easy whipped ricotta

Ready in only 5 minutes, this creamy whipped ricotta is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Top with your favorite toppings to customize it however you like!

about this whipped ricotta recipe

Whipped ricotta is the ultimate secret weapon when it comes to entertaining.

This is the recipe that has saved me more times than I can count! Whenever I completely space on appetizers (yes, it does happen to me!), this is the recipe I reach for, because it’s ready in just 5 minutes.

Here’s why I love this dish: it’s ridiculously simple but it feels fancy. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or simply serve it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some fresh herbs.

One week, I topped it with honey and figs for a sweet and savory vibe. The next, I used roasted cherry tomatoes and basil with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. It’s like the chameleon of appetizers – it goes with pretty much any cuisine you’re serving.

There’s something about that creamy, fluffy texture that’s just irresistible. Plus, it looks way fancier than the effort it takes (but that can be our little secret).

What will you top your whipped ricotta with this time?

ingredients

ricotta. Get your favorite whole milk ricotta cheese! The better quality the cheese is, the better your whipped ricotta will taste. You can even use homemade ricotta!

lemon. You will need one fresh lemon for the juice and zest.

salt and pepper. Fine kosher salt/sea saltand freshly cracked black pepper season the dip.

toppings. Pick out your favorite toppings! We love to use hot honey, freshly chopped basil, and roasted pistachios for added texture. If you need more topping ideas, check out the Variations section below.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make the whipped ricotta, you will need a food processor or a high speed blender, like a Vitamix.

All you need after that is a serving bowl!

here’s how to make whipped ricotta

whip ricotta

Add ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Note that you can also use a high speed blender if preferred.

Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will take about 1 to 2 minutes.

top as desired

Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl.

Top with your favorite toppings! Serve with baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or vegetables.

tips and tricks

whip for at least 1 minute. Set a timer if you need to! Whipping the ricotta for the full 1 to 2 minutes is what makes it so creamy and light.

add in fresh herbs. Add in a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, rosemary, or mint to the ricotta mixture to flavor it however you like.

variations

Looking for more ideas for whipped ricotta toppings? The options are endless! We love to drizzle it with hot honey, a sprinkle of roasted pistachios, and fresh herbs. Here are some more ideas to try out:

bruschetta. Make your own homemade bruschetta or buy it at the store! Spoon it on top of the whipped ricotta. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh basil on top.

garlic and sun-dried tomato. Roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious topping. Drizzle some of the oil from the tomatoes on top too!

caramelized onion. Caramelized onions and freshly chopped thyme leaves turn this whipped ricotta into a French onion soup inspired dip. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

roasted fruit. Roasted peaches, cherries, strawberries, plums, etc are delicious toppings! Add a drizzle of honey for a little extra sweetness.

fig and honey. Roasted figs and honey make this ricotta a sweet easy appetizer!

More cheesy dips to try out: Whipped Goat Cheese Dip | Spicy Jalapeño Popper Dip | Crab Rangoon Dip | Spinach and Artichoke Goat Cheese Dip

how long should I whip the ricotta?

Be sure to whip the ricotta mixture for 1 to 2 minutes on high speed. This will make the ricotta nice and creamy!

can you make whipped ricotta in advance?

Yes, this whipped ricotta dip lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container! If any separation occurs, simply mix everything together before serving.

why is my whipped ricotta grainy?

Some store bought ricotta can be a little grainy or slightly crumbly in texture. This can impact your whipped ricotta, but don’t worry, this can be smoothed out! If you make the recipe according to the instructions and the texture is grainy, add a splash of heavy cream (about 2 tsp or so). Whip the ricotta until it is smooth and no longer grainy.

Need some inspiration for your next gathering? Check out my easy appetizer recipes page!

what to serve with whipped ricotta

Whipped ricotta is such a flexible recipe because it can be made sweet or savory, depending on the toppings you add to it. We usually serve it as a dip with toasted slices of bread, pita chips, crackers, etc. There are also other ways to use this whipped ricotta to transform it into something else!

Make whipped ricotta crostini by spreading the whipped ricotta of toasted slices of bread! Top them with your favorite toppings like roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, lemon zest, etc.

Use it as a base for roasted vegetables! Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter, then top it with roasted or grilled vegetables for a creamy side dish.

Top your eggs with it. It’s a creamy way to serve eggs, especially soft scrambled eggs.

Add a dollop to fruit. This is especially good on top of roasted peaches or strawberries.

how to store

Store. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. There may be some liquid separation in this time, which is ok! Just give the dip a stir before serving.

more easy appetizers to make

Stuffed dates are easy to customize, just like this ricotta dip! Make them sweet or savory for a snack or a simple make-ahead appetizer.

Quick pickled carrots can be added to any snack spread, from charcuterie boards to vegetable trays!

Meaty roast beef sliders with caramelized onions are savory and filling. You can serve them as an appetizer or even for dinner!

Air fryer ravioli are a crispy, crunchy, and cheesy appetizer that’s ready in less than 20 minutes.

If you are obsessed with ricotta, try a baked ricotta for your next dip. It’s super creamy and gooey!

Finally, if you make this whipped ricotta dip recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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