This creamy ricotta herb spread takes 10 minutes to stir together and has saved more last-minute gatherings than anything else in my repertoire. Ricotta and Parmesan blended with garlic, basil, and parsley taste like far more effort than they are.
If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking a spoonful of the cheesy filling while making lasagna or stuffed shells, this recipe is for you! This Creamy Ricotta Herb Spread captures all the luscious, savory goodness of classic Italian cheese fillings in a simple, no-cook spread. It’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and comes together in less than 10 minutes. Perfect for an easy appetizer, a light lunch, or your next party platter!
Ingredients
• MAKES 1½ CUPS
• 1 cup (250g / 8.8 oz) ricotta cheese, preferably part-skim
• ¼ cup (25g / 0.88 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) milk
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) minced fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) dried basil
• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic, basil, and ¼ cup of the fresh parsley.
2. Using a spoon or spatula, beat all the together by hand until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
3. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking and mix again.
4. Scrape the spread into a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining fresh parsley.
5. For the best flavor, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the herb and garlic flavors to meld beautifully into the cheese.
6. Serve as a spread on toasted French bread, crackers, or as a delicious stuffing for raw bell pepper strips.
Nutritional Information
• Estimated values per 2-tablespoon serving.
• Calories: 55 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
Pro Tips
• For the creamiest texture, use high-quality, fresh ricotta cheese. If your ricotta seems watery, strain it through a cheesecloth for 15-20 minutes before mixing.
• To transform this spread into a vibrant dip, increase the milk to 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) and the parsley to ½ cup. Combine all in a blender and process until smooth for a beautiful, jade-colored dip.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the flavors and add a lovely, subtle tang.
• For a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other .
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ricotta herb spread vegan
A: To make a vegan version, substitute the dairy ricotta with a high-quality vegan ricotta, often made from almonds or tofu. For the Parmesan, use a store-bought vegan Parmesan alternative or a homemade version with nutritional yeast and cashews. Replace the cow’s milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
Q: Is this vegetarian spread a good source of protein
A: Yes, this ricotta spread is a great vegetarian source of protein. With approximately 4 grams (0.14 oz / 4 g) of protein per 2-tablespoon serving, it’s a satisfying and nutritious option for a snack or light meal. Both the ricotta and Parmesan cheese contribute to its high protein content.
Q: How should I store this homemade ricotta spread
A: Store the vegetarian ricotta herb spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will actually deepen and meld together more after the first day. We do not recommend freezing this spread as it can negatively alter the creamy texture of the ricotta upon thawing.
Q: What are some other vegetarian ways to use this spread
A: Beyond crackers, this versatile spread is fantastic as a creamy layer in vegetarian sandwiches or wraps, a flavorful filling for stuffed mushrooms or mini bell peppers, or a simple dollop on top of grilled vegetables or a bowl of pasta.
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Creamy Ricotta Herb Spread
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic, basil, and ¼ cup of the fresh parsley.
- Using a spoon or spatula, beat all the together by hand until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking and mix again.
- Scrape the spread into a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining fresh parsley.
- For the best flavor, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the herb and garlic flavors to meld beautifully into the cheese.
- Serve as a spread on toasted French bread, crackers, or as a delicious stuffing for raw bell pepper strips.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the flavors and add a lovely, subtle tang.
