Whipped Ricotta with Olive Oil (Printable)
Fluffy, creamy ricotta blended with olive oil and seasonings creates an elegant spread perfect for bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
→ Oils & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Toppings
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - 1 tablespoon honey
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (basil, chives, or parsley)
08 - Crushed red pepper flakes
# Directions:
01 - Place the ricotta cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the ricotta on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until very smooth, light, and fluffy.
02 - Add olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
03 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
04 - Transfer whipped ricotta to a serving bowl. Top with lemon zest, honey, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, if using.
05 - Serve immediately with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms a humble tub of ricotta into something that tastes like it belongs at a fancy restaurant for zero effort.
- The texture is so silky and cloudlike that people will assume you did way more work than you actually did.
02 -
- Drain your ricotta in a fine mesh strainer for twenty minutes beforehand if it looks watery because excess liquid ruins the fluffy texture.
- A food processor works even better than a hand mixer if you have one, producing an almost buttery consistency.
03 -
- If you can find fresh ricotta from an Italian deli, grab it because the difference in texture and flavor is night and day compared to supermarket brands.
- Warm your serving bowl slightly before plating so the ricotta spreads beautifully and releases more aroma.