Name: Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip – Quick and Easy Recipes Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); Toasted bread, crackers, or veggies for serving

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Ever been handed a hot dish of cheesy goodness and just melted a little inside? That’s what this baked ricotta dip does to me. It’s my mom’s go-to starter, and I’ve probably eaten more of it than I’d ever admit at family get-togethers. It’s one of those quick and easy recipes you don’t even have to think about. You just mix, bake, and brace yourself for everyone asking if there’s more. The creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, a hint of garlic—oh, and don’t skip the Italian seasoning—come together like they’ve been best friends since college. What I love most? You can throw this together while your bread’s toasting in the air fryer or sneak it into your lineup of sweet easy recipes for an unexpected savory curveball. It’s ideal for quick evening snacks, and yes, it doubles beautifully for easy recipes for dinner parties. If I can make this while keeping one eye on my toddler and the other on not burning the garlic bread, so can you.

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

1) Key Takeaways

This baked ricotta dip is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
Perfect for quick and easy recipes or entertaining guests in a pinch.
Pairs well with toasted bread, crackers, or sliced veggies.
You can prep and bake it ahead of time, then reheat before serving.

2) Easy Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip Recipe

I’ll be honest. This dip has seen more of our dinner table than some family members. It’s warm, melty, and so simple that it practically makes itself. That’s the magic of quick and easy recipes like this one—you don’t need a special occasion. A craving and a little ricotta will do just fine.

We make it when the kids bring friends over, when my sister swings by “just for five minutes” (that always turns into an hour), or when I want something warm and salty to dip a crusty chunk of bread into while I’m still figuring out dinner. It’s the dish I rely on when I need something cozy and dependable without too much fuss.

And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients. It lands right in the middle of the easy recipes for dinner and quick evening snacks category. If you’re someone who appreciates recipes that feel homemade but don’t chain you to the kitchen, this one’s for you. It’s a little indulgent, a lot comforting, and totally foolproof.

3) Ingredients for Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip

Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show. I like whole milk ricotta for its rich, creamy body. It’s smooth and spreadable, and when baked, it develops this beautiful golden top with soft, cheesy layers beneath.

Mozzarella Cheese: This is where we get that irresistible stretch factor. Mozzarella gives the dip body and helps it hold together when scooped warm with crusty bread or veggies.

Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and bold. Parmesan is our secret punch of flavor. It browns nicely on top and balances the creamy ricotta like a charm.

Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory warmth that doesn’t overpower. It weaves flavor into every bite without being loud about it.

Onion Powder: Just enough to round out the garlic. It deepens the flavor in that background kind of way you only notice when it’s missing.

Italian Seasoning: Think oregano, thyme, basil. These herbs bring that warm, earthy aroma that makes the kitchen smell like something good’s happening.

Salt and Pepper: Go easy at first. The Parmesan is already salty, so taste as you go. Fresh cracked pepper finishes things off nicely.

Fresh Parsley (Optional): Totally optional, but it adds color and a bit of freshness. I use it if I remember, skip it if I don’t.

Bread, Crackers, or Veggies: These are your dippers. Toasted sourdough is my favorite. Carrots or cucumber if you’re keeping things lighter.

4) How to Make Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. This gives it time to get nice and toasty while you mix everything together. You want that perfect golden top, and that starts with a hot oven.

Step 2. Grab a bowl. Add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Then mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything’s combined into a thick, cheesy paste.

Step 3. Taste it. Add salt and pepper if needed. Parmesan does a lot of the heavy lifting, so don’t overdo the salt. A few turns of fresh black pepper give it a little bite.

Step 4. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish. I use an 8-inch round or something similar. Smooth the top just a bit. No need to be precise. Rustic is the goal here.

Step 5. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should bubble, and the top should get a hint of golden brown. That’s how you know it’s ready.

Step 6. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You want it warm but not lava-hot. Add parsley if using. Serve with your favorite bread or crisp veggies.

5) Tips for Making Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip

Let the cheese come to room temperature before mixing. Cold ricotta straight from the fridge tends to clump and resist blending. Give it 10 to 15 minutes on the counter first, and it’ll be much smoother to stir.

If you’re using low-moisture mozzarella, shred it yourself. Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents, which can make the texture weird when baked. A quick grate makes a noticeable difference in creaminess.

Want to add a little something extra? A handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives the dip a new vibe. I once added a spoonful of pesto on a whim and it was an instant hit. Quick and easy recipes love flexibility. Play with it.

6) Making Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip Ahead of Time

This is one of those rare dips that actually improves a bit when made ahead. You can mix everything the night before, cover it, and stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. That’s saved me more than once when guests arrive early and I haven’t changed out of sweats.

Don’t bake it until you need it. The freshness of the cheese blend and that just-baked texture really shine best straight from the oven. Pop it in about 30 minutes before you want to serve, and you’ll be good to go.

If you want to go all-in on prep, pre-toast your bread or chop veggies in advance. Quick evening snacks like this are all about having everything in place when the hunger hits. That, and a little melted cheese magic.

7) Storing Leftover Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip

Let leftovers cool completely before moving them to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the texture may thicken a bit, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Microwave it gently or use the oven to warm it through. Both work. I find the oven brings back some of that fresh-from-the-bake taste. Stir halfway through warming to keep the texture even.

And here’s a secret—leftover ricotta dip makes a great sandwich spread. Slather it on toast with roasted veggies or layer it into a grilled cheese. It’s one of those food receipt easy recipes that keeps on giving.

8) Try these Appetizers next!

9) Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip