Baked Lemon Ricotta Blackberries Honey

Baked Lemon Ricotta Dip with Blackberries and Honey is my summertime answer to entertaining with minimal fuss but maximum wow. The combination of creamy cheeses bright citrus and juicy summer blackberries brings both sweet and savory notes to the table making it the kind of appetizer guests eat with delight. Enjoy it right from the oven with crisp toasts or crackers while everyone hovers nearby eager for another scoop.

I made this dip for a book club gathering one July and it disappeared in minutes now when blackberries show up at the farmer’s market I know it is time to bring out this recipe again because it is that requested

Ingredients

• Whole milk ricotta cheese: brings a rich and creamy texture look for ricotta that is smooth and fresh with no separation
• Fresh goat cheese: adds tangy depth and smooth melt look for logs with a pure white color and just a hint of aroma
• Large egg: binds everything together and ensures the perfect set use the freshest eggs possible for fluffier texture
• Fresh thyme: gives herbal lift and balance to the creamy cheese choose sprigs with perky green leaves
• Garlic: lends a kiss of pungent flavor mince finely for even blending
• Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: brighten everything pick unwaxed lemons with vibrant yellow skin
• Coarse salt: helps every note sing opt for a flaky finishing salt if possible
• Fresh cracked black pepper: for gentle heat use a pepper mill for the best aroma and punch
• Blackberries: bake into a juicy sweet topping use plump shiny berries with no dull spots
• Honey: drizzled at the end ties together sweet and tangy notes choose a floral local honey if you can find it

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat thoroughly baking at the right temperature guarantees the cheese will set properly and the berries can soften

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly coat a nine inch oval baking dish or similar three cup capacity dish with cooking spray this keeps the cheese from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze

Blend the Cheese Mixture:

In a food processor combine the ricotta goat cheese egg thyme lemon zest lemon juice garlic salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper blend for at least two minutes until completely smooth creamy and fluffy scrape down the sides as needed for even mixing

Assemble the Dip:

Pour the cheese mixture into your prepared dish spreading it gently into an even layer evenly scatter blackberries across the top do not press into the cheese let them rest on the surface so they burst as they bake

Bake the Dip:

Place the dish in the oven on a center rack bake for thirty minutes until the cheese is puffed bubbling at the edges and the berries look jammy check at twenty five minutes to avoid overbaking

Finish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle two tablespoons of honey over the hot dip top with a little more fresh thyme and a sprinkle of coarse salt let cool for at least ten minutes then serve with toasted slices of baguette or crisp crackers

Whole milk ricotta is my star ingredient it creates a cloudlike dip that feels decadent but not heavy my kids once insisted on eating it with their pancakes the next morning and it was an absolute hit every time I make this we remember that deliciously unexpected breakfast

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers to room temperature then refrigerate covered for up to three days Warm gently in a low oven or microwave before serving Blackberries may release more juice after chilling simply stir gently

Ingredient Substitutions

Try blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist If you do not have goat cheese substitute with cream cheese for a milder dip Fresh basil or tarragon can replace thyme for a different herbal punch

Serving Suggestions

I love piling warm dip on toasted sourdough crostini Rye crackers or pita chips also work beautifully For a picnic spoon onto endive leaves It makes an elegant first course alongside a lemony salad

Cultural and Historical Context

Ricotta and honey together trace back to Italian farmhouse kitchens where both ingredients were plentiful This kind of dip brings a touch of Italian aperitivo style to any gathering The seasonal addition of summer berries makes it a modern spin

Seasonal Adaptations

Use strawberries or blueberries at their peak later in summer Sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios on top in autumn for crunch In winter try roasted pears or figs for a cozy version

This dip never fails to impress at gatherings and the simple honey drizzle brings every flavor together. It is always requested so be sure to make enough for seconds.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blackberries can work. Thaw and drain them to avoid extra liquid in the dish.

→ How should I serve this lemon ricotta appetizer?

It's delicious warm, served with toasted bread, baguette slices, or crisp crackers.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Cream cheese or mascarpone can be substituted, balancing tanginess and texture.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Is this suitable for a picnic or outdoor gathering?

Yes, just transport it in a heatproof dish and reheat if possible before serving.

→ Are there alternative toppings besides blackberries?

Try raspberries, blueberries, or roasted figs for a flavorful twist on the classic.