This 10-minute honey whipped ricotta dip topped with cranberry sauce (or your favorite jam), pecans, thyme and a drizzle of honey is an easy show-stopping appetizer for any gathering. The whipped ricotta is rich, creamy and bright, while the sweet-tart cranberry topping and crunchy pecans create wonderful contrast. Best of all, it comes together in minutes.
Appetizers for dinner are my favorite, and this vibrant honey whipped ricotta dip is the perfect example — colorful, creamy and satisfying. I love keeping ingredients on hand during the holidays so I can pull this together quickly for unexpected guests.
Why We Love This Whipped Ricotta Dip
This honey-whipped ricotta with cranberry sauce, pecans and fresh thyme has been a favorite for years because it’s fast, versatile and always gets compliments. After friends started asking for the recipe, I knew I had to share it.
This whipped ricotta is:
- ready in about 10 minutes
- easy to customize
- perfect with toasted baguette, crackers or pita
- beautiful and festive for entertaining
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Whole milk ricotta: Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Brands vary in consistency, so choose a ricotta that’s thick and rich.
- Cranberry sauce or jam: Whole-berry cranberry sauce is classic here, but any jam or preserves (wild blueberry, cherry, etc.) will work well.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the ricotta—add a little lemon zest if you like.
Ways to Vary This Recipe
- Swap the cranberry sauce for another jam or fruit preserve.
- Use different nuts: chopped walnuts, pistachios or toasted pecans.
- Change the herbs: rosemary, parsley or basil are great alternatives to thyme.
- Use hot honey instead of regular honey for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a food processor, combine ricotta, lemon juice, a pinch of sea salt and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse to combine.
Step 2: Process until smooth and creamy, adding more olive oil as needed to reach your preferred texture and flavor.
Step 3: Slice a baguette and brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
Step 4: Bake the slices at 350°F on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Serve with crackers, pita chips or soft pita if you prefer.
Step 5: Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow dish. Drizzle honey over the top and gently swirl it into the ricotta. Spread cranberry sauce or jam over the surface, then sprinkle with chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves and orange zest. Serve with warm bread or chips.
Recipe Tips
Make ahead: You can whip the ricotta a day in advance and store it chilled. For best presentation, add the honey, cranberry sauce and toppings shortly before serving.
Mix and match: Try different jams, nuts and herbs — wild blueberry jam and toasted pecans are especially delicious.
Storage
Store leftover whipped ricotta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. A small amount of liquid may separate; stir it back in before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
Cranberry Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- pinch sea salt
- 1–2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or jam
- 2 Tbsp chopped pecans
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
Instructions
- Combine ricotta, lemon juice, sea salt and olive oil in a food processor. Start with 1 tablespoon oil and add more if needed.
- Process until smooth and creamy.
- Spread ricotta in a shallow serving dish. Drizzle honey over the top and swirl lightly. Spread cranberry sauce over the ricotta and sprinkle with chopped pecans, thyme and orange zest.
- Slice and brush baguette with olive oil. Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until toasted. Serve warm with the dip.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days; stir any separated liquid back in before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
Make ahead: Whip the ricotta ahead and assemble toppings just before serving for best presentation.
Baguette not included in nutrition information. Nutrition estimates apply to a 4-tablespoon serving of the prepared dip.
Nutrition
Calories: 168 kcal, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 7 g, Fat: 11 g (per ~4 Tbsp serving). Nutrition is an approximation.