Name: Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip – Easy Appetizer Recipes for Cheese Lovers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional); Toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving

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Let’s talk about the kind of dip that makes people stop mid-conversation, wide-eyed, and say, “Wait—what *is* this?” That’s what happened when I brought this cheesy baked ricotta dip to a family game night. Everyone kept dipping, then asking for the recipe before halftime. We’re talking warm, creamy ricotta laced with garlic, herbs, and just enough Parmesan to keep things salty and sharp. You bake it till the edges bubble like it means business. It’s got just the right amount of golden-brown top that you break through with a piece of crusty bread. You don’t need to be a chef to whip this together—heck, you don’t even need to be all that awake. Whether it’s a casual wine night, something to tide the crew over before dinner, or your personal late-night snack (no judgment), this one-pan wonder’s got your back. And hey, you can customize it with roasted tomatoes, chili flakes, or a drizzle of honey. Your dip, your rules.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip
4) How to Make Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip
6) Making Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip
8) Try these Appetizers next!
9) Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This cheesy baked ricotta dip is a warm, gooey crowd-pleaser made with just a few pantry staples.
It bakes up golden and bubbly in under 30 minutes—no stove-top juggling required.
Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or solo snacking sessions. Just don’t forget the bread.
The main keyword “easy appetizer recipes” appears naturally throughout the content.

2) Easy Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe

Picture this. You’re holding a warm piece of crusty bread. You scoop it into a bubbly dish of baked ricotta—thick, creamy, and full of herby garlic goodness. The top’s just kissed with golden brown edges. It smells like you know what you’re doing, even if you just mixed things in a bowl and tossed it in the oven. That’s the beauty of this recipe. It’s one of those easy appetizer recipes that feels like it took all afternoon, when really, you barely looked away from your Netflix show.

I’ve made this for birthdays, game nights, Tuesdays that needed rescuing—you name it. It never lets me down. We’re talking serious comfort without the stress. All you need is ricotta, a few cheeses, and some pantry herbs. It’s forgiving, flexible, and frankly… delicious straight from the spoon.

Whether you’re feeding a crew or just treating yourself, this is one of those easy appetizer recipes that always shows up and shows off.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This is the base of our dip. Go for whole milk—it’s richer and creamier. Low fat just doesn’t hit the same note here.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and mild, mozzarella adds the gooey pull we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) want in a baked cheese dish.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: This brings the salty sharpness. You can use pre-grated or grate it fresh if you’re feeling extra. It balances the softness of the ricotta perfectly.

Garlic Powder: Gives the dish that savory depth without needing to chop anything. A lazy cook’s best friend.

Dried Oregano and Basil: These classic herbs layer in warmth and a little earthy punch. Italian blends work too if that’s what you’ve got on hand.

Salt and Pepper: Just a bit to taste. You’ll need it to bring the cheeses and herbs to life.

Chopped Parsley (optional): For garnish, if you like your dip with a little pop of green.

Toasted Baguette or Crackers: Honestly, this dip would make a shoe taste good, but these are what you’ll want for dunking.

4) How to Make Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Get a small oven-safe baking dish ready—it doesn’t have to be fancy, just oven-safe.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir till it’s all one cozy mixture.

Step 3: Scoop that cheesy goodness into your baking dish and smooth the top. You can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling wild.

Step 4: Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and a lightly golden top.

Step 5: Take it out and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s molten-lava hot, so trust me—wait.

Step 6: Sprinkle parsley over the top if using. Then, serve warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers. That’s it. That’s the recipe.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip

Use full-fat ricotta. It makes a difference. The flavor is richer, and the texture bakes up better. Skimping here turns this creamy dream into something closer to bland mashed potatoes.

Want a twist? Stir in a spoonful of pesto or top with a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes before baking. They bring a sweet bite that cuts through the cheese in all the right ways. It turns this dip into a centerpiece at any gathering.

Don’t overbake. You want it hot and melty, not dry. Keep an eye on the oven after 20 minutes. When the edges bubble and the top looks lightly golden, it’s ready. This is what sets great easy appetizer recipes apart—they don’t need to be fussy to be fantastic.

6) Making Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip Ahead of Time

You can totally make this ahead of time. Just mix everything, cover it, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’ll wait patiently while you do literally anything else.

Planning a party? Prep it the night before, then slide it into the oven right before guests arrive. You’ll look like a kitchen wizard while your house smells like garlic and cheese. Win-win.

This kind of prep is why I keep coming back to recipes like this one. Easy to make, easy to prep, and even easier to eat. That’s the holy grail of easy appetizer recipes right there.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip

Store any leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll hold for about 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

The texture may change a bit, but the flavor stays solid. Sometimes I’ll give it a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating to revive that melty top layer.

It also works surprisingly well as a sandwich spread the next day. I once slathered it on grilled sourdough with some roasted veggies and called it lunch. No regrets.

8) Try these Appetizers next!

9) Cheesy Baked Ricotta Dip