Name: Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Ricotta Cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese; Baguette bread, sliced and toasted

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Introduction

Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer that combines fresh herbs, cheeses, and a hint of lemon for a flavorful bite. Perfect for serving with toasted baguette slices, this dip is easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This image shows a white rectangular baking dish with blue edges placed on a woven mat over a white marbled surface. Inside the dish is a browned, bubbly cheese layer topped with small, chopped green herbs scattered evenly on top. The cheese layer has golden and slightly darker brown spots, showing it was baked until crispy in parts. To the left of the dish, there is a long golden-brown bread loaf resting on a gray cloth with fresh green rosemary sprigs nearby. On the right, several toasted bread slices with a golden crust sit stacked on a wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup mozzarella cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Baguette bread, sliced and toasted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and half of the fresh rosemary. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly into a 6-inch oven-safe pan.
Step 4: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top of the ricotta mixture.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Switch the oven to the broil setting and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fresh rosemary over the top.
Step 8: Serve warm with toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of rosemary for a different flavor twist.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dip a subtle spicy kick.
Serve with crackers or raw vegetables if you prefer an alternative to baguette.
For a smoother texture, blend the ricotta mixture before spreading it in the pan.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes. It’s best served warm for the creamiest texture.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish with a blue rim holds a baked dip with a golden brown, bubbly top layer of melted cheese sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs evenly spread across the surface. The dip appears thick and creamy underneath the browned cheesy crust. On the right side, there is a small stack of toasted bread slices with a crunchy, light golden texture on a wooden board. To the left, a partially visible baguette with a crisp crust rests on a soft blue cloth. The entire scene is set on a woven mat atop a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and assemble it in the pan a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best results.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary works in a pinch; use about one-third the amount called for fresh. You can also substitute with other fresh herbs like thyme or basil depending on your taste.