Creamy Golden Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe for Fun Gatherings

Creamy, tangy baked ricotta dip brightens up any gathering with its irresistible charm.

Warm cheese lovers will adore this simple yet elegant appetizer that comes together in minutes.

The ricotta transforms from a humble ingredient into a golden, bubbling delight straight from the oven.

Herbs and garlic add depth to this luscious spread that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or crisp vegetable sticks.

Elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a casual snack, this dip brings Mediterranean flair to your table.

Serve it hot and watch as everyone dives in with enthusiasm, savoring each rich, velvety bite.

You won’t be able to resist this crowd-pleasing starter that promises to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10min

Cook Time: 20 min

Total Time: 30min

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Up Baked Ricotta Dip

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy foundation that provides smooth texture and mild, delicate flavor; choose fresh, high-quality cheese for best results.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend ingredients smoothly; opt for extra virgin for more robust taste.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor profile and balance the richness.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic punch; fresh minced garlic delivers more intense flavor than pre-chopped versions.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with tangy freshness and helps cut through the cheese's richness.
• Fresh Rosemary: Introduces earthy, pine-like herbaceous notes; choose vibrant green sprigs with strong aroma.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, melty layer with mild flavor; look for good melting variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty complexity and helps create golden brown crust; select freshly grated for best texture.
• Baguette: Perfect crispy vehicle for dipping; choose artisan or rustic style for better texture and flavor.

Tools to Make Hot and Creamy Ricotta Dip

• Cast Iron Skillet (6-inch): Perfect for even heating and giving the dip a rustic, restaurant-style look.
• Medium Bowl: Essential for mixing ricotta and other ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to shred mozzarella and grate Parmesan cheese.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together and spreading mixture evenly.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot skillet.

Step-by-Step for a Warm Ricotta Appetizer

Warm Cheese Cloud

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect environment for a creamy, golden cheese delight.

• Cheese Symphony

Blend smooth ricotta with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and fragrant rosemary in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in a whisper of salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

• Skillet Magic

Pour the luxurious cheese mixture into a small cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly like a delicate blanket.

• Cheese Layers

Shower the surface with a snowfall of mozzarella and Parmesan, promising a crispy, golden crown.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the skillet into the hot oven, letting the cheese bubble and meld for about 15 minutes until slightly puffy and edges start to golden.

• Crispy Finale

Switch to broil for a quick 5-minute blast, creating a stunning caramelized top that crackles with flavor.

• Serving Moment

Rescue your cheese cloud from the oven, sprinkle with fresh rosemary confetti, and serve alongside crusty bread slices for dipping and sharing.

Ways to Spice Up the Ricotta Mixture

• Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that make your dip standout.
• Replace rosemary with fresh thyme, basil, or oregano to create exciting new taste dimensions that keep your appetizer interesting and dynamic.
• Prepare the ricotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.
• Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of chili oil to introduce a gentle heat that complements the creamy cheese base and elevates the overall taste experience.
• Use low-fat ricotta for a lighter version, or substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising delicious results.

Serving Suggestions for Gooey Ricotta Dip

• Rustic Appetizer Platter: Arrange the baked ricotta dip as the centerpiece, surrounded by an array of cured meats, olives, and marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that's perfect for entertaining.
• Elegant Party Starter: Serve in individual small ramekins alongside crispy crostini, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the warm, cheesy dip with an elegant touch.
• Breakfast Brunch Companion: Pair with soft-scrambled eggs, fresh herbs, and a side of prosciutto for a luxurious morning meal that elevates traditional breakfast fare.
• Wine Night Delight: Match with a crisp white wine or light rosé, creating a sophisticated appetizer experience that brings out the rich, creamy flavors of the baked ricotta.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Ricotta Dip

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover dip in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it tasty for up to 3-4 days without losing its delicious texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the dip gently in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly and maintains its original creamy consistency without becoming dried out.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep the toasted baguette slices separate from the dip when storing to prevent soggy bread and maintain the crisp, crunchy texture for future snacking.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the cooled dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks, allowing a quick and convenient make-ahead appetizer that can be thawed and reheated whenever unexpected guests arrive.

Silky Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Silky baked ricotta dip offers creamy Mediterranean charm with roasted garlic and herbs. Warm bread and crisp vegetables complement this simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, divided
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Mixing: In a bowl, combine ricotta, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary, stirring until the ingredients form a smooth, harmonious blend.
3. Skillet Assembly: Transfer the ricotta mixture into a cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base that will showcase the dip’s creamy texture.
4. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the ricotta, creating a rich, golden layer that will melt and caramelize during baking.
5. Baking and Broiling: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the ingredients meld together. Switch to broil, allowing the cheese to develop a crisp, bronzed surface with enticing caramelized edges.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, adding an aromatic flourish that enhances the dip’s visual and flavor profile.
7. Serving: Present immediately with toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to savor the warm, creamy dip straight from the skillet.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh ricotta and genuine Italian cheeses for authentic flavor and creamy texture.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain exact 400°F oven temperature to ensure perfect melting and golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
• Herb Freshness Boosts Flavor: Use fresh rosemary sprigs instead of dried herbs to enhance aromatic complexity and create vibrant taste profile.
• Serving Strategy: Serve immediately after broiling to capture the dip’s optimal temperature, melted consistency, and crispy cheese edges for maximum enjoyment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg