Description
Savor the creamy, tangy goodness of Baked Lemon Ricotta Dip with Blackberries, a perfect appetizer blending rich cheeses with fresh lemon and sweet blackberries. Ideal for entertaining, this Italian-inspired dip is baked to bubbly perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 6 ounces blackberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the dip.
- Prepare the Dish: Lightly spritz a 9-inch oval baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, softened goat cheese, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh thyme, minced garlic, coarse salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Blend for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy ricotta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top gently.
- Add Blackberries: Gently distribute the fresh blackberries over the top of the ricotta mixture, ensuring an even layer for baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and lightly golden around the edges.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey. Garnish with additional fresh thyme and a pinch of coarse salt to enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- Serve the dip warm accompanied by toasted bread, baguette slices, or assorted crackers for a delightful appetizer experience.
- The combination of blackberries and honey provides a natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the cheeses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheated before serving.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
