Let’s be honest. We all need that one back-pocket no-cook party dip recipe. The kind you can whip up with stuff you already have, no oven required. This whipped ricotta dip is that recipe. Add whatever fresh veggies, crackers or pita chips you have on hand and we’re in business!
I first made this in a panic before a girls’ night when I realized I had zero snacks and no prepared appetizer ready. It came together in five minutes and disappeared just as fast. Now I keep ricotta in my fridge at all times, just in case.
Its great as-is but also super easy to customize. Sweet toppings? Go with honey or balsamic drizzle. Savory vibes? Add roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or a little pesto.
It’s creamy, light, and feels fancy without the stress. If you have leftovers, it also makes a great pasta sauce, or pizza sauce instead of marinara.
Need easy dips? I got you! Go for Corn and Cream Cheese Dip, Everything Bagel Dip or Whipped Feta Dip
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
This creamy whipped ricotta dip is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then keep coming back to. It’s super simple and comes together in just 10 minutes with no cooking at all, just blend and serve. It’s always a crowd pleaser whether you’re making it for a party, a snack board, or a lazy night in, and it’s easy to customize with sweet or savory toppings so it works for any occasion.
What to serve with Ricotta Dip
Serve the dip with crusty bread, crostini, melba toast, crackers, and fresh vegetables. Toasted baguette slices are my go-to. You can also use it as a base for roasted tomatoes or drizzle with honey and serve with fruit slices like pears or apples.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
Remember: this is just an overview and the why of the ingredients I choose here. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Ricotta cheese. I use whole milk ricotta cheese because it makes it super creamy and lush. Skip part-skim if you want that rich, dreamy texture.
- Olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil gives the best flavor, especially for that final drizzle on top.
- Lemon zest and juice. Adds a fresh, zippy pop that makes the dip feel extra bright. Fresh lemon is a key flavor, so don’t use bottled.
- Garlic. Brings a little savory kick. Fresh minced is fab, but garlic powder will save the day if that’s what’s in the pantry.
- Honey. For drizzling if you’re going for that sweet and savory magic.
- Fresh basil. Optional, but it adds a pop of green and a herby finish. Herbs like fresh thyme, cilantro or parsley all work.
How to make Whipped Ricotta Dip
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped: Zest and juice the lemon. Mince the garlic. Chop the basil. Measure out the ricotta, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Make the dip: Add the ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Whip the ricotta until smooth and fluffy, with a creamy texture about 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides if needed.
Finish and serve: Scoop into a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh basil and any extras you like. Serve with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Troubleshooting Guide – Common Problems and Solutions
- Too thick. Ricotta brands vary in moisture. Blend in a teaspoon or two of water, milk, or extra olive oil until it loosens up.
- Too runny. Likely from extra-moist ricotta. Blend in more ricotta or a tablespoon of parmesan. Chilling for 15 minutes also helps firm it up.
- Grainy texture. Some ricotta isn’t naturally smooth. Keep blending, scraping the sides a few times. A splash of cream can help.
- Bland flavor. Ricotta is mild, so taste and adjust with salt, lemon juice, or olive oil. Fresh herbs or garlic powder also work.
- Lacking “wow” factor. Garnish just before serving with olive oil, basil, red pepper flakes, or hot honey for instant upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
You can, but it won’t be as rich and creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Make it a few hours early and store in the fridge. Let it sit out before serving.
Do I have to use a food processor? Can I use a blender instead?
Absolutely. Just blend long enough to get that whipped texture. You can also use a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
How do I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or use hot honey instead of regular honey.
Kylee’s Notes
- Use high-quality ricotta if you can.
- Scrape the sides of your food processor a couple of times.
- If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk.
- Let it come to room temp before serving.
- Garnish just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
- Add a spoonful of pesto for a twist.
- Hot honey is an easy upgrade.
- It also works great as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, a sauce for homemade pizza, or stir it through some pasta with some extra herbs.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerator
Store ricotta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Not freezer-friendly. It loses its texture and it’s just not good. Don’t!
More delicious dip recipes:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip. Super easy to make, and always the first to be devoured, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is a great appetizer recipe for parties and gatherings!
- Spinach Artichoke Dip. Just 4 minutes in the instant pot, and this dreamy, cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Dip is all yours! This is perfect for holidays and parties!
- French Onion Dip. Rich and creamy, this homemade French Onion Dip recipe will be your go-to for gatherings! Super easy to make, with real ingredients, you’ll love it!
- Corn and Cream Cheese Dip. Hot, cheesy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor. An easy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Whipped Ricotta Dip
Ingredients
For Dipping
Directions
- Get prepped: Zest and juice the lemon. Mince the garlic. Finely chop the basil. Measure out the ricotta, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the dip: Add 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, l1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Finish and serve: Scoop into a shallow bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with a Honey drizzle and 2 tablespoons fresh basil . Serve with bread, crackers, or veggies.
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Notes
Scrape the sides of your food processor a couple of times.
If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk.
Let it come to room temp before serving.
Garnish just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
Add a spoonful of pesto for a twist.
Hot honey is an easy upgrade.
It also works great as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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