Warm & Zesty Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip Recipe with Tomatoes

Creamy baked ricotta cheese dip brings an irresistible twist to your appetizer lineup.

Tender, warm cheese melts beautifully with ripe, juicy tomatoes in this simple Mediterranean-inspired recipe.

Fresh herbs dance across the surface, adding vibrant color and depth to the dish.

Each spoonful promises a burst of rich, tangy flavors that complement crusty bread or crisp vegetables perfectly.

Herbs like basil and oregano infuse the cheese with an aromatic charm that elevates the entire experience.

The golden-brown top hints at the delectable warmth waiting underneath.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dip and watch your guests dive into pure culinary bliss.

What Makes Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip So Tempting

• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this ricotta dip a breeze to prepare for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
• Packed with rich cheese flavors and bright tomato freshness, this dish appeals to both adults and kids at parties or family meals.
• Swap herbs, adjust seasonings, or add different vegetables to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Enjoy as a warm dip with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, making it perfect for casual get-togethers or elegant appetizer spreads.

All You Need for Ricotta Cheese Dip with Tomatoes

• Ricotta Cheese: A soft and creamy Italian cheese that serves as the base for this delightful dip.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that add bright flavor and fresh color to the cheese mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that provides depth and richness to the overall dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A mild cheese that creates a golden, melty topping for the dip.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Fresh Herbs: These ingredients contribute zesty, tangy, and aromatic notes to elevate the dip's taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the natural flavors of the cheeses and tomatoes.

Tools for Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip Magic

• Baking Dish: 6.5
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining ricotta and other ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting Board: For chopping herbs and quartering cherry tomatoes.
• Sharp Knife: To precisely cut tomatoes and herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For gentle folding and mixing ingredients.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Steps for Creamy Ricotta Cheese Dip with Tomatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Turn your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 6.5″ square baking dish and give it a quick spray or light butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cheese Base

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Italian herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir just until combined – avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate Juicy Tomatoes

Slice cherry tomatoes into quarters and softly fold them into the cheese mixture.

Be gentle to keep the tomatoes intact and distribute them evenly.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully spoon the cheese and tomato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly and evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the entire surface, creating a delicious golden blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the sides start bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Pull out the dish and scatter fresh chopped basil or parsley on top.

Serve immediately while warm or let it cool to room temperature.

Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers!

Pro Tricks for Rich Ricotta Cheese Dip

• Drain ricotta thoroughly using cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer, less watery dip consistency.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• Let ricotta mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to promote even cooking and smoother texture.
• Serve as a warm appetizer with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for versatile entertaining options.
• Replace traditional bread with cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for a keto-friendly serving suggestion.

New Twists on Classic Ricotta Cheese Dip

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta with cashew cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap cherry tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add oregano, thyme, and za'atar spice for a Mediterranean-inspired dip.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate crumbled cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits into the cheese mixture for added protein and texture.

Serving Ideas for Ricotta Cheese Dip Appetizer

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the warm baked ricotta dip at the center of a large wooden board surrounded by olives, pita bread, cucumber slices, and grilled vegetables for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Bruschetta Companion: Spread the creamy dip generously over toasted crusty Italian bread slices, garnishing with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of good olive oil for an elegant starter.
• Game Day Dipping Station: Serve with crispy tortilla chips, sliced baguettes, and fresh vegetable crudités as a crowd-pleasing party snack that's perfect for casual gatherings and sports events.
• Salad Topper Twist: Use the warm ricotta mixture as a protein-rich, flavorful topping for mixed green salads, adding extra texture and a Mediterranean-inspired touch to your greens.

Ricotta Cheese Dip Storage Made Easy

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 weeks, preserving the dip's delicious texture.
• Warm gently in 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.
• Place in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and preserve moisture.

FAQs

• What kind of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Cherry tomatoes are ideal because they’re sweet, compact, and roast beautifully without releasing too much excess liquid into the cheese mixture.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?

Absolutely! This baked ricotta dip is vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious cheese and fresh tomato flavors.

• How can I ensure the dip doesn't become watery?

Gently fold tomatoes and avoid overmixing the cheese mixture. Using firm, fresh cherry tomatoes and patting them dry before adding helps prevent excess moisture.

Easy Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip Recipe with Tomatoes

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ricotta cheese dip celebrates Mediterranean flavors with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Creamy textures and zesty notes create a perfect appetizer for casual gatherings and quick entertaining moments you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup (85 grams) shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 6.5″ square baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring gently to maintain a smooth texture.
3. Carefully incorporate quartered cherry tomatoes into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without crushing the tomatoes.
4. Smoothly transfer the cheese and tomato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Generously scatter shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the mixture, covering the surface completely.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and bubbling sides that indicate the dip is perfectly cooked.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, serving immediately while warm or allowing to cool to room temperature for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

• Opt for full-fat ricotta to ensure a creamy, rich texture that melts perfectly in the baking process.
• Customize herb selections by using fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to match your flavor preferences or complement your main dish.
• Reduce dairy content by substituting part-skim ricotta and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lighter, diet-friendly version.
• Enhance the dip’s versatility by serving with toasted baguette slices, crisp vegetable sticks, or as a spread for grilled proteins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 233
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 392 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 44 mg