Whipped Ricotta Dip with Herbs and Hot Honey | This whipped ricotta dip is super simple to make with just five ingredients plus salt + pepper. Whipping ricotta takes only a few minutes in a food processor, which means delicious dip takes hardly any time at all and can be made for any last-minute company. Top with fresh oregano and hot honey for a creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced appetizer.
Ok, if we're judging based on the easiest appetizer to make? This whipped ricotta dip wins. It also wins in the flavor department due to flavorful olive oil, bright lemon juice, zippy garlic, and savory fresh oregano!
And did I mention the hot honey? So if you're counting, YES that's only five ingredients for the actual dip. The hot honey is kind of optional, but I mean, not really. So, 7 ingredients if we're being precise about the numbers.
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If you're a big fan of having easy appetizer recipes at the ready then make sure to save this easy whipped ricotta recipe on your phone or pin this recipe to Pinterest.
If you're looking for more easy dip recipes that you can make quickly in a food processor then try my Lemon Basil Hummus, my Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus, or my Roasted Sweet Potato and Garlic Hummus.
And if you don't want to pull out a food processor, try my Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip, simple Guacamole style dip, or Greek Tzatziki - it's seriously the best.
Ingredients
About the ingredients for this recipe. See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- ricotta cheese: I use a 10% fat ricotta cheese from my local supermarket, Real Canadian Superstore. Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild taste. It's used often in lasagna.
- flavors: you'll need extra virgin olive oil that you like, fresh lemon juice, a clove of garlic, salt, and pepper to season, and some fresh oregano.
- garnish: if you want to garnish this dip with hot honey, you'll also need runny honey and some Sambal Oelek (a chili garlic sauce), or you could try Sriracha hot sauce.
A note on fat content: I add extra virgin olive oil to this dip because it contributes to a silky, creamy texture, and the combined fat content works - fat helps deliver flavor. If you don't want the added oil to feel free to skip it.
Substitutions
✔ This recipe is vegetarian
> Don't want to use oregano? I use fresh oregano in a lot of my recipes because I grow a lot of it. It grows uncontrolled in my garden and I love that. If you have another herb you grow or just prefer something different, use that.
Basil would be really good in this recipe. Rosemary and thyme would also work but I would suggest using less - one sprig of rosemary and two to three of thyme. These two herbs are stronger in flavor than oregano and could easily overpower this dip.
Instructions
Prep Tips
- pick oregano leaves from their stems
- zest and juice a lemon
This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and is made entirely in a food processor.
Add all of the ingredients into the food processor: the ricotta, oil, lemon zest and juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Whip until smooth. This takes one to two minutes. Scrape down the sides once. Blend until the fresh herbs are well chopped and evenly incorporated.
To serve the dip, spoon it into a bowl. I like to use the back of a spoon to push little tunnels into the surfaces for my garnishes to sit in.
Mix together the honey and the Sambal Oelek.
Drizzle the hot honey on top of the dip.
Optional: garnish with red pepper flakes and lemon zest from the other half of the lemon.
I like to garnish with more fresh herbs and sometimes oregano flowers if I'm having guests over. They are pretty and edible (and organic since I grow them).
The whipped ricotta is ready for you to dip into!
RECIPE TIP: You can also make a ricotta dip by hand - use a whisk to mix vigorously until it turns smoother. Mince the garlic + finely chop the oregano.
How to Serve Whipped Ricotta Dip
As shown above I like to garnish my whipped ricotta dip, both for the photos here and when I have company over. I grow oregano so I use that to garnish a lot of my dishes. I even use the oregano flowers because they are edible and look really pretty.
I also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and hot honey. I like the added spice and sweetness that the hot honey brings, but the dip is great on its own as well if you're not into spicy food.
Sprinkle some red pepper flakes and lemon zest on top and then serve.
What to serve with Whipped Ricotta
You can serve whatever you want with this whipped ricotta dip. I like my crispy air fryer pita chips. You could also serve potato chips or homemade tortilla chips.
If you wanted something a little fresher go with some fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrot sticks.
It's also fun to serve this dip with other appetizers like Parmesan Garlic French Fries or Breaded Portobello Fries. Or try my Everything Bagel Pretzels but turn them into bagel bites!
You can also use this dip as a spread on toast or as a sandwich spread.
Equipment
I use the food processor attachment from my Ninja Kitchen system to make this dip. Any food processor should work I think. A powerful blender such as the one that goes with my Ninja system or a Blendtec or Vitamix should also work.
Can you make whipped ricotta in a blender?
I use a food processor for this recipe but I'm sure a blender would do the same. You'd definitely have luck with a high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec.
You can also try making this recipe by hand with a whisk. Just keep mixing until the ricotta turns smooth and creamy. If making this dip by hand make sure to really mince the garlic well or use a Microplane to grate it in. Raw garlic is very powerful! Chop the herbs well before adding them.
Storage
Store whipped ricotta dip in the fridge in a container with a lid or covered with plastic wrap. This dip lasts about two days in the fridge.
More dip recipes
I love making dips like Loaded Caramelized Onion Dips for parties and game days. Guacamole makes a great appetizer at a dinner party or for afternoon drinks. Dips like Pineapple Mango Salsa and lovely things to scoop them up with are the perfect snacks around the holidays.
I often pair a dip like Tzatziki with dinner if I'm having Lemon Potatoes. I love using homemade hummus in Grain Bowls for dinner also.
Visit my appetizer and dip recipe indexes for more great recipes!
Tips + FAQs
Ricotta is an Italian cheese with a mild flavor and soft, creamy texture.
Ricotta cheese does not freeze well because it has high water content which causes the texture to change.
Recipe
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Fresh Oregano and Hot Honey
Ingredients
For the Whipped Ricotta
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about ½ a lemon)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about ½ a lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh oregano leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Hot Honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (chili garlic sauce)
To Garnish (optional)
- a drizzle of olive oil
- sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
For the Whipped Ricotta
- Add all of the dip ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Whip until smooth, scraping down the sides once if needed. Whip for 60-90 seconds or until very smooth and the garlic and oregano are well chopped and incorporated.
For the Hot Honey
- Mix together the honey and sambal oelek.
To Garnish and Serve
- Add the dip to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to spread it around, leaving little valleys in the surface. Pour the hot honey over the top and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and more fresh oregano leaves.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
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