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This delightful whipped ricotta recipe is light and airy, perfectly paired with grilled bread as a dip. Whipped till smooth, it combines fresh ricotta cheese with lemon zest, honey, and fresh herbs. It’s an easy recipe that only takes 10 minutes!
There’s nothing better than good ricotta cheese, but when it’s made into a dip, it’s absolutely delicious. And pairing this whipped ricotta and honey with grilled bread takes it to the next level, but it’s just as great with crackers or fresh vegetables.
If you love my blended cottage cheese or cottage cheese dip, you’ll really love this creamy recipe. Use any leftover ricotta in my ricotta stuffed chicken.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese – Look for good quality whole milk ricotta like the brands mentioned above. I’ve tested this recipe with Trader Joe’s part skin ricotta and it still tastes delicious, but it doesn’t whip up the same way!
- Heavy cream – Adding this helps the ricotta to whip up better, creating a lighter texture.
- Lemon zest – This is optional but really elevates the flavor.
- Honey – Balances the saltiness in the cheese.
- Herbs – I love thyme paired with honey, but I’ve also used basil and mint before.
- Optional add ons – Bread for dipping, vegetables, and pepita seeds for a crunch! If making the grilled bread, I love to use a rosemary bread or baguette for the best flavor and texture.
Substitutions
- Lemon zest – You can completely omit this or use 1/2 teaspoon of sumac which would pair so well with the other ingredients.
- Thyme – Basil or mint make great substitutes.
- Cream – Cream can be left out, if needed. It just helps the texture to be more smooth.
- Bread – Carrots, peppers, cucumber, jicama, crackers, and celery are all amazing to dip in this whipped ricotta. This would also help make it gluten free.
- HYH diet – Omit the lemon zest and use the sumac option.
How to Make Whipped Ricotta
Step 1: Combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest in a food processor. Add freshly cracked black pepper 2-3 turns and a small pinch of salt.
Step 2: Blend for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Serve topped with the toasted pepitas, drizzled with honey and fresh thyme leaves.
Step 3: Serve topped with the toasted pepitas, drizzled with honey and fresh thyme leaves.
Step 4: This whipped ricotta with honey is great served with grilled bread. While the ricotta is being whipped, heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat (about 400 degrees). Slice a baguette into 3/4″ slices on a bias. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Place on the grill and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side. Watch closely – sometimes it takes more or less time.
Recipe Tip
There are tons of different types of ricotta cheese out there, but the best one for this recipe will be whole milk ricotta. If you’ve ever disliked ricotta cheese, it’s probably because you’re familiar with a watery, low fat, grainy brand.
To avoid this, the more simple you can get on the ingredients, the better the ricotta cheese. You want to look for ingredients without carrageenan or gums which add that grainy texture. Look for brands like Calabro, Liuzzi, and BelGiosio. The texture is very fine and smooth so it’s incredibly creamy to start.
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped ricotta dip – Serve this whipped ricotta as a dip with the grilled bread, pepitas or vegetables. You could also use crackers or pita – it’s so delicious with everything.
- Sandwich spread – this would be amazing in a filling for something like this lavash wrap or turkey pesto sandwich.
- Base for vegetables – Especially with these roasted carrots and parsnips or roasted red peppers.
- Grain salads – Highly recommend with this arugula farro salad or couscous salad.
- Chicken – Use my ricotta stuffed chicken as a base recipe.
- Breakfast – Make this recipe into a breakfast bowl similar to my cottage cheese bowl or blended chia pudding. Top with cut fruit.
Leftover ricotta cheese? Try this lazy lasagna or baked ricotta chicken.
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
While this whipped ricotta makes a great dip, you can serve this as an elegant passed appetizer when you pre-make it on top of crostini. Just be sure to serve within 10-20 minutes as the bread can begin to get a little bit soggy on top after the cheese is added.
Storage Information
Make the whipped ricotta dip up to 2 days ahead and place in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days after making.
Don’t add the toppings or grill the bread till you’re ready to serve if using as a dip!
Cheese Dip Recipes
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Best Whipped Ricotta with Honey
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (good quality)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice + zest of 1 large lemon* (or sub 1/2 teaspoon sumac)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 cup toasted pepitas
- fresh thyme, basil, or mint
- Salt and pepper taste
Grilled Bread
- 1 large baguette or rosemary bread cut into 1/2-3/4 inch thick slices on a diagonal
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Whipped Ricotta
- Combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest in a food processor. Add freshly cracked black pepper 2-3 turns and a small pinch of salt. Blend for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Whipped Ricotta Dip
- If making this into a dip, serve topped with the toasted pepitas, drizzled with honey and fresh thyme (or other herbs) leaves.
Grilled Bread
- While making the ricotta, heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat (about 400 degrees). Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Place on the grill and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side. Watch closely – sometimes it takes more or less time. Serve the grilled bread with the whipped ricotta dip. You can also pair this with cut veggies like carrots, radish cucumber and celery sticks or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use a good ricotta brand that’s not grainy like Liuzzi, Calabro, or BelGiosio.
- I recommend about 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs for the topping.
- Serve this alongside grilled bread, crackers, cut vegetables, or even cut fruit, like strawberries! It’s amazing as a breakfast or dessert option with fresh berries on top, especially with a little honey.
- If you’re doing an elimination diet*, you would need to sub the sumac for the lemon juice. But it’s a great alternative option anyway!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ok this was amazing. We tried it with fruit (strawberries, peaches) and it was so good!