Easy Baked Ricotta recipe is a rich, creamy ricotta bake appetizer flavored with honey and orange zest. Ricotta cheese dip makes a quick, warm, and bubbly spread perfect for entertaining!
Ricotta Bake with Honey
I have a thing for ricotta cheese. If you haven’t fallen in love with this light, fluffy fresh cheese, let’s see if I can get you onboard.
Similar to yogurt, ricotta brings a creamy tanginess without adding a lot of calories. Mix it with pasta, such as Easy Baked Pasta or Skillet Lasagna. Whisking it into an egg frittata builds a creamy structure.
Or use it as a secret weapon for making the creamiest grits ever!
This ingredient is so creamy and flavorful it can stand on its own, like in baked ricotta with honey. Serve honey ricotta dip with crudites, crackers, or add it to an epic charcuterie board!
What is Ricotta Cheese?
According to Bon Appetit, ricotta means “recooked” in Italian. Traditionally ricotta is was made by cooking the milk and separating the solids (also known as curds) from the liquids (called whey). Homemade yogurt uses a similar process.
When making ricotta the whey is heated, or “recooked,” to recogalate the small curds left behind. After straining the whey again fresh, fluffy cheese is left behind.
Does Ricotta Have to be Cooked or Oven Baked?
Since ricotta is a type of cheese, it does not have to be cooked to be eaten. Similar to other cheeses, enjoy ricotta cold or baked into dishes.
What Kind of Ricotta to Use for Ricotta Dip
For best results and flavor use whole milk ricotta, which contains more fat to boost the creaminess and flavor. Part skim ricotta may also be used if that is what is available or to save on calories.
Can Baked Honey Ricotta be frozen?
Since ricotta cheese contains so much moisture I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. It will become liquidy when thawed, which would alter the taste and texture.
Refrigerate baked ricotta leftovers for several days. To rewarm, simply rewarm in the microwave.
How to Make Baked Ricotta
- In a bowl mix together ricotta cheese, parmesan, egg, honey, orange zest, salt and pepper.
- Spoon into a greased ovenproof baking dish.
- Bake in 400ºF oven for 25 – 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm with suggested accompaniments below.
What to Serve with Baked Ricotta Dip
- Crostini (see below for how to make), freshly sliced french bread, or pita
- Crackers
- Dried fruits, such as apricots or dates
- Cured meats
- Fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, or bell peppers
- Sliced apples or pears
How to Make Crostini for Ricotta Appetizer
Easily make crostini at home! Preheat oven to 375ºF and slice a french baguette diagonally. Place french bread slices on a baking sheet, then brush each side with olive oil.
Bake for 7-8 minutes, flip, and bake 5-7 minutes longer. The crostini should be golden and toasted. Season with salt and pepper. For extra flavor rub with roasted garlic.
For entertaining make crostini ahead of time and freeze. Wrap securely in a freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air.
Ricotta Bake Recipe Adaptations and Tips
- Mix fresh or dried thyme into the whipped ricotta.
- Substitute pure maple syrup for the honey.
- Instead of orange zest, use lemon zest for a citrus flavor.
- For a zesty kick add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make plain baked ricotta by mixing ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, salt and pepper. If desired, pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Serve ricotta appetizer warm or enjoy at room temperature. To rewarm, simply microwave it till hot.
- Garnish with toasted pistachios, almonds, fresh thyme, additional honey, or orange zest.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Baked Brie Cranberry has an easy, tangy roasted cranberry orange sauce over warmed baked brie.
Spinach Balls with spicy sweet mustard dipping sauce are guaranteed to go fast.
Avocado Shrimp Salsa uses fresh ingredients, easily tossed together to make one surprisingly flavorful and addictive appetizer.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe combines fresh spinach and artichokes blended into a cheesy, ultra smooth, parmesan garlic sauce.
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Baked Ricotta
Ingredients
- 15 ounce tub ricotta, whole milk preferred
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey
- zest of 1 orange
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and butter a small ovenproof baking dish. Set aside.
- In a bowl beat together ricotta cheese, parmesan, egg, honey, orange zest, salt and pepper.
- Spoon into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm with suggested accompaniments below.
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Recipe Notes
- Crostini, freshly sliced french bread, or pita
- Crackers
- Dried fruits, such as apricots or dates
- Cured meats
- Fresh vegetables, like carrots, celery, or bell peppers
- Sliced apples or pears
- Mix fresh or dried thyme into the whipped ricotta.
- Substitute pure maple syrup for the honey.
- Instead of orange zest, use lemon zest for a citrus flavor.
- For a zesty kick add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Plain baked ricotta may be made by mixing ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, salt and pepper. If desired, pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Ricotta appetizer is best served warm, but may also be enjoyed at room temperature. To rewarm, simply microwave it till hot.
- Garnish with toasted pistachios, almonds, fresh thyme, additional honey, or orange zest.
Nutrition
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Items used to make this recipe:
Small Cast Iron Skillet Hand Held Mixer Mixing Bowl
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