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Easy Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip Recipe with Tomatoes

This elegant yet simple dip combines three Italian cheeses with fresh tomatoes and herbs for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in just 30 minutes, it can be served hot or at room temperature.

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:56 GMT
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A creamy baked dish garnished with fresh basil and herbs, served with crackers and cherry tomatoes in the background. Pin it
A creamy baked dish garnished with fresh basil and herbs, served with crackers and cherry tomatoes in the background. | zestplate.com

Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip – Effortless Elegance 🧀

Indulge your guests with this creamy and delectable Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip! Perfect for any occasion, this crowd-pleaser is packed with rich ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, complemented by tangy lemon juice, savory garlic, and colorful cherry tomatoes. In just a few simple steps, you'll have an appetizer that’s sure to wow.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

  • Quick Prep: Only 5 minutes of prep time!
  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create magic.
  • Versatile: Works for casual gatherings, game days, or elegant holiday parties.
  • No Special Equipment Needed: Just a baking dish and a few bowls.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Ricotta Cheese: Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. Homemade works beautifully, too!
  • Mozzarella & Parmesan: A triple cheese delight adds layers of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a citrusy zing.
  • Garlic: Minced for a savory kick.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, or chives make the perfect garnish.

How to Make Baked Ricotta Dip

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F and grease a 6.5” x 6.5” baking dish.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Combine ricotta, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Gently fold in cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness.
  4. Assemble & Bake: Pour the mixture into the dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs perfectly with:

  • Crostini or Crackers: Wheat Thins, Triscuits, or baguette slices are excellent choices.
  • Veggies: Serve with celery sticks, carrot slices, or bell pepper strips for a lighter option.
  • Fruit: Add a twist with strawberries, grapes, or apple slices for a sweet pairing.
A serving spoon is lifting a cheesy, baked dish topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs from a white baking dish. Pin it
A serving spoon is lifting a cheesy, baked dish topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs from a white baking dish. | zestplate.com

Recipe Variations – Customize Your Dip! 🎨

  • Drizzle Options: Add honey, balsamic vinegar, or truffle oil for extra flavor.
  • Toppings: Try roasted nuts, olives, or crumbled bacon.
  • Add-ins: Mix in spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking.
  • Whipped Version: Blend all ingredients (excluding mozzarella) in a food processor and serve as a cold dip.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as it affects texture.
  • Reheating: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use room temperature ricotta?

Room temperature ricotta blends more smoothly and creates better texture.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake just before serving.

→ Why not freeze?

Freezing changes ricotta's texture making it grainy.

→ Can I use different herbs?

Yes, try basil, oregano or any Italian herbs you prefer.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

Store in fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying.

Ricotta Cheese Dip

A warm and creamy ricotta dip enriched with Parmesan and mozzarella, studded with cherry tomatoes and Italian herbs.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fatiha


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 10 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 15 ounces whole milk ricotta.
02 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
03 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
04 4 cloves garlic, minced.
05 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
06 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
08 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered.
09 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
10 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 6.5" baking dish.

Step 02

Mix ricotta, Parmesan, lemon, garlic and seasonings until just combined.

Step 03

Gently fold in quartered tomatoes.

Step 04

Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Top with shredded mozzarella.

Step 06

Bake 25-30 minutes until edges brown and bubbly.

Step 07

Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Step 08

Let cool slightly before serving hot or room temperature.

Notes

  1. Serve with bread or crackers.
  2. Can make ahead.
  3. Don't overmix.
  4. Great party appetizer.

Tools You'll Need

  • 6.5" square baking dish.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Rubber spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 115
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g