Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish takes simple ricotta cheese and transforms it into something elegant and restaurant-worthy in just minutes. It’s smooth, airy, and endlessly customizable—perfect on toasted bread, with fresh fruit, or as part of a charcuterie board. Both savory and sweet variations make it adaptable for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Whole milk ricotta cheese
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Lemon zest or juice (optional)
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Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley (optional, for savory version)
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Honey (optional, for sweet version)
Directions
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Place ricotta in a food processor or mixing bowl.
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Blend or whip with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
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Drizzle in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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For savory, add lemon zest and fresh herbs. For sweet, add honey.
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Serve immediately with bread, crackers, fruit, or vegetables.
Servings and timing
Serves 6 people.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Savory Garlic Herb: Add roasted garlic and chopped herbs.
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Sweet Honey Almond: Stir in honey and top with toasted almonds.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
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Citrus Twist: Mix in orange or lemon zest for brightness.
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Pesto Swirl: Top with a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Whip again before serving if it loses some fluffiness.
Do not freeze, as ricotta’s texture does not hold up well after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, but whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest results.
Do I need a food processor?
No, a hand mixer or whisk works too, but a food processor makes it fluffier.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, it can be gently warmed in the microwave, but it’s usually served chilled or at room temperature.
What can I serve whipped ricotta with?
It’s delicious with crusty bread, crackers, fruit, roasted vegetables, or as a pizza topping.
Is whipped ricotta healthy?
Yes, it’s a protein-rich option and can be a lighter alternative to cream cheese-based dips.
Can I use ricotta straight from the container?
Yes, but whipping improves its texture and presentation.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a few hours before serving and store in the fridge.
What’s the best olive oil to use?
Extra virgin olive oil adds the richest flavor.
Can I sweeten it with something other than honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar also work well.
Does whipped ricotta separate?
Not if stored properly, but give it a quick stir if it looks slightly watery.
Conclusion
Whipped Ricotta is a simple yet elegant recipe that turns humble ricotta into a creamy, versatile spread. Whether you prepare it savory with herbs or sweet with honey, it’s perfect for entertaining or adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals
Whipped Ricotta
Whipped Ricotta is a light, creamy spread made by blending ricotta cheese until smooth and fluffy. Enhanced with olive oil, herbs, or honey, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or dessert topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley (optional, for savory version)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweet version)
Instructions
- Place ricotta cheese in a food processor or mixing bowl.
- Blend or whip with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Drizzle in olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- For a savory version, add lemon zest and fresh herbs. For a sweet version, mix in honey.
- Serve immediately with bread, crackers, fruit, or vegetables.
Notes
- Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture, but part-skim can be used.For extra flavor, swirl in pesto, roasted garlic, or hot honey.Best served fresh, but can be made a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated.Do not freeze as ricotta’s texture changes when thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg