This whipped ricotta dip is a creamy, light, and elegant appetizer that comes together in just five minutes. Made with rich whole milk ricotta cheese, a touch of olive oil, and finished with sweet honey, lemon zest, and fresh thyme, it’s a delightful blend of savory and sweet. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comes together in only 5 minutes — no cooking needed.

• Creamy and luxurious texture with minimal effort.

• A versatile dish that works for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or casual snacking.

• Customizable with both sweet and savory flavor profiles.

• Looks impressive but uses simple, accessible ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese – Provides the creamy base for the dip; using whole milk ricotta ensures the best flavor and texture.

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – Helps loosen and smooth the ricotta while adding a rich, fruity undertone.

• ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt – Enhances the flavor of the ricotta without overpowering it.

• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey – Adds a sweet contrast to the salty, creamy cheese and brings balance to the dish.

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves – Offers an herbal note that pairs beautifully with the honey and ricotta.

• Zest from half a lemon – Brightens the flavor and adds a hint of citrus freshness.

• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the final dish.

Directions

1. Add the ricotta cheese, olive oil, and salt to a food processor. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes silky, smooth, and fluffy.

2. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. If you’d like it thinner, add an extra drizzle of olive oil and blend again.

3. Transfer the whipped ricotta to a shallow serving bowl or plate.

4. Drizzle honey generously over the top.

5. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, and a few cracks of black pepper.

6. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, seeded crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings as an appetizer

Variations

• Savory Twist: Skip the honey and top with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.

• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a kick.

• Fresh Herbs: Swap thyme for chopped basil, rosemary, or parsley.

• Citrus Change-Up: Use orange or lime zest instead of lemon for a different citrus profile.

• Cheese Blend: Mix in a spoonful of goat cheese or feta for extra tang and depth.

• Smoked Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a swirl of smoked olive oil before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover whipped ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When ready to serve again, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it softens and becomes spreadable. Stir gently to restore its creamy texture. Do not freeze, as freezing changes the texture and may cause separation.

FAQs

What kind of ricotta should I use?

Whole milk ricotta is best for a creamy and smooth texture. Avoid part-skim or low-fat versions, as they can be grainier and less flavorful.

Can I use store-bought ricotta?

Yes, store-bought ricotta works well. If it’s too watery, drain it through cheesecloth or a fine sieve before whipping for a thicker dip.

Do I need a food processor?

A food processor gives the smoothest results, but you can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Just whip thoroughly until it’s fluffy and uniform.

Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes. You can prepare the whipped ricotta ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the toppings (honey, thyme, zest, and pepper) just before serving for the freshest presentation.

What should I serve with whipped ricotta dip?

It pairs well with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crostini, seedy crackers, or crisp raw vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from almonds or cashews. The texture may vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers if needed.

How do I make it sweeter or more savory?

Add more honey for sweetness or reduce it for a savory take. You can also skip the honey entirely and top it with roasted garlic or balsamic reduction.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely. Simply scale the ingredients proportionally. You may need to blend in batches depending on the size of your food processor.

How do I get the dip extra fluffy?

Use cold ricotta and blend it thoroughly with olive oil to aerate the mixture. High-speed blending helps incorporate air, resulting in a whipped, mousse-like texture.

Conclusion

This whipped ricotta dip is a beautiful combination of creamy cheese, rich olive oil, sweet honey, and fresh herbs. In just minutes, you can create an elegant appetizer that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want something tasty to snack on, this versatile dip is sure to become a favorite.