5 Minute Whipped Ricotta

It only takes 5 minutes to transform regular ricotta into a ultra-creamy appetizer that's infused with plenty of flavor: Whipped Ricotta! Use it as a tangy spread for ricotta toast or bagels, or spoon it into a bowl to serve with crusty bread as a fuss-free dip. It's seriously simple, but incredibly shareable and delicious.

Whipped Ricotta Dip: The Creamy, Dreamy Appetizer You Need

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the whipped cheese wave. In fact, if I can indulge in just one hipster moment, I've been whipping feta long before tiktok told you to. And even though I've about exhausted all of the forms of whipped feta you can imagine-- we're talking Garlicky Feta Dip, Honey Whipped Feta, Whipped Feta Tzatziki Hummus, and Watermelon Bruschetta with Whipped Feta, to name a few-- I've got bigger and better (or maybe just slightly less briny) cheeses on the horizon.

The first of which is this Whipped Ricotta, which might actually be the easiest of all, given ricotta's willingness to whip up into the velvetiest, most luxuriously smooth spread you can imagine.

With my feta dips, the crumbly cheese had to be combined with cream cheese to reach a whippable consistency, but that's not the case here. All you have to do is add ricotta to a food processor or mixing bowl along with your flavorings of choice and then blend or mix until buttery and lump-free. The resulting dip is so easy, so delicious, and most importantly, so impossible to resist slathering on absolutely everything.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

For a recipe that takes 5 minutes and only a handful of ingredients, there sure are a lot of things to love about it. My top reasons are that it's...

• Unbelievably Quick To Make. When I read that a recipe takes 5 minutes, I usually don't believe it. But in this case, you're really just whirring your ricotta and flavorings together and then spooning it into a bowl or smoothing it over toast. It really only takes 5 minutes. How many appetizers can you truly say that about?
• Luxuriously Creamy. This ricotta dip becomes so velvety and smooth that it feels fancy despite being incredibly unfussy. Its slight tang compliments a wide range of ingredients, making it an effortless way to add a touch of sophistication to your dishes.
• A Versatile Spread. Ricotta is typically used in such a wide variety of dishes that you truly can go wild with the flavors. Go the savory route as recommended in the base recipe, or opt for a sweetened version to use as a dessert spread. The options are endless.

The Ingredients

You don't need to throw a ton of items to the cart for this one. Here's what you should add to your shopping list:

• Whole Milk Ricotta. For the creamiest, most delicious results, you definitely want to use whole milk ricotta. But if you've only got part skim in the fridge and you were planning to use that up, don't worry, it'll work out fine.
• Olive Oil. High-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the whipped ricotta. But if you decide to make a sweet version, swap it out for a bit of milk or heavy cream.
• Lemon Zest. Ricotta and olive oil are both rich, so bright and zippy lemon zest balances the flavor. Don't be afraid to swap it out for a different citrus if you prefer-- orange and ricotta are also delicious together!
• Fresh Herbs. Basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, mint, and/or rosemary all can incorporate wonderfully with ricotta. Use whatever you have on hand, or the herbs that pair best with the flavors of your overall meal.

Of course, this list assumes you're making my favorite version, which is a savory herb-seasoned ricotta dip. But there are plenty of ways you can flavor yours! I'll list a few below for inspiration.

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Flavor Variations and Potential Toppings

There's a near-infinite amount of possible flavor combinations for your Whipped Ricotta, so don't feel like my default olive oil, lemon zest, and herb version is the only way! Whether you want a savory appetizer or a sweet snack, feel free to switch it up with these mix-ins

• Bruschetta-Style. Sprinkle the whipped ricotta with chopped fresh tomatoes and basil, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, or, even better, a balsamic reduction. Serve with crostini or bruschetta toast.
• Roasted Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomato. Add depth and richness to the whipped ricotta by incorporating roasted garlic and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This savory version is perfect for spreading on bruschetta, pizza, or as a dip for crudité.
• Caramelized Onion and Thyme. If you love French Onion Dip, you'll love this caramelized onion and thyme variation. It's creamy, rich, slightly sweet, and earthy.
• Pistachio and Honey. Blend finely chopped pistachios into the whipped ricotta (or sprinkle them on top if and drizzling it with honey. The crunch of the pistachios adds texture, while the honey complements the creamy ricotta with its natural sweetness.
• Balsamic Roasted Cherries and Vanilla. Blend your ricotta with vanilla bean paste or extract, and top with balsamic roasted cherries for a sweet, tangy, flavor-packed version that is just as delicious as it is luxurious.

These are just a few examples. Don't be afraid to go with your gut (or your grocery availability) and customize your ricotta dip!

How To Make Whipped Ricotta:

Making whipped ricotta is easy as 1, 2, 3. Literally!

1. Whip It Good: Use a food processor, stand mixer, or hand mixer to whip ricotta until smooth and airy.
2. Add Some Flavor: Now that the ricotta is smooth, it's the time for the add-ins. For ingredients that need to be incorporated into the dip, just mix them right in. Or, simply prepare your flavorings as toppings to sprinkle on top.
3. Serve It Up: Spread your whipped ricotta on toast, on a serving board, or into a bowl for dipping. Cover in toppings of your choice and serve with crunchy bread, crackers, or pretzels!

Serving Tip:

Toasting or grilling slices of bread is a simple way to serve your favorite dips like this whipped ricotta dip. Want to know how? I've got a step-by-step guide for both crostini and bruschetta toast here.

You can either serve your crostini on the side of your dip, or you can even spread or pipe the whipped ricotta right on top of your toast!

Storage Tips

Store any leftover whipped ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the whipped ricotta begins to become dense or grainy, transfer back to the food processor or use a hand mixer to whip again before serving.