Ricotta Cheese Dip (Easy Baked Appetizer with Tomatoes & Herbs)

This easy ricotta cheese dip is warm, creamy, and baked until bubbly, the kind of effortless appetizer that looks elegant but takes almost no work. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, a holiday party, or need a last-minute appetizer, this baked ricotta dip delivers big flavor with minimal prep.

Made with fresh ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, a touch of garlic, lemon, and herbs, this creamy ricotta cheese dip, like my Crock-Pot Jalapeno Popper Dip and BLT Dip, will have your guests asking for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a fancy Christmas party, or a special occasion, this ricotta cheese dip is sure to impress.

Reasons to love this recipe

1. Only 5 minutes of prep - perfect for last-minute guests
2. Simple ingredients you probably already have
3. Warm, baked, and creamy, with a golden cheesy top
4. No special equipment required
5. Easy to dress up or customize for holidays or parties

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Ricotta cheese – I highly recommend using whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Part-skim ricotta tends to bake up dry and grainy.
• Mozzarella and parmesan cheese – because you can never have too much cheese.
• Lemon juice – freshly squeezed- adds a nice citrusy element to the dip.
• Garlic cloves – add a savory flavor that complements the creamy, tangy ricotta cheese.
• Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper – enhance all of the other flavors.
• Cherry tomatoes – add a beautiful pop of color and a burst of sweetness.
• Fresh herbs – add flavor and color to the dip. You can use fresh thyme, parsley, or chives.

Recipe variations

This ricotta cheese dip is endlessly customizable, so you can get creative with different toppings and add-ins. Here are some ideas:

• A drizzle of honey, balsamic vinegar, truffle oil, hot honey, or even a bit of olive oil over the baked dip will add even more flavor. Try adding a pinch of flaky sea salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat.
• Nuts or seeds, such as roasted pecans, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds, would make excellent toppings.
• Other tasty toppings include cooked mushroom slices, capers, sliced olives, crumbled bacon, or tapenade. Even a dollop of cranberry sauce or cranberry relish would work.
• Lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted or fresh vegetables, chopped fresh spinach, or artichokes can be added to the dip before baking.
• Finally, you can add all of the recipe ingredients except the parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes to the bowl of a food processor and process or whip it, skip baking it, and serve it as a cold whipped ricotta dip.

How to make baked ricotta cheese dip

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 6.5″ x 6.5-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick baking spray.
2. Add the ricotta, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl and stir until combined.

3. Use a rubber spatula or spoon and gently fold in the cherry tomatoes.

4. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, and smooth it out.

5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

6. Add to the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the dip bubbles around the sides.

7. Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the dip. This baked dip is best served while it’s still warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

• One of the best things about baked Ricotta Cheese Dip, besides being delicious, is that there are so many serving options.
• This delicious dip can be served with purchased or homemade crostini, pita chips, sturdy crackers such as Wheat Thins or Triscuits, crusty bread, or baguette slices. If you want to be a little healthier, serve it with vegetables such as celery or carrot sticks, broccoli or cauliflower florets, or bell pepper strips.
• You can also put your own spin on this easy appetizer and serve it with fresh fruit such as strawberries, grapes, figs, or apple and pear slices.

How to store leftover ricotta cheese dip

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing it. The ricotta will become grainy, and it changes the texture.
• Ricotta cheese dip can be reheated in a preheated 350°F oven; before reheating, add a splash of milk or heavy cream and mix it up. Cover and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. It can dry out if reheated too long, so pull it out as soon as it is warm.

More easy dip recipes you’ll love

For more dips, check out all of my appetizer recipes here.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

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