Whipped Ricotta Spread (Printer-Friendly)
Light, fluffy ricotta blended with cream, olive oil, and citrus zest for a versatile spread ideal for appetizers or snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 1 cup (250 g) fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese, drained
02 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
→ Seasonings
03 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
→ Garnish
07 - 1 tablespoon honey or hot honey (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (basil, chives, or parsley; optional)
09 - Flaky sea salt, to taste (optional)
10 - Cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
11 - Toasted bread or crostini, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Place the drained ricotta and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the ricotta on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light, smooth, and fluffy.
03 - Add the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest, folding gently until just incorporated.
04 - Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon zest as needed.
05 - Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and flaky sea salt if desired.
06 - Serve immediately with toasted bread or crostini, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns three everyday ingredients into something that tastes genuinely luxurious, and your guests will never guess how simple it was.
- The texture is impossibly light and cloudlike, nothing like the dense ricotta you scoop straight from the tub.
- It doubles as a dip, a spread, or a elegant appetizer course depending entirely on how you present it.
02 -
- Low fat ricotta will leave you with a grainy, watery mess, so always choose full fat and drain it well before whipping.
- The texture firms up in the fridge, so if you make it ahead, let it sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes and give it a quick stir before serving.
03 -
- Use a spoon to create decorative swoops in the ricotta before garnishing, because the ridges catch the honey and oil and make every bite look beautiful.
- A teaspoon of lemon juice added at the end gives a tangy edge that transforms this from good to unforgettable, but add it slowly and taste as you go.