Easy Baked Ricotta Dip with Mozzarella Cheese and Thyme
This Baked Ricotta Dip is your new go-to for any gathering, whether itโs 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 alongside toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

The secret to this cheesy perfection lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, youโll combine ricotta and mozzarella in a medium bowl, mix in some fresh garlic, and bake until it forms the most creamy, rich dip imaginable. Fresh thyme adds a savory note, while a touch of lemon zest brightens up the flavor. This warm ricotta dip is the perfect base for a variety of toppings, from fresh herbs to a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Whether youโre hosting a dinner party or whipping up a delicious snack for the holiday season, this baked ricotta cheese dip is a great option thatโll disappear in minutes. Itโs a simple appetizer that works well with favorite crackers, vegetable sticks, or even pita chips. Plus, if you have any leftover ricotta from another recipe, this is the perfect way to use it up! Bon appetite!
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!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, Cheesy, and Golden Brown: This dip bakes up bubbly and golden brown on top while staying rich and creamy insideโabsolute cheesy perfection!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether itโs a game day or a fancy dinner party, this perfect dip is sure to impress with its flavor and ease.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: You can whip up this simple appetizer in just 10-15 minutes with a few basic steps, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser.
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 ricottaโs 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.
Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400ยฐFahrenheit (204ยฐCelsius). 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.
Tips and Notes
- Use Whole Milk Ricotta: For the creamiest texture, make sure to use whole milk ricotta. The higher fat content gives the dip a richer, more luscious feel.
- Preheat the Baking Dish: For a crisp, golden brown top, preheat your small baking dish in the oven for a few minutes before adding the cheese mixture.
- Make Ahead and Store: Prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you’re readyโperfect for easy entertaining.

Serving Suggestions
- while its subtle spice balances the savory garlic and fresh thyme.
- Garlic Crostini: Serve this warm dip with garlic crostini for an extra layer of flavor! Simply brush thinly sliced baguette slices with olive oil, rub with a fresh clove of garlic, and toast until golden brown. These crunchy, garlicky crostini are the perfect vehicle for scooping up that luscious, cheesy dip.
- Fresh Veggies & Pita Chips: For a lighter option, offer a side of fresh vegetable sticksโlike bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrotsโor crispy pita chips. These add a refreshing crunch and make it a great option for those looking to balance out the richness of the dip.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 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
- ยฝ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐFahrenheit (204ยฐCelsius).
- 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
- Use Whole Milk Ricotta: For the creamiest texture, make sure to use whole milk ricotta. The higher fat content gives the dip a richer, more luscious feel.
- Preheat the Baking Dish: For a crisp, golden brown top, preheat your small baking dish in the oven for a few minutes before adding the cheese mixture.
- Make Ahead and Store: Prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you’re readyโperfect for easy entertaining.
I served this with warm pita and it was so yummy!