If you’re unsure of what to bring to game-day, this is the appetizer you need in your back pocket. With a warm, velvety texture and a savory blend of fresh herbs, this baked ricotta dip is the perfect appetizer! Serve it with your favorite crusty bread and you’ll have everyone reaching for more.
If you could make one food calorie free to enjoy for the rest of your life, what would it be?
For me…it would absolutely be cheese.
Could you imagine eating all the cheese you want, guilt-free?
Slices, chunks, shredded or grated, warm and melted…it’s enough to make you hungry even though you just ate.
And you know, this dip is exactly what I would start with.
Warm, melty, salty, herby, gooey…quick, someone grab me a thesaurus.
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
This ricotta cheese dip will easily become your go-to appetizer for any party. It’s a recipe inspired by the Ricotta al Forno appetizer (photo for reference by my friend Kelly) at Trattoria al Forno on the Walt Disney World Boardwalk.
Simplicity is key in our house and this dip takes only twenty minutes to whip up – making it perfect for those impromptu get-togethers. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up the extra container of ricotta you have in the fridge.
Comforting, creamy, and perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic and rosemary, this baked ricotta dip will hook everyone at the party.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese – this is such a mild cheese that it takes on the flavor of anything it’s mixed with.
- Fresh garlic – make sure to mince the garlic so that there’s not large chunks while eating…unless that’s your thing!
- Olive oil – help the ricotta become as fluffy as possible when mixed.
- Lemon juice – adding a bit of acidity and tangy flavor to compliment the cheese.
- Seasonings – you’ll need salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan – this blend of cheeses is what tops the baked ricotta dip, and turn a delicious golden brown once baked.
For exact ingredient measurements and recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
How to make baked ricotta dip
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine the ricotta, oil, lemon juice, garlic, and half the rosemary into a bowl to combine.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spread the ricotta dip onto a cast-iron skillet and smooth until even.
- Top with the mozzarella and parmesan
- Bake for 15 minutes in the oven and then broil for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining rosemary on top before serving with a baguette.
Crumby Cooking Tips
Don’t skip over these tips – they could make the difference between a recipe for success or failure!
- You can season the baked ricotta as per your preference with salt and pepper. Give it a taste when mixing and adjust as needed.
- This recipe was made in a 6-inch cast—iron skillet. Another size skillet may alter the cooking times slightly. Take care and watch the cheese dip so that it doesn’t burn.
- You want the top of the dip to be a delicious, golden brown after broiling. Once it starts to turn golden it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
- Let the dip cool for 5-10 minutes before diving in, so all the flavors can come together and settle.
What to serve with ricotta cheese dip
Though this ricotta dip is creamy perfection with just a baguette, you can dress it up however you like. Cozy up on the couch with it or prepare it for guests, this dip can become as presentable as you need it to be!
Some ways we like to serve it are:
- With raw veggies to dip in
- On a baguette and topped with fruit and nuts – think fresh or dried figs, pears, apples…
- Slathered on a slice of Focaccia and drizzled with honey for a sweet and savory explosion of flavor
Which bread is best for cheese dip?
Any crunchy bread will work perfectly for the ricotta dip. You can choose your favorite baguette, or something like sliced and toasted Focaccia or ciabatta. All are perfect for dipping.
FAQ
Does ricotta melt when it is baked?
No. Although it is a soft cheese, ricotta keeps its shape when baked, and retains its creamy texture.
How long can you store baked ricotta dip?
When stored in an airtight container, baked ricotta cheese dip will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
To reheat it, place it bake in a cast-iron skillet and heat it in the oven at 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is warmed through and bubbling.
Even more cheesy appetizer recipes!
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Baked Ricotta Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary divided
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 baguette sliced and toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, add ricotta, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and 1/2 tablespoon rosemary. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a 6-inch cast iron skillet, spread the ricotta mixture in an even layer. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Turn oven on high broil and cook an additional 5 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Sprinkle remaining rosemary on top and served with slices of toasted baguette.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Great dip!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Shelby says
With a few subs I could make this completely Keto for us! BTW, Cheese if NOT a no no on the Keto plan. Makes me a very happy camper! This looks delish Erica! I’m so happy you are LIVING your dream! <3
Phoebe Hendricks says
I love a good dip recipe, especially when there is cheese involved!
Carolyn Ingram says
This sounds perfect!
Adriene Bailey says
The lemon juice is missing from the instruction paragraph……looks delicious!
Kathy says
I wondered about lemon juice also. I am making it st this moment hope it is suppose to be in there I added it
Jessica Robinson says
This dip sounds yummy!
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade says
Oh this looks fabulous! I’ve got some ricotta in the fridge I need to use up, and this looks like a great way to do it
ANNE L CUVELLIER says
Easy and delicious! left overs? make some pasta with sauce of choice and top with reheated ricotta dip! Everyone loves it!
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Johanna says
This was delicious I will definitely make again. It’s a keeper. My husband is normally a picky eater and he loved it.