Whipped Ricotta Spread (Printer-Friendly)
Light, creamy whipped ricotta spread ready in minutes. Perfect for appetizers or snacks.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
02 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
→ Seasonings
03 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Toppings
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 1 tablespoon honey
08 - Fresh thyme or basil leaves
09 - Crushed red pepper flakes
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and heavy cream.
02 - Using a hand mixer or food processor, whip the mixture on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light, airy, and smooth.
03 - Add olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Whip briefly to combine.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with extra olive oil and add desired toppings such as lemon zest, honey, fresh herbs, or red pepper flakes.
06 - Serve immediately with toasted bread, crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes exactly ten minutes from fridge to table and looks like you tried much harder than you did.
- The texture transforms ordinary ricotta into something so smooth you will want to eat it off a spoon standing over the sink.
02 -
- Not all ricotta is created equal and a watery brand will leave you with a soupy mess so drain it in a fine mesh strainer for ten minutes first.
- The spread tightens and loses its airy texture after a day in the fridge so it is truly best made right before serving.
03 -
- If you only have a fork and some determination you can still make this work, just mash vigorously against the side of the bowl for five minutes instead of using a mixer.
- Letting the ricotta come closer to room temperature before whipping is the single best thing you can do for texture.