Baked Ricotta Dip is a delicious and savory dish that combines creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, and a blend of cheeses to create a perfect party appetizer or a comforting snack. With garlic herb seasoning, provolone, and mozzarella cheese, this dip is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a game-day spread, or just craving something indulgent, this baked dip will be the star of the show.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ricotta Dip 🧀🍞
Baked Ricotta Dip is a crowd-pleaser in every sense. It’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. The smooth ricotta cheese provides a creamy base, while the sour cream adds a delightful tang. Garlic and garlic herb seasoning mix bring depth to the dip, making it aromatic and satisfying. The combination of provolone and mozzarella cheese melts into a gooey, delicious topping that makes every bite irresistible.
One of the best things about this dip is its versatility. You can serve it with an array of dippables such as crusty bread, chips, or fresh vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s a great dish for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home with family and friends. Additionally, it’s easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how much everyone enjoys it!
What You’ll Need
To make this flavorful Baked Ricotta Dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients for the Baked Ricotta Dip:
- 8 oz Ricotta cheese 🧀: The star ingredient of this dip. Ricotta adds creaminess and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 16 oz Sour cream 🥛: Adds tanginess and richness to the dip. It helps balance the flavor and gives the dip a smooth texture.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced 🧄: Garlic is the flavor powerhouse in this dip, offering a savory, aromatic base for the dish.
- 2 tbsp Garlic Herb Seasoning Mix 🌿: A pre-made garlic herb seasoning mix will save you time while adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, shredded 🧀: Provolone melts beautifully and brings a smoky, rich flavor to the dip.
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀: Mozzarella adds gooeyness and stretches wonderfully as it melts, making every bite even more delightful.
For Serving:
- Crusty bread, chips, or fresh vegetables: The perfect dippers for this creamy dip, adding a crunchy contrast to the rich texture of the dip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Baked Ricotta Dip is incredibly simple and takes just a few steps. Follow these easy instructions, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready to serve in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the dip will bake evenly and that the cheese will melt perfectly.
Step 2: Combine the Dip Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and garlic herb seasoning mix. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a smooth, creamy base. The ricotta and sour cream should blend together without any lumps.
Step 3: Add the Shredded Cheeses
Next, add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses to the ricotta mixture. Stir everything together until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating a smooth and gooey texture.
Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the dip mixture into a small to medium-sized baking dish. An 8×8-inch or similar size dish works well for this recipe. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, making sure it’s well-distributed and smooth on top.
Step 5: Bake the Dip
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know the dip is ready when the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned, creating a deliciously crispy edge.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the dip is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. You can serve it immediately with your choice of dippers. Crusty bread, tortilla chips, sliced vegetables like carrots and celery, or even crackers all work perfectly for dipping.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Baked Ricotta Dip turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the creamiest, richest dip, use full-fat ricotta and sour cream. These will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Garlic Flavor: If you love garlic, feel free to increase the amount of minced garlic or garlic herb seasoning mix. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dip.
- Ensure the Cheese is Shredded: Make sure to shred your provolone and mozzarella cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the dip a smoother, creamier texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dip while it’s in the oven. It should be golden and bubbly on top but not overcooked. Overbaking can make the dip dry.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a large crowd, consider doubling the ingredients and using a larger baking dish. This dip is sure to go quickly!
Variations to Try
While the classic Baked Ricotta Dip is already packed with flavor, you can make it even more exciting by trying these fun variations:
1. Spinach and Artichoke Ricotta Dip
Add cooked spinach and artichoke hearts to the ricotta mixture for a hearty twist on the classic recipe. These vegetables add freshness and texture, creating a deliciously savory dip.
2. Bacon Baked Ricotta Dip
If you’re a fan of bacon, add crumbled cooked bacon to the dip for an irresistible smoky flavor. Bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy ricotta and melted cheeses.
3. Pesto Ricotta Dip
For a herby, vibrant flavor, mix in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto with the ricotta and sour cream. The pesto will give the dip a burst of fresh, aromatic taste that complements the creamy cheese base.
4. Spicy Baked Ricotta Dip
Add a little heat by mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This spicy twist will add a zesty kick to the dip, balancing perfectly with the creamy texture.
5. Sun-Dried Tomato Ricotta Dip
Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor. The tangy, slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes provide a delicious contrast to the creamy ricotta.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely with this tasty dip!), here’s how you can store and reheat your Baked Ricotta Dip:
Storing:
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept for a few days without losing too much flavor.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute the provolone and mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or fontina. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will provide varying flavors and textures, so experiment with what you like best.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I use a dairy-free version?
To make this dip dairy-free, substitute the ricotta cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives. Many brands offer plant-based ricotta and sour cream that will work well in this recipe. You can also use dairy-free shredded cheese to top the dip.
What can I serve with Baked Ricotta Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with crusty baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips. The creamy dip complements crunchy, savory dippers beautifully.
The Final Word
Baked Ricotta Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dip will never disappoint. With minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and a flavor-packed punch, this dip is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So next time you’re craving a savory, comforting snack, reach for the ricotta, grab the garlic, and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!