Ingredients You’ll Need
The dip is ready in just 10 minutes, and all you need are a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need to whip it together.
- Ricotta cheese: Use store-bought ricotta or make homemade ricotta from scratch. Whichever you choose, fresh whole-milk ricotta is the best for a velvety, smooth texture.
- Lemon: Include fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to balance the creaminess of the dip.
- Spices: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a pinch of sea salt bring the right balance of heat and flavor.
- Honey: Spicy hot honey or regular honey pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta cheese.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A final drizzle of olive oil ties everything together.
Toppings for Whipped Ricotta Dip
While I love this flavor combination, this whipped ricotta crostini recipe is an easy way to enjoy different flavor combinations.
Crunchy sourdough toast with whipped ricotta dip and a drizzle of hot honey is one of my favorite snacks. Here are a few topping suggestions:
- Savory Toppings: Bacon Bits, Prosciutto
- Fresh Fruit: Figs, Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Pears
- Vegetables: Shallots, Sumac Onions, Pickled Red Oninos
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, Pistachios, Pine Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds
- Dips and Sauces: Blackberry Vinaigrette, Fig Balsamic Dressing, Balsamic Citrus Vinaigrette, Fig Jam, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Truffle Oil, Balsamic Glaze
- Spices: Flaky Sea Salt, Za’atar Seasoning
Additions and Substitutions
Put your own spin on this easy whipped ricotta dip recipe with these variations:
- Replace the dairy. If you’re out of ricotta, swap it for brine-packed feta, cream cheese, goat cheese, or high-quality cottage cheese.
- Sweeten the dip. Naturally sweeten the dip with a touch of honey, or substitute it with maple syrup, cocoa powder, honey lavender simple syrup, cardamom simple syrup, or agave nectar. Leave it out if you enjoy a savory flavor or garnish with balsamic glaze.
- Switch up the citrus. Replace the lemon juice and zest with fresh orange juice and orange zest.
- Add fresh herbs. Freshen the dip with chopped mint leaves, basil, parsley, rosemary, or fresh thyme.
Tools You’ll Need
Process the whipped ricotta cheese with an electric hand mixer, a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or a food processor, depending on what’s available.
How to Make Whipped Ricotta Dip
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Press the fresh ricotta cheese through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the excess moisture.
Step 2: Transfer the cheese to a mixing bowl and whip the ingredients with a hand mixer, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
Process on medium speed until light and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and red pepper flakes.
Transfer the dip to a shallow bowl and garnish with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
Expert Tips
- Prepare the cheese. Strain the ricotta cheese through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove extra liquid for a thicker, creamier dip.
If you enjoy the delicious dip, try more easy appetizer recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my whipped ricotta too runny?
Ricotta Cheese: Not all ricotta brands are the same. If the ricotta you use has more liquid, it can cause the dip to be runny. And make sure to use ricotta made from whole milk rather than skim or low-fat. I have good results with store-bought BellGoioso ricotta cheese.
Draining: Drain extra liquid from the ricotta cheese through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for the best results.
Overmixing: Whipping the ricotta for too long can lead to a thinner consistency. Stop mixing once the ricotta cheese is smooth and creamy.
Mix-Ins: Have you ever heard the phrase “too much of something isn’t a good thing?” That’s certainly the case for whipping ricotta cheese with other ingredients. Adding too much liquid (honey, lemon juice, or olive oil) can make the dip runny. I recommend adding the ingredients gradually and checking the consistency as you go.
More Dip Recipes:
Whipped Ricotta Dip
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, strained
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus more for garnish
- lemon juice, 1 lemon, plus 2 teaspoons of lemon zest
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, for garnish
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Press the fresh ricotta cheese through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the excess moisture.
- Transfer the cheese to a mixing bowl and whip the ingredients with a hand mixer, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Process on medium speed until light and fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Transfer the dip to a shallow bowl and garnish with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Prepare the cheese. Strain the ricotta cheese through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove extra liquid for a thicker, creamier dip.