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Whipped Ricotta with Fresh Herbs, Lemon, and Honey Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

Whipped Ricotta is a light, creamy spread made by whipping whole milk ricotta cheese with bright lemon zest and juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, and fresh herbs. This versatile appetizer comes together quickly, is perfect for serving with crostini or fresh bread, and is ideal for entertaining or a simple snack.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Whipped Ricotta Spread

  • 15 ounces Whole milk ricotta
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • 2 teaspoons Honey
  • 4-6 tablespoons Finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, mint, basil, plus more for garnish)
  • ¼ teaspoon Freshly ground pepper
  • Kosher salt to taste

For Serving

  • Crostini or fresh bread

Instructions

  1. Whip Ricotta: Place the whole milk ricotta into a medium-sized bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the ricotta until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
  2. Add Flavors: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ricotta is incorporated. Stir in the olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice evenly. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  3. Mix in Herbs: Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh herbs to distribute their flavors throughout the whipped ricotta.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the whipped ricotta with additional olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with extra chopped herbs and freshly cracked black pepper for garnish.
  5. Store Properly: Cover the whipped ricotta and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If preparing ahead of time, delay adding fresh herbs until just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor. Serve chilled alongside toasted crostini, fresh baguette slices, or your favorite bread.

Notes

  • If preparing in advance, omit the herbs during storage and add them fresh right before serving to maintain their brightness.
  • Adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice according to your taste preference for sweetness and acidity.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture; part-skim ricotta may be less rich.
  • Try substituting different fresh herbs or adding a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Serve as an elegant appetizer or as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian