Baked Ricotta Dip With Tomatoes and Olives

If you require a colorful, and flavorful appetizer or side dish, this Baked Ricotta Dip recipe will work perfectly. The creaminess and sweetness of the ricotta pairs beautifully with roasted tomatoes, olives, capers, and basil. Although easy to prepare, this baked ricotta makes a wonderful addition to a dinner party when it is served as an appetizer or side dish. To make the baked ricotta, grease a baking dish with olive oil and place the ricotta cheese in the center. Then, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers around the cheese, season with salt and pepper, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once garnished with basil, bake it in the oven until the ricotta is golden and the tomatoes are bursting.

What is Baked Ricotta Dip?

Baked ricotta is an Italian dish that can vary in Italian cuisine. While this version contains tomatoes, olives, capers, and basil, other versions might comprise of herbs and lemon, or even a combination of herbs and chili peppers.

Some baked ricotta recipes involve blending the ricotta with other cheeses and seasonings, spreading it into a baking dish, and baking it until hot and bubbling. Meanwhile, other recipes are more similar to this baked ricotta, including an entire portion of ricotta with fresh tomatoes and olives.

This dish is usually served as an appetizer or side dish along with slices of toasted Italian bread. Your dinner guests can simply spread some of the cheese on the bread, top it with some of the tomato mixture, and enjoy.

Pro Tips For the Best Baked Ricotta Dip

• Choose ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes as they will have the sweetest flavor.
• Feel free to season the mixture with your favorite seasonings such as crushed chili pepper, dried oregano, lemon zest, dried rosemary, and more.
• Bake the ricotta uncovered to ensure that it becomes golden in the oven.
• Use whatever olives you have on hand for this recipe. Both black and green olives will impart a wonderful briny flavor to the baked cheese.
• Consider garnishing the dish with some additional fresh basil once it is out of the oven for the most attractive appearance.
• If you would like to make it a meal, you could toss the cheese and tomato mixture with fresh cooked pasta rather than serving it with bread.
• Baked ricotta can be served hot out of the oven or cold from the fridge.

What to Serve with Baked Ricotta?

You can serve this baked ricotta with toasted Italian bread. The bread makes a perfect base for the creamy cheese and roasted tomatoes. This baked ricotta would also be wonderful tossed with hot pasta or spread onto crackers.

Can this Baked Ricotta be Made Ahead of Serving?

Yes, it definitely can! Since it is delicious served warm or cold, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge until are ready to serve it. However, if you prefer to serve it warm, you can simply warm it through in the oven just before serving it.

Does Ricotta Melt If Baked?

When ricotta is baked, it doesn’t melt like other cheeses. Instead, it becomes firmer and slightly golden on the outside while maintaining a soft and creamy texture on the inside. The heat enhances its flavors, giving it a richer, more robust taste without losing its moisture. This makes baked ricotta perfect for spreading, as it holds its shape but remains soft enough to be spread over bruschetta or used in various dishes.

How Long Can You Store Baked Ricotta?

You can cover the baking dish tightly and place it in the fridge where it will keep for up to 1 week. However, if you would like to keep it longer, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Can I Replace the Cherry Tomatoes with Other Tomatoes?

Yes, while cherry tomatoes are a perfect option in this appetizer, you can feel free to replace them with grape tomatoes, compari tomatoes, or even chopped Roma tomatoes. It is best that you use tomatoes that won’t produce too much juice and make the mixture soggy.

Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta?

Yes, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, but keep in mind that cottage cheese has a different texture—it's lumpier and has more moisture. To make it closer to ricotta’s consistency, you can drain the cottage cheese well or blend it briefly to smooth it out. The flavor will also be slightly tangier compared to the mild taste of ricotta, but it can still work well in baked dishes like this.

Does the Ricotta Need to Be Drained?

No, not at all! While some ricotta recipes, such as cheesecakes or cannoli fillings, may require that you drain the excess moisture from the ricotta cheese, it isn’t necessary with this baked ricotta recipe.

Can I Freeze This Ricotta Dip?

Yes, you can freeze this dip, but keep in mind that the texture of ricotta may change slightly after freezing, becoming grainier. If you do decide to freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Stir well after thawing to help restore the creaminess. However, the fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil may lose some of their texture and flavor after freezing.

More Ricotta Appetizers You Can't Miss!

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Phyllo Ricotta Triangles

Ricotta Frittata

Ricotta Spinach Focaccia Bread

Ricotta Balls With Tomato Sauce

Ricotta Herbs Fritters

How to Store Baked Ricotta

This baked ricotta should be tightly covered before placing it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 1 week.

How to Make Baked Ricotta

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

Drizzle a small baking dish with the olive oil.

Place the ricotta in the center of the baking dish.

Arrange the cherry tomatoes, black or green olives, and capers around the ricotta cheese in the baking dish.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, drizzle with additional olive oil, and sprinkle with basil leaves.

Bake in a 200°C/392°F oven for 30 minutes or until the ricotta is golden and the tomatoes are bursting.

Serve immediately or chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.