Baked Lemon Ricotta Blackberry Dip

This baked lemon ricotta dip with blackberries and honey is the perfect balance of sweet and savory for your next gathering. The warm, creamy cheese base contrasts beautifully with juicy blackberries and sweet honey drizzle, creating an appetizer that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

I first made this dip for a summer garden party last year, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now I keep ricotta and goat cheese on hand all summer long so I can whip this up whenever friends drop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Provides the creamy base make sure to get the highest quality you can find for the best texture
• Fresh goat cheese: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the berries and honey
• Fresh thyme: Brings an earthy aromatic quality that elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary
• Lemon zest and juice: Brighten the entire dish and complement the blackberries perfectly
• Fresh blackberries: Should be plump and deeply colored for the best flavor and presentation
• Good quality honey: For drizzling look for local varieties with distinctive flavor profiles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Coat a shallow baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. An oval 9inch dish works beautifully but any dish with at least 3cup capacity will work. The shallow depth ensures the dip cooks evenly and creates the perfect ratio of creamy interior to slightly golden top.

Create the cheese mixture:

Combine ricotta, goat cheese, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped thyme, minced garlic, salt and pepper in your food processor. Let it run for a full two minutes this creates an incredibly smooth and airy texture that makes the final dip irresistible. The egg helps bind everything together and gives the dip a soufflé like quality when baked.

Add blackberries and bake:

Pour the cheese mixture into your prepared dish and scatter blackberries across the top. The blackberries will sink slightly into the cheese mixture as they bake. Place in your preheated 400°F oven and bake for 30 minutes until you see the edges bubbling and the berries releasing their juicy goodness into the dip.

Finish with honey and garnishes:

While the dip is still warm, drizzle honey generously over the top allowing it to melt slightly into the hot dip. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt to finish. These final touches add layers of flavor that make each bite slightly different and utterly delicious.

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This recipe reminds me of summers spent at my grandmother's house where we would pick fresh blackberries from wild bushes growing along the fence line. She taught me that the simplest ingredients often make the most memorable dishes when treated with care and attention.

Make Ahead Options

This dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the cheese mixture, transfer to your baking dish, cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the blackberries and bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. This makes it perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute preparation.

Serving Suggestions

While this dip is stunning on its own, what you serve alongside it matters too. Slices of toasted baguette provide the perfect crisp contrast to the creamy dip. For a gluten free option, rice crackers or sturdy vegetable slices like cucumber rounds work beautifully. I also love setting out breadsticks for easy dipping. The dip is best served warm but is still delicious at room temperature, making it ideal for buffet style gatherings.

Seasonal Variations

Though blackberries shine in this recipe, you can adapt it throughout the year using seasonal fruits. In fall, try thinly sliced apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Winter calls for roasted grapes or cranberries. Spring welcomes strawberries or raspberries. Each variation brings its own personality to the dish while maintaining the delicious contrast between creamy cheese and sweet fruit.

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This dip is an unforgettable crowd pleaser that perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in the baking dish. Add the blackberries just before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for blackberries?

Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries would all work beautifully. You could also try figs or cherries when in season. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor profile to complement the creamy cheese base.

→ Can I use regular cream cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese makes a good substitute if you don't enjoy or can't find goat cheese. The flavor will be milder and slightly less tangy, but the texture will remain creamy and delicious.

→ What should I serve with this dip?

Serve with toasted baguette slices, water crackers, or crisp breadsticks. For a gluten-free option, try rice crackers or vegetable crudités like endive leaves, which scoop up the dip beautifully.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?

While fresh thyme provides the best flavor, you can substitute dried thyme in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of the tablespoon of fresh called for in the recipe.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until just warmed through before serving again.