Whipped Basil Ricotta Dip
This easy Whipped Basil Ricotta Dip is creamy, fresh, and packed with basil flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this no-cook ricotta dip takes about 5 minutes to make and is perfect with crusty bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted sourdough.
Servings 6 servings
Calories 94kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- Pinch sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add the ricotta, olive oil, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a food processor. Process for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the ricotta is smooth, creamy, and well blended. Taste the dip and add more salt, if desired.
- Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls in the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and add your choice of toppings.
Notes
Recipe should yield about 1½ cups or 6 servings if served as an appetizer.
Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. For a smoother dip, make sure to process for the full 1 to 2 minutes.
Drain excess liquid from very wet ricotta before blending.
If you don’t have a food processor you can still make this. Just whip the ricotta with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until it's smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. You can also whisk it by hand, it just takes a little more effort.
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, toasted sourdough, or fresh vegetables.
Add toppings just before serving.
Optional Toppings: Extra-virgin olive oil, chopped fresh basil, hot honey, chili garlic oil, roasted or fresh tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage: Transfer leftover ricotta dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as some separation may occur during refrigeration. For the best texture and flavor, let the dip sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Add fresh toppings just before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as ricotta can become grainy and watery after thawing.
Nutrition
Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 0.3mg
