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–+ servings
Baked ricotta dip in a cast iron skillet topped with a basil leaf.

Easy Baked Ricotta Dip with Mozzarella Cheese and Thyme

Allie Hagerty
This baked ricotta cheese dip is rich, creamy, and perfectly golden on top. Made with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs, it’s a quick and delicious appetizer to serve with crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 6 people

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.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 506mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 201IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 103mgIron: 0.3mg
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