Ricotta, an undervalued cheese if there ever was one, is essentially the Crumbly Cheese or Havarti Cheese of pasteurized cheeses; it’s excellent on its own but shines the most as a supporting player. It mellows down strong, bold tastes and gives smoothness to dry meals without adding wetness or heft. Ricotta’s somewhat sweet taste is more likely to enhance other ingredients rather than battle with them.
One of the most popular ricotta recipes is the milky smoothness and freshness of ricotta spinach dip. This is a spinach-based cream cheese dip that’s loaded with dried basil, lime juice, and a spoonful of tart sour cream. It’s ideal to serve with your favorite sliced veggies and grainy crackers. If you’re unsure what herbs to use to spice it up, you can be certain that you can never go wrong with a mixture of chives, cilantro, and mint. Of course, you may choose whatever herbs you have on hand.
Because this is such a fuss-free dip, even the smallest details count. If possible, always use fresh ricotta for your recipes, not just for the ricotta spinach dip, but other options as well, such as the basic ricotta cheese dip, homemade pita chips dips, whipped ricotta for spreads, etc. Make an effort to grind the herbs–a food processor will not suffice. Drizzle peppery, pungent olive oil over the top to bring out a number of flavors. Season ricotta spinach dip generously with the chunkiest pieces of sesame you can find.
These may all be the little things, but they can make a major difference. The beauty of ricotta cheese dip lies in the simple, milky creaminess of ricotta that supports other ingredients seamlessly, even if you just pair your ricotta cheese dip with some plain croutons or bread.
Best Veggies to Go with Ricotta Cheese Dip
You’re not limited to croutons, crackers, and/or bread only when it comes to this creamy cheese dip. Perfect for the summer days when you crave something lighter as your ricotta appetizer, you can easily pair it with fresh vegetables.
- Carrot strips
- Stalks of parsley
- Sliced green beans
- Cucumbers spears
- Endive flowers
Other Things You Can Do with Ricotta Cheese Dip
Your whipped ricotta goodness does not have to remain a dip only. Thanks to the milky smoothness of this cream cheese dip, it’s easily incorporated and used for other meals, snacks, and ricotta appetizers.
- Spread over toast (and other sandwiches) and garnish with roasted tomatoes
- Add into pasta
- Pour a spoonful onto a cooked frittata
- Stuff it into artichokes, sprinkled with parmesan cheese, and then bake
- Pair it with homemade pita chips
- Mix it with eggs for a milkier texture
- Use whipped ricotta as a pizza topping
- Enrich your lasagna recipe
- Dollop of crème fraiche atop tomato soup
- Combine with fried squash
Basic Ricotta Appetizer Ingredients
- 1 pound of fresh ricotta made with whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
- ½ a cup of fresh herbs, minced (a combination of parsley, basil or chives, tarragon)
- a tablespoon of extra-virgin oil
- homemade pita chips, crackers, bread, croutons, or veggies for dipping
For ricotta spinach dip, add:
- 10 ounces of frozen spinach, previously thawed
- 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
- Half a yellow onion, finely chopped
How to Make Ricotta Cheese Dip
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, zesty lemon, salt, and black pepper. Proceed to incorporate the herbs.
Transfer the ricotta dip into a serving bowl. Swirl the surface with the spoon, then add olive oil. Season with salt (and sesame if you wish) to taste.
Arrange vegetables, sliced bread, chips, and/or crackers on the side.
If you want to go with the spinach recipe, you’ll have to cook the nuts and onions in a pan and then blend them together with the rest of the ingredients.
Additional Information
You can easily enjoy your dip for at least 2 days, just make sure to cover it properly and refrigerate.
Due to its moderate taste and adaptability, it complements both sweet and savory recipes. Ricotta is also a good source of protein, obtained mostly from whey. Protein powder is a complex carbohydrate that is high in necessary nutrients and has been shown to promote muscle development and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Ricotta cheese is also low in calories, making it an excellent option if you’re trying to cut down on your overall fat and kilojoule (energy) consumption. Ricotta is a healthier alternative since, unlike most cheeses, it contains less sodium and fat – 10% fat, 6% of which is saturated fat.
If you’re in the mood for some delicious and creamy ricotta cheese dip appetizers, don’t hesitate to pay us a visit at Glass and Vine restaurant. Located in the Coconut Grove near the sea, we’ll make sure that all of your senses are satisfied. From the amazing oasis-like setting to a delectable menu and refreshing drinks, this can be your much-needed escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
