Whipped Ricotta Cheese Dip

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Get ready to wow your guests with this effortlessly elegant and irresistibly delicious recipe for Whipped Ricotta Dip! Featuring creamy, fluffy ricotta perfectly blended with rich cream, the caramelized goodness of roasted garlic, and a zesty kick of fresh lemon, this 6-ingredient savory ricotta cheese dip is the perfect last-minute lifesaver. 

About this whipped ricotta cheese

My simple whipped ricotta dip recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Here’s why you’re going to absolutely love it:

• Quick & Easy: This dip with ricotta cheese comes together in a snap. In just a few minutes of using your hand mixer, you’ll have a creamy, dreamy dip ready to serve.
• Made With Only 6 Ingredients: I believe in keeping things simple yet scrumptious. With just a handful of ingredients — ricotta, roasted garlic, lemon, and a few other pantry staples — this dip proves that you don’t need a long list of items to create a flavor-packed appetizer. And if you’re a plan-ahead type, remember you can roast your garlic in advance!
• Versatile: This deliciously savory whipped ricotta is the ultimate chameleon of the appetizer world. Whether you spread it on a toasted baguette, dunk crispy crudités into it, or even use it as a base for a gourmet pizza, this dip fits right in to nearly any flavor profile.

What is whipped ricotta? 

Imagine if a cloud and a cheese had a deliciously fluffy baby! It’s basically ricotta cheese that’s been whipped up into a light, airy wonder with any number of tasty mix-ins. While today we’re focusing on my  garlic ricotta cheese dip recipe, you can also make an herbed ricotta dip or even a sweet ricotta honey dip. 

No matter how you make it, cold ricotta dip is perfect for when you want to add a touch of creamy, cheesy joy to your dishes without the heaviness. So, in short, it’s like regular ricotta that went to charm school and graduated with honors in Deliciousness! 🌥️🧀✨

If you love whipped cheese, you’ll want to whip cream cheese into flavorful creations next! 

Ingredients for whipped ricotta dip 

• Roasted Garlic – This is the secret to this whipped dip with ricotta. It lends a slightly sweet, caramelized, almost nutty flavor to the ricotta cheese. 
• Full-Fat Ricotta Cheese – In order to whip up to peak fluffiness, you need a decent bit of fat. As such, don’t try swapping in any low-fat or non-fat nonsense. You want the real deal whole milk ricotta cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (a.k.a. Double Cream) – Again, fat is your friend here. It’s what helps you trap air, leaving you with a dreamily creamy ricotta cheese appetizer. You’re welcome to swap in slightly lower-fat whipping cream (a.k.a. single cream) if needed, but don’t go any lower than that!
• Lemon – We’re only using the zest today, so save the rest of your fruit for making Pink Lemonade Vodka Cocktail or Lemon Chicken Pasta to pair with your ricotta dip appetizer.
• Flakey Sea Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – For flavor and seasoning.
• Roasted & Salted Pistachios OR Walnuts – These add a lovely crunch and a pretty topping to this dip with ricotta cheese. Feel free to omit if nuts are a no-no.

Leftover ricotta? Put it to good use in these recipes: Easy Sweet Breakfast Casserole, Whipped Ricotta Blueberry Toast,  Pancakes with Ricotta Cheese, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Pumpkin Shells.

Recipe variations

There are TONS of whipped ricotta recipes out there to grab inspiration from. You can make them sweet or savory, mild or spicy, and everything in between. However, for the purposes of this dip with ricotta cheese, the biggest impact you can make is by adding some fun toppings. Here are some of my favorites:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – If you have a fancy bottle of finishing oil, now’s a great time to use it!
• Honey – Use local honey and experiment with different varieties. Right now I’m obsessed with the tang of sourwood honey and the spice of hot honey.
• Fresh Herbs – Dainty and delicate fresh herb leaves, such as basil, parsley, thyme, or mint make a gorgeous garnish. They also pack a wallop of herbaceous flavor!
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adding a touch of heat is always fun.

How to make whipped ricotta

This recipe for whipped ricotta cheese is super simple to prepare. You just need 10 minutes of hands on preparation – and there’s zero cooking as long as you keep roasted garlic cloves on hand. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Smash garlic: Add all the cloves from two bulbs of roasted garlic to a medium bowl. Use a fork to smash and stir the cloves until a smooth paste forms.
2. Whip ricotta cheese: Add the ricotta to the bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, beat the ricotta and garlic on HIGH speed until the cheese is very smooth and lightly aerated, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add heavy cream: Add the whipping cream to the bowl of whipped ricotta. Blend the mixture, starting on LOW (so the cream doesn’t splash on you) and working your way up to HIGH speed, until thoroughly combined, stopping to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl once or twice during whipping.
4. Add lemon, salt, and pepper: Add the chopped lemon zest, a few generous pinches of salt, and a pinch of black pepper to the ricotta cheese mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the lemon and seasonings into the ricotta. Taste the whipped ricotta dip and adjust the flavors as you see fit.
5. Garnish: Use a rubber spatula to carefully transfer the whipped ricotta dip to a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or honey over the top of the ricotta appetizer. Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, flakey sea salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the top of the dip with ricotta cheese, if using.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve whipped ricotta recipe with crostini, crackers, toast, and/or veggies. Enjoy!

Expert tips for the best whipped ricotta recipe

• Start with Full-Fat Ricotta: For the creamiest, dreamiest texture, opt for full-fat ricotta. It whips up smoother and has a richer flavor compared to low-fat versions.
• Room Temperature is Key: Allow your ricotta to come to room temperature before whipping. I suggest letting it sit on the counter for 15-25 minutes as you gather your other ingredients and equipment. This makes it easier to whip and results in a silkier texture.
• Sift for Smoothness: If you’re after a super smooth texture, consider passing your ricotta through a fine-mesh sieve before whipping. It helps to remove any lumps for that perfect velvety finish.
• Gradual Speed Increase: Start your hand mixer on a low speed to initially break up the ricotta, then gradually increase the speed. This technique helps incorporate air smoothly and prevents splattering.
• Scrape the Bowl: Don’t forget to occasionally stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. This ensures that all the ricotta gets evenly whipped.
• Customize the Consistency: The whipping time can vary depending on how fluffy you want your ricotta. A few minutes should be enough for a light and airy texture, but feel free to whip longer for an even lighter consistency.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the whipped ricotta chill in the fridge for a bit before serving to help the flavors meld together and gives it a slightly firmer texture.
• Presentation Matters: Serve your freshly whipped ricotta cheese spread in a nice bowl, use the back of a spoon to make some decorative swirls across the top, and garnish with intention. I like to scatter the nuts across one side, leaving the rest of the pure white cheesiness exposed. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of herbs, or some lemon zest on top can bring an extra touch of elegance.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Why is my whipped ricotta runny?

There are a couple of sneaky culprits that might be behind your ricotta’s less-than-fluffy escapade:

• Water Content: Ricotta naturally has a bit of moisture in it. If it’s too wet to begin with, it can end up more like a ricotta soup than a cloud-like whip. Next time, try draining any excess liquid before whipping, or even give it a gentle press with a paper towel.
• Over-mixing: You know when you over-whisk cream and it goes all liquidy? This is like that. If you whip the ricotta too much, especially at a high speed, it can break down and become runny. It’s all about finding that sweet spot in mixing time.
• Temperature Troubles: If your ricotta was too warm when you started whipping it, it might not hold up its structure well. Make sure it’s not too warm before you start — room temperature is perfect.
• Ingredient Ratios: If you’re adding other ingredients, like lemon juice or olive oil, too much can tip the balance from fluffy to fluid. Adding these extras gradually and tasting as you go can help keep the consistency just right.
  

How do I make my whipped ricotta cheese not grainy?

No worries, let’s smooth things out! First off, make sure you start with high-quality, full-fat ricotta. The richer it is, the smoother it’ll be! If it’s looking a bit lumpy right off the bat, give it a quick pass through a fine-mesh sieve. 

Next up, let your ricotta hang out at room temperature for a bit before you whip it. Speaking of whipping, start on a low speed with your hand mixer and gradually crank it up. This way, you’re gently coaxing it into that smooth, creamy texture you’re after.

And here’s a little pro tip: try not to overdo the whipping. Just like when you overbeat cream, it can go from fab to drab real quick. Finally a splash of cream or a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese is the secret weapon for ultimate smoothness.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have whipped dip with ricotta so smooth, it’ll be like spreading a cloud on your toast! 🌥️🧀🥄

Is whipped ricotta sweet?

While it certainly can be made sweet, this whipped ricotta recipe leans more savory on account of the roasted garlic and lemon.

Can I whip ricotta in a blender or food processor?

Sure thing! The food processor is a great choice for whipping ricotta. It has more room to work with, which means the ricotta can get fluffed up nicely. Just add your ricotta, and pulse it until you get the creamy, smooth consistency you’re after. 

Blenders can be a bit more intense, so they might whip your ricotta into shape faster than you can say “creamy goodness”. Just a quick blitz, and you should be good to go. Remember, it’s more about a gentle spin than creating a ricotta tornado.

With both methods, just watch out not to overdo it. You want to stop at creamy, not head into liquid territory. And don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally to make sure all the ricotta gets in on the action.

Serving ricotta dip

Whether you’re hosting a party, sprucing up your lunch, or just snacking, these easy ricotta cheese dip ideas are sure to bring some extra fun and flavor to your table:

• Crackers, Chips, & Toasted Baguette: Classic for a reason! Spread your whipped ricotta over a slice of warm, Italian crostini, or serve as a dip with crispy crackers or pita chips. It’s like a little cloud of creamy joy on a crunchy base. Yum!
• Crostini Party: Elevate your crostini game! Top them with whipped ricotta, then get creative with toppings – think bruschetta with balsamic vinegar, or some roasted peppers with drizzle of honey. It’s a flavor fiesta in every bite!
• Fresh Veggie Dip: Looking for a healthy twist? Use your whipped ricotta as a dip for fresh vegetables, like carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. It’s a creamy, dreamy way to get those veggies in.
• Sandwich or Wrap Spread: Why have a plain sandwich when you can have a fabulous one? Spread whipped ricotta on your bread or wrap, add your favorite fillings, and voilà – lunchtime just got an upgrade!
• Savory Tarts & Pizzas: Get your chef’s hat on and use the whipped ricotta as a base for savory tarts or pizzas. It adds a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with all sorts of toppings – from roasted veggies to different types of cheese.
• Pasta Filling or Sauce: Stir it into your pasta for a creamy sauce or use it as a filling for ravioli, ricotta gnocchi, or stuffed shells. It’s like a hug for your pasta.
• Breakfast Boost: Spread it on your morning bagel or toast, maybe with slices of avocado, marinated mushrooms, or flavorful cherry tomatoes. It’s also great as an omelet or crepe filling. Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting!
• Dip Duo: Planning a party? Serve a duo of dips – a cold one and a hot one. Try these warm dip pairings, warm goat cheese dip and hot broccoli cheese dip.

Storing dips with ricotta

• For the best taste and texture, enjoying this ricotta spread fresh is the way to go. Think of it as an excuse to indulge a little sooner rather than later! 
• In the fridge, your homemade whipped ricotta will stay fresh and happy for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure it’s snugly covered or in an airtight container to keep it from picking up any weird fridge flavors.
• You can freeze it, but it might not be quite the same when it thaws. Freezing can change the texture, making dips with ricotta a bit grainy or watery once it’s back to room temperature. If you do decide to freeze it, give it a good stir or even a little re-whip after thawing to bring back some of its original fluffiness. 

From crackers to crostini, veggies to vittles, this creamy whipped ricotta recipe has shown it’s no one-trick pony, but rather a veritable ‘cheese of all trades.’ So next time you’re in a dining dilemma, wondering what to whip up that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please, remember: happiness is spreadable! Keep this ‘ricotta-be-kidding-me’ good dip in your culinary arsenal, and you’re sure to be the toast of any table. Until next time, cheese the day, my friends! 🧀✨🎉

Cheyanne

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More whipped cheese dip recipes!

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• Cream Cheese Dessert Dip

How to make the best dip with whipped ricotta cheese at home 👇

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