Appetizers with Ricotta for Light and Savory Starters

Ricotta is one cheese ya just gotta keep on hand because it’s creamy, versatile, and works in both savory and sweet dishes.

I’ve used it in everything from stuffed mushrooms and crostini to dips and mini tarts, and it never lets me down.

What I like most is how ricotta adds richness without feeling heavy—it’s light but still brings substance.

It pairs especially well with herbs, lemon, and roasted vegetables, which means you can get creative without needing fancy ingredients.

Plus, it’s high in protein and calcium, so it adds a nutritional boost to appetizers without much effort!

1. Whipped Ricotta Dip with Lemon and Rosemary

This ricotta dip turns extra creamy and fluffy after a quick spin in the food processor.

Fresh lemon zest and a bit of rosemary make it bright and fragrant.

I love it on toasted bread, but honestly, it’s just as good with fresh veggies!

Blending the ricotta makes the texture super smooth—whole milk ricotta really ups the creaminess.

Try an olive oil drizzle on top before serving.

Be sure to check out our other curated list of favorite ricotta cheese recipes for any meal.

2. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms

When creamy ricotta meets earthy mushrooms, you get a great mix of flavors.

The mushrooms act as a natural cup for the cheesy, herby stuffing.

If you want a lighter version, swap in low-fat ricotta and pile on the fresh spinach.

Extra herbs or a little garlic add even more character to each bite.

3. Baked Ricotta with Lemon Garlic

Baked ricotta with lemon garlic is so easy to mix together and spread on warm toasted baguette!

Fresh lemon zest and roasted garlic really bring out the creaminess and add just the right zing.

Ricotta soaks up those flavors, so the lemon and garlic shine in every bite.

Serving it warm with crusty bread makes it extra inviting and a great start to any gathering.

4. Strawberry Ricotta Crostini with Fresh Mint

Pairing juicy strawberries with creamy ricotta on crisp crostini just screams summer.

I really like using a high-quality whole milk ricotta here for extra richness.

Brushing the bread with olive oil before toasting gives a subtle boost.

Top with thinly sliced mint for a cool finish that plays so well with strawberries.

5. Ricotta and Herb Crostini

Ricotta and herb crostini really let the freshness of the herbs shine!

Just mix soft ricotta with your favorite fresh herbs—basil, chives, parsley, whatever you like.

Spread it on toasted bread for a simple, satisfying bite that highlights the cheese’s creamy texture.

I like using whole milk ricotta for a richer spread.

6. Crab Mac and Cheese with Ricotta

Crab mac and cheese with ricotta is so creamy, it’s like a whole new take on comfort food!

Ricotta blends right into the cheese sauce and adds richness you can really taste.

If you can, use fresh lump crab—just fold it in gently to keep those tasty pieces whole.

For extra flavor, try a dusting of Old Bay or a layer of buttery breadcrumbs on top before baking.

I’ve found this style works especially well for parties and potlucks since it reheats without drying out.

7. Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Dip

This dip blends smooth ricotta with the rich, smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers.

Ricotta brings a creamy base that lets the roasted peppers stand out.

Fresh ricotta adds a lightness you just don’t get from store-bought blends.

Try serving it as a spread with crunchy veggies—it’s a great way to highlight both the cheese and the peppers.

8. Ricotta and Sun-Dried Tomato Tartlets

These tartlets bring together creamy ricotta and rich sun-dried tomatoes for a mini appetizer that always goes fast at gatherings.

You get a mix of tangy and creamy in every bite, thanks to how well the sun-dried tomatoes work with ricotta’s mild taste.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor—use a bit of that oil for brushing the tartlet crusts!

9. Ricotta and Basil Bruschetta

Fresh basil with creamy ricotta always makes a great pairing.

You get a mild, buttery flavor from ricotta and a fragrant, peppery kick from basil.

Choosing a quality olive oil makes a difference here, in my opinion.

Ricotta is light and doesn’t overwhelm the basil, which is probably why this combo works so well.

10. Ricotta and Honey Crostini

Ricotta and honey crostini strike such a perfect balance between sweet and savory, which makes them a hit for gatherings!

Fresh ricotta provides a mellow, creamy base that’s so easy to spread on toasted baguette slices.

Top with a drizzle of honey and you get a wonderful contrast that shows how versatile ricotta can be in appetizers.

A little lemon zest or cracked black pepper makes each bite feel extra special.

11. Zesty Lemon Ricotta Spread

If you want an easy dip with a touch of freshness, this one is a go-to.

Lemon zest brightens up the ricotta and keeps things light.

A drizzle of olive oil on top brings out the creamy texture.

Adding fresh basil or parsley gives it a fragrant twist!

This spread is great on toasted bread or paired with crisp vegetables for dipping.

Jamie Oliver has a great ricotta recipe you can check out as well!

12. Ricotta and Spinach Pasta Bites

These pasta bites pack creamy ricotta and tender spinach into every bite, which makes them easy to enjoy at any gathering.

Fresh spinach gives a bright, earthy flavor that pairs so naturally with the mild cheese.

Piping the ricotta-spinach mixture into cooked pasta shells is my favorite part—you can really load them up.

13. Whipped Ricotta With Olive Oil and Cracked Pepper

This appetizer is all about ricotta’s mild, creamy texture with just a little help from olive oil and cracked pepper.

Ricotta turns silky after a quick blend, and it soaks up the rich flavor of good olive oil.

For extra freshness, toss in a pinch of herbs or lemon zest.

It’s quick—done in under ten minutes, with barely any prep!

14. Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

These blossoms are a real treat if you want something special for your appetizer spread!

You get tender zucchini flowers filled with creamy ricotta, sometimes mixed with chopped herbs or a little Parmigiano-Reggiano for extra depth.

The gentle frying adds a light crispness, while keeping the filling soft inside—it’s a texture that works so well with ricotta.

Good quality whole-milk ricotta gives the filling a lovely richness you can really taste.

15. Baked Ricotta with Parmesan and Thyme

This warm dip is perfect for sharing at any get-together!

You get a creamy texture from the ricotta, and the Parmesan adds a nutty depth that pairs so well with fresh thyme.

Ricotta holds up in the oven, creating a light and fluffy base.

I love how easy it is to toss everything in a dish and let the flavors mix together in the heat.

16. Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Flatbread

Sweet, slow-cooked onions make a rich topping that pairs perfectly with mild, creamy ricotta.

You get a fantastic balance between savory and gentle sweetness in each bite.

The creamy ricotta melts beautifully and keeps the flatbread from feeling dry.

17. Ricotta and Beet Crostini

You get a great mix of earthy and creamy when you combine roasted beets with smooth ricotta.

A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a sharp touch that balances everything perfectly.

This appetizer really lets the beets and balsamic stand out, thanks to ricotta’s mild flavor.

18. Blueberry and Ricotta Crostini

The combo of creamy ricotta and sweet, juicy blueberries is just about perfect in each bite.

Fresh blueberries bring tang, and a little honey makes it pop even more.

A crusty baguette adds crunch and holds everything together—especially nice when the fruit is really fresh.

19. Ricotta and Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

These ricotta and pesto stuffed cherry tomatoes are just right when you want something light but still bursting with flavor.

The creamy ricotta and basil pesto make these poppers rich yet fresh at the same time.

Honestly, tossing in extra fresh basil for the pesto just makes everything pop more—can’t recommend it enough.

20. Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast

Pick ricotta as your stuffing base—it blends so easily with fresh herbs and stays creamy while it bakes!

Ricotta’s mild flavor works so well with juicy chicken breast, and it helps keep the meat tender.

This dish is a pretty straightforward way to use ricotta in a savory, protein-rich appetizer you can prep ahead and bake right before serving.

For a little extra oomph, I usually add chopped spinach, garlic, and fresh parsley to the cheese.

21. Ricotta and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

Ricotta keeps these stuffed mushrooms creamy and smooth with every bite!

When you mix ricotta and garlic, you get a filling that’s rich but not too heavy—kind of dreamy, honestly.

You can grab large white mushrooms or baby bellas for this appetizer.

Stuffing them’s easy, and the ricotta mixture really works with that earthy mushroom flavor.