herbed ricotta cheese dip

The beauty of this ricotta spread lies in the simple, milky creaminess of fresh ricotta. I just love the sweet milkiness and soft texture of really great ricotta cheese, and I really wanted it to shine in this ricotta cheese dip. I add a little interest with the rest of the mix-ins, but they’re just supporting actors.

A dollop of tangy sour cream to smooth out the flavors, bright lemon zest, and a big handful of fresh herbs. I love using a mix of equal parts chives, basil and mint, but use whatever soft herbs are sitting on your counter. 

Since this is such a simple dip, the little things matter. Use fresh ricotta, if you can. Put in the effort to finely mince the herbs– the food processor just isn’t the same. Drizzle the top with a peppery, punchy olive oil to lift up all the flavors. Sprinkle the ricotta dip with the crunchiest, fattest flakes of sea salt you can find (I’m looking at you, Maldon).

These are small, nit-picky details, but I promise you’ll notice the difference. And you’ll be happy you took the time to be a little extra with this herby ricotta snack.

the best foods to dip in this ricotta spread:

other ways to use this ricotta dip:

• Spread on bread, topped with fresh or oven roasted tomatoes
• Stirred into pasta
• Dolloped onto a frittata and baked
• Stuffed into mushrooms, topped with parmesan and baked
• Mixed with an egg, stuffed into pasta shells and baked
• Folded into scrambled eggs
• Spooned onto pizza
• Layered in homemade lasagna
• Spread onto sandwiches
• Dolloped on tomato soup
• Stuffed into squash blossoms, battered and fried
• Spread on a bagel and topped with lox

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spicy tuna tartare with cucumber, avocado and cilantro

fava bean toast with ricotta and crispy prosciutto

stuffed squash blossoms with herbs and ricotta

honey baked camembert with rosemary and chili flakes

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