This creamy Whipped Ricotta dip is so easy, you could make it just 10 minutes before guests arrive to any party or gathering. In addition to ricotta cheese (homemade or store-bought is fine), you’ll need a little olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Personally, I like to load it up with fresh herbs — it’s a great way to use up leftover herbs, no matter what type! — but you can leave them out if you prefer.
Whipped ricotta can be served as a dip with crostini, crackers, or fresh fruit (it’s incredibly with summer peaches!), but you can also enjoy it as a sandwich spread or tossed with pasta. I don’t know about you, but I need more easy recipes in my life!
A few more reasons we love it so much: this appetizer is quick to prepare, versatile, and affordable. Winner winner!
If you love this ricotta recipe, consider trying our Whipped Ricotta Toast with Roasted Grapes, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, or this light, airy Baked Ricotta next. Check out all of our easy appetizer recipes for more inspiration!
*This post was sponsored by Kings Food Market. All opinions are my own. I only support and promote brands that I believe in and use in my own kitchen – I hope you’ll check them out! Thank you for supporting the brands that make Well Seasoned possible.
Ingredient Notes
- Store-bought or homemade ricotta cheese: The star of the recipe! Can you use other cheeses? Sure, but then it wouldn’t be whipped ricotta, ya know? Suggestions below if you want to try, though!
- Fresh lemon juice: To thin out the ricotta and add a little acidity. Add lemon zest if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: One tablespoon will be blended with the ricotta and then a bit more for drizzling on top. This gives the ricotta a light, fluffy texture.
- Flaky sea salt: To season the ricotta dip.
- Fresh mixed herbs: You can use any variety of fresh herbs you like! Basil, mint, dill, parsley, tarragon, and oregano are all great options
- Freshly ground black pepper: For serving
- Truffle honey or regular honey: Optional, but so, so delicious with creamy ricotta cheese!
For serving, you’ll want to grab some crostini, crackers, crudité, or fresh fruit. Yum!
Pro tip: be sure to use fresh, whole milk ricotta cheese! It really makes all the difference, particularly when there are so few ingredients in this dip.
We grabbed all our ingredients from the new Kings Food Markets app, either for pick up or delivery, then run to the kitchen to make this asap! Well Seasoned readers can save $30 off your 1st DriveUp & Go order (over $75) with promo code KBSAVE30 – or save $20 off your first Delivery order (over $75) with code KBSAVE20 — yes, please!
How To Make Whipped Ricotta
This easy appetizer takes less than 10 minutes to make. You’ll want to grab a food processor or a blender (either a personal blender or a standard size blender), then combine all ingredients in the bowl. Process or blend until very smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning.
You can of course omit the fresh herbs (my kids prefer straight up whipped ricotta cheese), but I think adding herbs not only brightens the taste, but is a great use for leftovers before expiring.
Serve over crostini or with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh fruit. I like to sprinkle with flaky sea salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of honey for serving.
FAQs
Whipped ricotta can be served in a variety of ways. It can be used as a dip for crackers, vegetables, or fruit. It can also be spread on toast, bagels, or crostini. Whipped ricotta can also be used as a filling for pastries or desserts.
Sure! We love whipped feta dip, so you can definitely use feta cheese. Alternatively, people are loving cottage cheese right now. If you go that route, blend until very smooth, as cottage cheese has a bit more texture than ricotta.
You can, but we like the thick, rich, creamy texture of full-fat ricotta cheese.
In addition to fresh herbs, consider adding the following: sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, or roasted garlic. For a sweet ricotta dip, add cinnamon, a little powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Absolutely! Either use an electric hand-mixer fitted with whisk attachment or you can whisk the ricotta by hand until very creamy.
Expert Tips
- For the best results, use room temperature ricotta cheese. This will make it easier to whip.
- If you want a smoother texture, add additional olive oil, lemon juice, or even a splash of water.
- For a stronger lemon taste, use fresh lemon zest in addition to lemon juice.
- For a sweet whipped ricotta, consider adding pure vanilla extract (or almond extract), ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Maple syrup, honey, or agave are also great sweeteners.
Leftovers and Storage
- Make-ahead: This can be assembled a day or two in advance, then refrigerated until needed. Garnish just before serving!
- Leftover whipped ricotta should be sealed in an airtight container and refrigerated. Use within 3 days. The dip will benefit from sitting at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- We do not recommend freezing, as the texture will be affected.
How To Serve
You can simply spoon the whipped ricotta into a bowl for serving as a dip with crackers or pita chips, or you can spread it on crostini, warm bread, or sandwiches. Personally, I love to toast up sourdough and cut the bread into little soldiers, perfect for dipping! Have someone who’s gluten-free? Toast up some gluten-free bread.
You can also use it as a base for pasta, pizza, roasted veggies, raw vegetables (cucumbers and bell pepper slices, I’m lookin’ at you!), or even meat. We love to serve ricotta meatballs over creamy whipped ricotta!
If you make a sweet ricotta dip, you can use it in any way similar to Greek yogurt. Pile some berries and granola on top, then serve it like a parfait.
It seriously doesn’t get easier or more delicious than a 10-minute no-cook appetizer. This one checks all the boxes, I guarantee it!
If you make this Whipped Ricotta recipe, please let us know by leaving a review and rating below!
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Creamy 10-Minute Whipped Ricotta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese room temperature, we recommend full-fat
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice for a stronger lemon flavor use lemon zest as well
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving
- ¼ tsp flaky sea salt
- ¼ cup fresh mixed herbs such as oregano, thyme, tarragon, basil, mint, dill, or parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper for serving
- Truffle honey or regular honey optional, for serving
- For serving: crostini, crackers, crudité, or fresh fruit
Instructions
- Place everything in a food processor. Add 2 cups ricotta cheese, 2 Tbsp lemon juice (and zest, if using), 1 Tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp flaky sea salt, and ¼ cup fresh mixed herbs (if using) into the bowl of a food processor fitted with blade attachment. Blend until very smooth and the herbs are finely chopped. Taste, adjust seasoning as needed, then transfer to a serving bowl.
- Assemble, then serve. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil and truffle honey on top if you like. Serve with lots of freshly ground black pepper and additional fresh herbs.
Let us know your thoughts!