Easy Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip with Tomatoes Recipe
This Easy Baked Ricotta Cheese Dip with Tomatoes is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. Made with whole milk ricotta, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with melted mozzarella for a deliciously bubbly finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Flavorings & Herbs
- 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
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives
Vegetables
- 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 6.5″ x 6.5″ baking dish with olive oil or non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Cheeses and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, finely grated or minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fold in Tomatoes: Using a rubber spatula or spoon, gently fold in the quartered cherry tomatoes to the ricotta mixture so they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the ricotta and tomato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.
- Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the dip is bubbling around the sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs on top. Serve warm or at room temperature as a creamy, flavorful dip for bread, crackers, or vegetables.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Avoid freezing as this can cause the ricotta to become grainy and alter the texture.
- Use room-temperature ricotta cheese to achieve a smoother consistency in your dip.
- Mix the ricotta cheese mixture gently and only until combined to avoid a grainy texture caused by overmixing.
- Do not overbake, as this will result in a dry and tough dip. Keep an eye on color and bubbling to determine doneness.
- Allow the dip to cool for a few minutes before serving so it won’t burn your mouth.
Keywords: ricotta cheese dip, baked cheese dip, tomato dip, easy appetizer, Italian dip recipe, baked ricotta
