Can you make dip with ricotta?

Absolutely! Ricotta is naturally creamy and mild, making it an ideal base for both savory and sweet dips. Simply season it with herbs, spices, or a drizzle of honey depending on your flavor goal. You can enjoy it as-is or whip it with olive oil for a smoother texture.

What pairs well with ricotta cheese?

Ricotta cheese pairs beautifully with ingredients like lemon, garlic, olive oil, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary), and sweet elements like honey, figs, and berries. It also works great with crusty bread, fresh-cut vegetables, or even fruits like pears and grapes.

Can I melt ricotta cheese?

Ricotta doesn’t melt like mozzarella or cheddar—it softens and becomes smoother when heated, but retains its shape. That’s why it’s perfect for dips: gently warming it brings out a richer flavor while maintaining that creamy, scoopable texture.

Can I make a sauce with ricotta cheese?

Yes! Ricotta is often used in pasta sauces, especially when you want something light and creamy without using heavy cream. Blend it with a little reserved pasta water, garlic, and lemon juice, and you’ve got a silky sauce that coats beautifully. It’s a favorite base in my quick pasta night series !

Ricotta Cheese Dip: The Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer You’ll Love

Name: Ricotta Cheese Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling); 1 garlic clove, finely grated or mashed; Zest of 1 lemon; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: chopped fresh basil, dill, rosemary, or red pepper flakes; Optional sweet additions: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, orange zest, fig preserves

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 garlic clove, finely grated or mashed
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: chopped fresh basil, dill, rosemary, or red pepper flakes
Optional sweet additions: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, orange zest, fig preserves

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Whip using a fork or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Customize with desired additions: roasted garlic, herbs, or sweet toppings.
Drizzle with olive oil and top with fresh herbs or spices if desired.
Serve with warm bread, vegetables, crackers, or fruit.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Let the dip sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. Add a splash of milk or olive oil if it thickens too much. Do not freeze.

Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: ricotta cheese dip, easy appetizer, creamy dip, Mediterranean dip