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This bright and savory whipped ricotta with garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes is the ultimate summer appetizer. It’s smooth, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing! Served with crostini, people won’t be able to peel themselves away from this one.
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If you’re looking for good cherry tomato recipes, this is it. Smooth whipped ricotta is infused with lemon juice for a nice and bright flavor, then topped with warm garlicky roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s the perfect thing to munch on come summertime, whether you’re grazing by the pool or looking for the perfect summer starter for an al fresco dinner. Despite the beautiful presentation, I can assure you that this recipe is super easy. It only requires 8 ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time.
If you’re looking for more tasty summer appetizers, this radish & anchovy butter baguette recipe is always a hit. I think you’ll also enjoy this easy taco dip with cream cheese and these Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes.
Why You’ll Love Whipped Ricotta
- It’s quick & simple—The presentation is restaurant-worthy, but the execution is easy enough for beginners. If you can use a blender and turn on an oven, you’re set!
- It’s nourishing—Ricotta is low in fat compared to other cheeses, but you’ll still get that rich and savory feel. And with the tomatoes, you’re getting a wonderful dose of veggies! ;)
Ingredient Notes
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Fresh herbs—I like roasting the tomatoes with fresh oregano, but you could also use fresh thyme. Another option is tossing them in homemade Italian seasoning. The basil is best used fresh as a garnish, so you can take advantage of it’s bright flavor.
- Tomatoes—Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work great for roasting, but in a pinch you could use Campari tomatoes or some heirloom varieties.
Recipe Modifications
- Make it spicy!—Sprinkling some dried chili flakes over the tomatoes prior to roasting will give this whipped ricotta dish a real nice kick.
- Cottage cheese—You can substitute whipped cottage cheese for whipped ricotta! This will yield a similar flavor, texture, and will pack some extra protein.
- Balsamic glaze—Drizzle some balsamic over the tomatoes prior to serving for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cooking Tip
To grate your garlic to a paste as suggested in this recipe, use a microplane.
Serving Suggestions
The best way to dig into this whipped ricotta recipe is with some nicely toasted crostini, fresh bread, or pita chips. As for what to serve it with, the beautiful thing about the flavors in this dish is that they pair with so many different mains!
Pasta recipes—Whether you’re keeping things simple with a quick spaghetti aglio e olio or tossing noodles with a cozy Instant Pot pork ragu, this starter will be a hit.
Pizza recipes—This recipe makes a beautiful starter for your homemade pizza night! It goes without saying that it does well with a fresh Caprese pizza. We also love it with a good ol’ grandma pizza.
Grilled meats—From my turkey burger recipe to these easy salmon kebabs, grilled meats make the perfect pairing for this whipped ricotta topped with garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes.
Storage
Whipped ricotta with garlic-roasted tomatoes is definitely a recipe best enjoyed fresh while the tomatoes still warm from the oven. If you have leftovers, however, you can try to store the tomatoes separate from the whipped ricotta in airtight containers in the fridge for a day or two. When you want to enjoy it again, warm the tomatoes up in the microwave just slightly, then serve them with the ricotta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ricotta cheese is lower in fat than other cheeses and provides protein, calcium, and nutrients. Paired with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed in moderation, it can definitely be a healthy part of your diet!
Yes! I use a KitchenAid speed blender, and it whips the ricotta beautifully. It always comes out super smooth! Of course, options include using a food processor or a hand mixer.
This is a matter of preference. Cutting them in half allows for quicker cooking and easier eating. If you roast them whole, they’ll keep their shape and boast a more rustic look. Either way is acceptable!
More Refreshing Appetizers for Summer
Appetizers
Radish & Anchovy Butter Baguette Recipe
Appetizers
Healthy Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers
Fish and Seafood
Healthy Crab Meat Salad (No Mayo)
Appetizers
Texas Caviar
If you try this whipped ricotta with garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes recipe, please pop back in and leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Whipped Ricotta With Garlic-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta
- 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Garlic-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, grated to a paste or finely minced
- 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Fresh chopped basil, for garnish
Instructions
Whipped Ricotta
- Place all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender or food processor and blend until creamy and smooth.
Garlic-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place the halved tomatoes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then add in the grated garlic, 2 teaspoons of chopped oregano, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the tomatoes.
- Transfer the tomatoes to the parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 25 minutes. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
- When done, remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Smear the whipped ricotta over a serving platter, then scoop the roasted tomatoes over the ricotta. Finish the dish off with a nice drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some chopped fresh basil (optional).
- Serve with crostini, fresh hunks of bread, or pita chips.
