Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip with Mozzarella and Herbs
This Baked Ricotta Dip is your new go-to for any gathering, whether it’s a casual dinner party or a game day celebration. Imagine creamy ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella, and fresh thyme baked to bubbly, golden brown perfection. With a hint of lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil, this hot dip is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that will have your guests reaching for more. It’s the perfect appetizer to serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
If you like dip recipes, try my pesto hummus and Mediterranean hummus! Also, speaking of ricotta, you should definitely make my ricotta strawberry cake, blueberry ricotta cake, lemon and ricotta cake, or my chocolate ricotta cake!
Recipe Highlights: Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip
- Inspiration: Inspired by classic Italian baked cheese dishes, this dip takes simple ricotta and turns it into a warm, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Best Served For: Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or date nights when you want something comforting yet elegant.
- What Makes It Special: The creamy ricotta base bakes up light and fluffy under a blanket of bubbling mozzarella, with garlic, thyme, and lemon zest for brightness.
- One More Reason to Love It: You can prep the mixture ahead and bake it just before serving—so you’ll spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy ricotta acts as the foundation of the dip, offering a smooth and rich texture. Use whole milk ricotta for an extra luxurious feel!
- Mozzarella: Melts into a stretchy, gooey layer that complements the ricotta’s creaminess. Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella for the best results.
- Fresh Garlic: A couple of cloves add a bold, savory punch that balances the mild ricotta flavor. Minced garlic blends easily into the cheese mixture.
- Fresh Thyme: This herb gives the dip a fragrant and earthy note. Fresh thyme is the perfect herb to complement the creamy cheeses.
- Lemon Zest: Just a touch of zest brightens the richness of the cheeses and brings a hint of freshness to every bite.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle before baking helps the top get golden brown, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
Substitutions and Additions
- Swap Mozzarella for Goat Cheese: For a tangy twist, substitute the mozzarella with creamy goat cheese. It adds a bolder flavor and pairs beautifully with the ricotta.
- Swap Ricotta for Cottage Cheese: For a lighter version, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta. It will provide a slightly different texture but still keep the dip deliciously creamy.
How to Make Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip
- Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit (204°Celsius). Mix the ricotta with minced garlic, chopped thyme, lemon zest, and olive oil. Add the salt and pepper.
2. Transfer the mixture to a 2-cup casserole dish or a small cast iron skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Top with the shredded mozzarella, spreading it evenly over the ricotta mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped basil over the top. Serve hot with toasted crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit (204°Celsius). Mix the ricotta with minced garlic, chopped thyme, lemon zest, and olive oil. Add the salt and pepper.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @alliehagerty on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
Easy Baked Ricotta Dip with Mozzarella Cheese and Thyme
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Small baking dish
- spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh homemade ricotta or high-quality store-bought
- 4 ounces mozzarella shredded (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit (204°Celsius).
- Mix the ricotta with minced garlic, chopped thyme, lemon zest, and olive oil. Add the salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-cup casserole dish or a small cast iron skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella, spreading it evenly over the ricotta mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped basil over the top.
- Serve hot with toasted crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Make Ahead, Bake Later
Mix the ricotta, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, then spread into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake when ready.Expert Tips From My Kitchen
- Choose Whole Milk Ricotta: It gives the dip a creamier, richer texture.
- Preheat the Dish: Warming the dish first helps create that golden brown top.
- Plan Ahead: Mix the dip base ahead and refrigerate until it’s time to bake.
Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: Try a glass of Garnacha—the fruity notes cut through the richness.
- Garlic Crostini: Toast baguette slices with olive oil and rubbed garlic for perfect dipping.
- Veggies & Pita Chips: Add fresh veggies or pita chips for a lighter, crunchy option.
I served this with warm pita and it was so yummy!