Whipped ricotta is the ultimate appetizer – whether you dip it or spread it, it’s an unforgettable savory treat.
Light, airy, creamy and bright, this is a recipe you’ve got to experience to believe! Who knew something so simple could be so incredible?
Whipped Ricotta
This easy Whipped Ricotta recipe looks beautiful, tastes amazing and is secretly quick and easy to make! It was one of my favorite easy appetizers to serve when I catered parties!
It’s versatile and takes just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. It’s so easy to customize and serves beautifully with crackers, crostini and French bread.
Even better? It feels perfect for any time of year! It’s not too heavy, and it’s not seasonally specific. You can add some seasonal spins, of course – but it’s delicious just as it is!
I love whipped everything! Whipped Goat Cheese, Whipped Cream Cheese, Whipped Honey and of course, Whipped Ricotta!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ricotta – Choose your favorite brand, full fat is always best.
- Olive Oil – High quality extra virgin olive oil is always the best option!
- Fresh Thyme – Leaves, cut off the stem.
- Honey – We used our favorite hot honey for this recipe, to spice it up a little! You can use your favorite honey.
- Sea Salt – Thick flakes are wonderful here.
- Black Pepper -Thick flakes (to taste)
- Lemon Zest – Optional
- Lemon Juice – Optional
Variations
- Use any of your favorite herbs – fresh rosemary or basil are delicious.
- Add berries or figs.
How to Make
- Using a small bowl and spoon, whip ricotta, olive oil and honey until almost silky smooth (Mix by hand, or if you’re doubling or tripling the recipe, use a food processor or the whisk attachment on your mixer). Mix until combined.
- Add ricotta mixture to a jar or bowl for serving.
- Drizzle honey over the top, swirling it through the ricotta if you wish.
- Add a little more chopped thyme and fresh cracked pepper and salt over the top, and serve.
Tips
If you double or triple this recipe, a mixer or food processor is recommended. Gradually increase speed to 3 until smooth. Gradually increase the speed on your mixer. This ensures that you’ll pull in a lot of air.
Since this recipe is simple, using a few ingredients, it’s important to use good quality ricotta and use fresh herbs so the flavor shines.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, these are two very different cheeses. Cream cheese is made from cow’s milk and is quite rich and dense. Whipped ricotta is a standalone product that has a light, airy texture and milder flavor profile. In the US, ricotta is usually made from cow’s milk, but in Italy, it’s often made of sheep’s milk.
You might have added too much liquid like honey or lemon juice!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve whipped ricotta with your favorite crackers, bread or crostini.
- Add a dollop on roasted veggies.
- Serve with veggies – strips of peppers, celery, carrots, and more.
More Ways to Enjoy
- Add it to toast for breakfast
- Add it to wraps and sandwiches
- Toss in salad
- Use in lieu of sauce for pizza on the grill
- Serve as a topping on a burger bar
More Appetizers
Whipped Ricotta
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme off the stem, divided
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt thick flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper thick flakes
Instructions
- Using a small bowl and spoon, whip ricotta, olive oil, 2 teaspoons honey, 2 teaspoons rosemary, salt, and pepper until silky smooth by hand or if doubling the recipe, with a mixer on med-low speed until it's light and airy.1 cup ricotta, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Transfer to serving dish. Garnish with a drizzle of honey, chopped thyme, and flakes of pepper. Serve with crostini or vegetables.
Julie’s Tips
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – for up to two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Freeze – You can freeze ricotta cheese, but we don’t recommend freezing this whipped ricotta. It won’t hold the airy, light and soft texture!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.