Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic brings me right back to the smell of warm, sweet garlic slowly cooking in my grandmother’s skillet soft, gentle, and coaxing everyone to the table. Those tiny rituals stay with you: a scooped spoon, a shared smile, and a dip passed around until the bowl is completely empty.
I’m Maggie Hart in spirit a home cook who learned in church basements and at my mother’s elbow, trading tips with neighbors and filling my kitchen with simple, comforting dishes. I grew up in Louisville, where casseroles and skillet dinners were Sunday night staples. Over the years, I learned to keep things straightforward and family-friendly, to test recipes in real weeknight settings, and to lean on pantry basics. My philosophy centers on comfort made simple: food that soothes without fuss, recipes that fit into busy lives, and flavors that feel like home. I share recipes that skip pork by default and welcome busy families who want tasty, dependable meals.
I love teaching how small, deliberate touches can change a dish roasting garlic until it mellows, folding cool ricotta into tangy feta for a creamy lift, or finishing a dip with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs. The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic brings those ideas together.
It’s the kind of dish you can make before guests arrive and watch vanish from the platter. If you like softly roasted garlic and a cheese dip that feels both rustic and elegant, this recipe will become a go-to for weeknights and entertaining alike. For a sweet ricotta dessert twist, try my almond lemon ricotta cake as a companion to savory spreads like this one: almond lemon ricotta cake with lemon glaze.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this dish
This is one of those recipes that checks a lot of boxes: fast prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, crowd-pleasing flavor, and a texture that’s creamy without being heavy. The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic marries the salty tang of feta with the silky creaminess of ricotta, and roasting the garlic sends mild, nutty sweetness into the mix. It’s comfort food that still feels light and fresh. You’ll notice how the garlic’s sharp edge smooths into a mellow warmth, letting the cheeses sing without overpowering your crackers or vegetables.
I often bring this dip to potlucks because it travels well and looks pretty with a drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of fresh herbs. The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic adapts easily: make it a touch thinner with a splash of olive oil or cream for drizzling, or keep it thick for scooping with pita chips. For weekday dinners, it’s a lovely appetizer while the main cooks; for weekend guests, it pairs wonderfully with charcuterie and roasted vegetables. If you enjoy ricotta-rich baked treats, you might also like the simplicity of my chocolate and ricotta cake: chocolate and ricotta cake recipe both recipes showcase ricotta’s lovely, versatile nature.
Making Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic at home
This recipe comes together in a few straightforward steps. Roast a bulb of garlic until the cloves soften and melt; that caramelized garlic is the backbone of flavor. Combine one part feta with one part ricotta for a mix that’s both tangy and creamy. The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic gets its airy texture from a quick blitz in the food processor or with an immersion blender no heavy creams needed. Taste and season carefully: feta brings saltiness, so add only a little extra salt if you must.
I like to make the dip ahead of time. It actually benefits from a short rest in the refrigerator where the flavors meld and the roasted garlic infuses the cheeses. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so it loosens up and the flavors wake. Pair the Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic with crudités, toasted baguette slices, pita, or warm flatbread. For a little contrast, top the dip with roasted cherry tomatoes or a spoonful of honey for a sweet-savory riff. If you’re curious about small ricotta-based cookies to serve alongside, try these almond ricotta chocolate chip cookies for a sweet bite: almond ricotta chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 bulb roasted garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and roast for about 30-35 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, and the roasted garlic (squeezed from the bulb).
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the dip drizzled with olive oil, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving ideas
Think about this dip as a versatile star: it becomes a rustic spread on crostini, a smooth companion to raw vegetables, or a creamy component on a mezze board. When you serve the Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic, present it in a shallow bowl so people can dig in and enjoy the texture. Add a final flourish olive oil puddles, cracked pepper, a few torn basil leaves or chives. You can also top it with crushed toasted pistachios for a nutty crunch or a spoonful of harissa for a spicy kick.
For casual gatherings, offer sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, pita wedges, and warm naan. For a fancier touch, pair the Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic with marinated olives, preserved lemons, and roasted peppers on the side. If you like contrasting flavors, drizzle honey lightly over part of the dip it pairs beautifully with feta’s brine. Serving this dip alongside a bright salad and warm bread makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing starter. If you want another loaf to serve, my almond ricotta coconut loaf is a simple bake that goes well with savory spreads: almond ricotta coconut loaf.
How to store it properly
This dip holds up well in the fridge, making it a practical make-ahead dish. Put the Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The texture will firm up when cold; simply take it out 20–30 minutes before serving to let it come back toward room temperature. If it seems a touch dry after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon or two of olive oil or a splash of milk to loosen it.
If you need to keep it a bit longer, the dip freezes acceptably but with some texture change. Freeze in a shallow, airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir; fresh herbs are best added after thawing. When transporting to a party, pack the dip chilled with an ice pack and finish the garnish on site to keep it looking fresh and appetizing. The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic stays flavorful after resting, which makes planning ahead easy and stress-free.
Simple tips for success
Use good-quality ricotta and feta fresh ricotta brings a clean, milky base, while a block of feta you crumble yourself tastes fresher than pre-crumbled versions. When you roast the garlic, check the cloves: they should be soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. Let the roasted garlic cool before squeezing it into the bowl; hot garlic can change the texture of the cheeses.
Blend to just the right consistency stop when the mixture is silky but still has body. Taste before adding salt; feta adds saltiness, so you may not need much. The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic benefits from a final olive oil drizzle for richness and sheen. If you prefer a looser dip, add olive oil or a splash of milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired texture. For ease, keep a food processor or an immersion blender handy; both work well.
Flavor variations
This dip invites small, simple variations. For a sweeter balance, top the Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic with a spoonful of honey and some toasted walnuts. For a Mediterranean twist, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of oregano. Add a spoonful of caramelized onion for deep, sweet umami, or a dash of smoked paprika for warmth and color.
If you want herb-forward brightness, blend in a handful of fresh dill or parsley. For a spicier edge, mix in a little preserved lemon or a touch of chili paste. These easy tweaks let you keep the basic Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic recipe and tailor it to seasons, menus, or your pantry supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use low-fat ricotta or feta for this dip?
A: Yes, you can, but note that low-fat versions may produce a slightly thinner texture and less richness. If you use low-fat cheeses, consider adding a teaspoon or two of olive oil to enrich the texture without changing the flavor profile much.
Q: How long can I keep leftovers in the refrigerator?
A: Store the Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the dip to come to room temperature before serving and stir in a little oil if it seems dry.
Q: Can I make this nut-free and still add crunch?
A: Absolutely. Replace nuts with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, or serve with crisp vegetables and toasted pita chips to add texture without nuts.
Q: What if I don’t have a food processor?
A: Use an immersion blender or whisk vigorously by hand after mashing the roasted garlic into the cheeses; the texture will be a bit more rustic but still delicious.
Conclusion
The Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic is one of those simple, reliable recipes that brings people together without fuss. If you want a different but related take one that adds honey and a slightly sweeter finish there’s a lovely version to explore at Whipped Feta Roasted Garlic Dip with Honey – Noble Pig.
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Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Roasted Garlic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful dip that combines whipped feta and ricotta with roasted garlic, perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 bulb roasted garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and roast for about 30-35 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, and the roasted garlic (squeezed from the bulb).
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the dip drizzled with olive oil, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, make the dip ahead of time and let it rest in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean