Dessert

Easy Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip with Tomatoes Recipe

ByLily Monroe December 7, 2025December 7, 2025

Introduction

This easy baked ricotta cheese dip with tomatoes is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With the richness of ricotta and a fresh burst from cherry tomatoes, it’s simple to make and sure to impress your guests.

A white square dish holds a creamy baked dip covered with a golden-bubbly layer of melted cheese, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The top layer of cheese looks smooth and slightly browned around edges. Underneath, some red pieces hint at tomatoes mixed in the dip. On three sides inside the dish, several light brown toasted crostini with a crunchy texture stand upright, partly dipped in the warm cheesy mixture. In the background, a bunch of fresh red cherry tomatoes still on the vine and green herb leaves rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 6.5″ x 6.5″ baking dish with olive oil or non-stick baking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
Step 3: Gently fold in the quartered cherry tomatoes using a rubber spatula or spoon.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the dip bubbles around the sides.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use room-temperature ricotta cheese for a smoother texture in your dip.
Don’t overmix the ricotta mixture to avoid a grainy texture; gentle folding works best.
Try different fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a flavor twist.
Avoid overbaking to keep the dip moist and creamy rather than dry or tough.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Freezing is not recommended as ricotta’s texture may turn grainy after thawing.