Imagine serving a whipped ricotta dip that is not only easy to make but also feels elevated at any gathering. This recipe takes just 5 minutes and requires only 4 ingredients. The result is a creamy, delicate, and airy dip with bright citrus notes from lemon, making it a perfectly light dip. The ricotta adds a naturally light sweet flavor, and when combined with honey and fresh herbs, it creates a classic combo that is both sweet and savory. Whether you serve it with bruschetta, on top of an Italian galette, or with fresh fruit, this dip will be amazing.
For those looking for the easiest, quickest appetizer for parties, this delicious appetizer can be your new favorite party snack. It’s a simple and fast recipe that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen. The luscious dip can be whipped up in under five minutes and is versatile enough to go with a variety of toppings. With 2 ingredients like lemon and ricotta, you can make a really easy dip that impresses everyone. It’s not just a ricotta recipe; it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great dish to feel elevated at any event.
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Lemon: A Simple, Delightful Italian Recipe 🍋
I first tried this dip in Italy and fell in love with its sheer simplicity and how good it tasted. It’s one of those really simple recipes with just 2 ingredients that anyone can make. If you love ricotta as much as I do, with my biggest obsessions being lemon ricotta cookies, Italian lemon ricotta cake, and Italian ricotta pie, then you should definitely try this recipe. It’s a simple recipe that’s bound to make you fall in love with its easy preparation and delightful flavor.
About This Ricotta Dip
If you are new to whipped up creamy cheeses, you are in for a treat with this whipped lemon ricotta dip. Made with just ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon rind, it’s blended in a food processor until smooth. This ricotta dip is great as an appetizer or a light meal. The whipped ricotta makes a perfect quick dip for entertaining during the warmer months because it’s so light and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This whipped ricotta dip is the ultimate appetizer for the summer. It’s the perfect go-to dip that you’ll want to make over and over again. The combination of whole milk ricotta cheese as the base and fresh lemon with herbs creates a citrusy and herby flavor that gives this decadent dip a light touch. Whether you are a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this gourmet-tasting dip makes entertaining a breeze because it’s quicker and easier to prepare.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and fits any occasion. Keep it in your back pocket for a fancy holiday dinner party or a casual backyard gathering. The creamy dip works for both formal and informal settings. Additionally, it’s very budget friendly. With just three simple ingredients and a bit of salt, this whipped cheese dip is easy on the wallet, making it a favorite for anyone who loves delicious and affordable recipes.
What Does This Whipped Ricotta Dip Taste Like
This whipped lemon ricotta dip has a slightly sweet flavor from the whole milk ricotta cheese and a subtle hint of lemon that complements it perfectly. The sweet cream flavor of the ricotta is not overly strong, making it a delicious option to serve with salty crostini or sweet fruit like strawberries and blackberries. It’s not a sweet dip, but rather has a natural sweet flavor from the cream, creating a balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. The whipped ricotta texture is smooth and creamy, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
To make this whipped ricotta dip with lemon, you only need two ingredients, making it a really easy recipe. The key is to use whole milk ricotta cheese, which is the creamiest and tastiest option. For the lemon flavor, you will use both the juice and the rind of the lemon. This combination creates a delightful ricotta cheese dip with a refreshing lemon flavor that is perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Whipped Ricotta Dip with Lemon
Making this whipped ricotta dip with lemon is incredibly simple and a real treat. First, measure out the ricotta and lemon as per the recipe card. Add these ingredients to a food processor and mix until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The resulting texture will be light and airy. Once done, scoop the lemon ricotta dip into a bowl, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To complement the delicious dip, prepare some crostini. Start by taking good quality sliced Italian bread and placing it on a sheet pan. Drizzle some olive oil “High-quality olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor that enhances any dish.” over the top and put it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. This toasted bread pairs perfectly with the whipped lemon ricotta and is reminiscent of the way I enjoyed it in Italy. While the restaurant served it with focaccia bread, this version with Best bruschetta bread is equally amazing and decadent. For those interested in making their own bread, I have a post on the best bread for bruschetta that outlines all the necessary steps.
My Best Recipe Tips
To ensure success with this recipe, here are my best tips. For an ultra-creamy dip, use full-fat ricotta as the fat makes it nice and creamy. If you prefer a thicker lemon dip, strain the ricotta through a fine mesh sieve before whipping it. This will remove some moisture and give you a thick consistency that’s perfect for dipping.
Variations
This whipped lemon ricotta has a beautiful creamy texture that makes it perfect as a dip or a spreadable topping. If you have more time, you can make a drier version by placing the ricotta in cheesecloth and letting it drape over a bowl in the fridge overnight. This technique gives the dip a thicker consistency that’s still smooth and delicious.
For a different twist, you can omit lemon and add your favorite flavor. For instance, honey “A touch of honey brings the perfect balance of sweetness to savory recipes.” can turn it into a delightful whipped honey ricotta. If you love herbs, mix in some fresh herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or chives. Don’t hesitate to try different combinations and experiment to find your perfect version.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH RICOTTA DIP
Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli Sauce
Ingredients
To make this delicious whipped ricotta dip with lemon, you will need 16 ounces of whole milk ricotta and 1 large lemon. Make sure the lemon is both juiced and the rind zested to get the perfect blend of flavors. The whole milk ricotta gives the dip a rich and creamy texture, while the lemon juice and zest add a refreshing citrus kick.
EQUIPMENT
A reliable food processor makes blending ingredients a breeze, saving you time and effort.
Instructions
Gather Ingredients:
16 ounces of whole milk ricotta
1 large lemon 🍋
Prepare Lemon:
Juice the lemon.
Zest the lemon rind.
Combine Flavors:
The whole milk ricotta gives the dip a rich and creamy texture.
The lemon juice and zest add a refreshing citrus kick. 🍋✨
Enjoy making your delicious whipped ricotta dip! 😋
Once the dip is ready, enjoy it with your favorite side like crostini or fruit. The creamy texture and refreshing lemon flavor make it a perfect pairing for a variety of snacks.
NUTRITION
Calories: 207.2kcal Carbohydrates: 7.2g Protein: 14.1g Fat: 16.4g Saturated Fat: 9.4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g Monounsaturated Fat: 4.7g Cholesterol: 59.4mg Sodium: 97.3mg Potassium: 157.6mg Fiber: 1.2g Sugar: 1.4g Vitamin A: 512.6IU Vitamin C: 15.3mg Calcium: 243.2 mgIron: 1.3mg
How to Store and Prepare Ahead of Time
Storing your whipped ricotta dip with lemon is straightforward. After you’ve directed the preparation, make sure to store the ricotta mixture in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator where it can stay fresh for up to three days. This allows you to prepare ahead of time, ensuring the dip is always ready when you need it. Before serving, give it a quick whisk to restore its fluff and creamy spread consistency.
For easy entertaining, transfer the dip onto a serving plate. Pair it with bread slices for a perfect crowd pleaser. The smooth texture of the whipped ricotta combined with the zesty lemon flavor makes it an ideal choice for gatherings. This easy entertaining option will surely impress your guests every time.
FAQS
What is whipped ricotta made of?
Creating a delightful whipped ricotta dip with lemon is incredibly simple and quick. All you need is a food processor to make everything come together in just five minutes. Begin by adding whole milk ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and sea salt “A pinch of sea salt brings out the natural flavors in your recipes.” to the food processor. Blend these ingredients until the mixture becomes completely smooth and fluffy. Adjust the taste to your preference by adding as much or as little honey, olive oil, and salt as you like. This process ensures that your dip has the perfect consistency and flavor.
Why is my whipped ricotta so runny?
If your whipped ricotta dip with lemon turns out runny ricotta, there could be a couple of reasons for this issue. First, your ricotta might have been too watery initially. To fix this, try straining the cheese through a cheesecloth before whipping it. Another reason could be that you added too much liquid, either from the olive oil or heavy cream. These tips should help you achieve the perfect consistency for your dip.
How to eat baked lemon ricotta cheese?
After removing the baked cheese from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. For the best serving experience, pair it with your favorite crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks. This combination ensures a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making your whipped ricotta dip with lemon even more enjoyable.
What is the difference between cheese and ricotta?
While most cheeses are made from curds, ricotta is traditionally crafted from the tiny bit of curd left in the whey. Cheesemakers typically make their cheese with the main curds and then repurpose the leftover whey to create ricotta and other whey cheeses. This process gives ricotta its unique texture and flavor, distinguishing it from other types of cheese.