh garlic goes a long way, infusing the dip with its aromatic essence and adding depth to the overall flavor.
Honey – adds a nice sweet touch to balance out the salty, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Extra-virgin olive oil – We’re using a good amount of this liquid gold, with its smooth texture and subtle fruity notes, to enhance the creaminess of the dip. Choose a high-quality olive oil to elevate the overall richness and aroma.
Fresh mint and basil – Mint brings freshness, while basil adds a touch of sweetness and pepperiness. Together, they elevate the whipped ricotta dip’s complexity.
Red pepper flakes – I like my dip with a touch of spice but it is totally optional so you do you!
Recipe Roadmap with Images
*This is an overview with step-by-step photos. For full instructions see the recipe card below.
Time needed: 10 minutes
- Whip the ricotta cheese
In a mixing bowl, whip the ricotta with the lemon, garlic, honey, salt and pepper. Then slowly whisk in the olive oil.
- Stir in the fresh herbs
Add the fresh mint, basil, and red pepper flakes and stir into the whipped ricotta mixture.
- Serve and enjoy
Scoop the whipped ricotta dip into a serving bowl and serve with crostini, crackers, and/or veggies for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Crudites: Serve with a colorful array of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for a light and refreshing pairing.
Crispy Crostini: Spread the dip on toasted baguette slices or crackers for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip.
Pita Points: Warm pita bread cut into triangles is a wonderful partner for scooping up the dip. The soft texture of the pita complements the smooth garlicky ricotta. Or how about some pita chips?
Dippable Pretzels: Soft pretzels or pretzel bites provide a savory and salty counterpoint to the creamy ricotta.
Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill halved mini bell peppers with the whipped ricotta dip for a poppable, colorful, and flavorful bite.
Focaccia Bread: Serve it as spread for fresh baked focaccia like our festive fall focaccia recipe with bell pepper “maple leaves”.
Charcuterie Board: Pair the ricotta dip with the components of a charcuterie board spread.
Wine Pairing
Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine’s vibrant acidity and herbal notes match beautifully with the fresh herbs in the whipped ricotta dip.
Pinot Grigio: With its clean and crisp profile, Pinot Grigio is a versatile choice that won’t overpower the dip. It works well with the herbal and garlic flavors.
Rosé: A dry rosé brings a touch of fruitiness and acidity that complements the ricotta’s creaminess and the dip’s herbal notes.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The effervescence and acidity of these wines provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dip, making for an elegant pairing.
Leftovers and Storage
After serving, transfer the dip to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent it from absorbing any strong odors and keeps it from drying out. Whipped ricotta dip is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Your feedback is important to us. Thank you for visiting Maplevine Kitchen!
Creamy Garlic and Herb Whipped Ricotta Dip
Equipment
- electric hand mixer or food processor
- microplane or grater/zester
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese drained
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Place the ricotta, 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice, and all of the lemon zest, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl (or food processor).
- Using a hand mixer, whip (or process) for about 10 seconds. Then slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil and whip for about one to two minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Using a spoon or spatula, stir in the chopped mint and basil (and red pepper chili flakes if using) to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Scoop the ricotta mixture into a serving dish and top with a drizzle of olive oil. Then sprinkle the top of the dip with some red pepper flakes for garnish.
- Serve with toasted bread slices, crackers and/or veggies like cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Serving tip
For the best results, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the dip have time for its flavors to meld and intensify.Serving suggestions
- Classic Crudites: Serve with a colorful array of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for a light and refreshing pairing.
- Crispy Crostini: Spread the dip on toasted baguette slices or crackers for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip.
- Pita Points: Warm pita bread cut into triangles is a wonderful partner for scooping up the dip. The soft texture of the pita complements the smooth garlicky ricotta.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair the whipped ricotta dip with the components of a charcuterie board spread.
Leftovers and storage
After serving, transfer the dip to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent it from absorbing any strong odors and keeps it from drying out. Whipped ricotta dip is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making.Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
FAQs
Some simple ingredients you can add to add some spice and savory flavor to your ricotta are: cracked black pepper, fresh herbs, lemon or orange zest, fresh or roasted garlic, red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeño, toasted nuts, and infused oils. For a sweet twist you can add honey (or hot honey!), fruit and berries, cocoa powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, or vanilla. The possibilities are endless!
Why is my whipped ricotta runny?
Usually it is because it has to much moisture (water) or it has been left at room temperature for too long. To prevent and/or fix runniness – strain excess moisture before whipping, avoid overmixing, adjust liquid additions, and keep ingredients cold. Refrigeration can help it firm up. Choose quality ricotta without stabilizers for better results.
