Whipped Ricotta and Goat Cheese Skull Appetizer
Creamy whipped ricotta and goat cheese, topped with frozen cheese skulls, sour cherry preserves and pistachios. Serve it with Milton’s Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers for a party dip that steals the show.
This whipped ricotta dip blends creamy ricotta and tangy goat cheese into a light, fluffy spread, then crowns it with frozen cheese skulls and sour cherry preserves. Chopped pistachios and fresh thyme finish it off, and Milton's Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers do the scooping.
Plan on about 15 minutes of hands-on time, plus a few hours in the freezer for the skulls. It's a showstopper for a Halloween party, and without the skulls it's an easy appetizer any time of year.
Key Takeaways
- Whipped ricotta dip takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, plus 2 to 3 hours to freeze the skulls.
- Ricotta, goat cheese and a pinch of salt whip into a smooth, fluffy base in a food processor.
- Silicone skull molds turn part of the dip into frozen cheese skulls for a spooky centerpiece.
- Sour cherry preserves, pistachios and fresh thyme add color, crunch and a sweet-tart finish.
- Serve with Milton's Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers, or try Everything or Multi-Grain.
On This Page
Whipped Ricotta Dip Recipe Details
| Skill Level | Easy |
| Serves | A party platter or individual cups |
| Prep Time | About 15 minutes |
| Freeze Time | 2 to 3 hours |
| Rest Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | About 2.5 to 3.5 hours |
Equipment
- Food processor
- Piping bag
- Silicone skull molds
- Coupe glasses or a shallow serving dish
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta and Goat Cheese
- 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces soft goat cheese
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh lemon zest (optional)
For Serving
- 1 cup sour cherry preserves
- ½ cup chopped pistachios, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, for garnish
- Milton's Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers, for serving
How to Make Whipped Ricotta Dip With Cheese Skulls
- Whip the cheese. Add the ricotta, goat cheese and a pinch of salt to a food processor. For a bright, lemony bite, add a little fresh lemon zest too.
- Blend until fluffy. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth, light and fluffy.
- Fill the molds. Transfer the whipped cheese to a piping bag and pipe it into the silicone skull molds, filling each mold completely.
- Tap out the air. Gently tap the molds on the counter several times to settle the cheese and remove air pockets, so the skulls come out smooth and detailed.
- Freeze the skulls. Freeze the molds for 2 to 3 hours, or until the skulls are completely firm.
- Chill the rest. Transfer the remaining whipped cheese to the piping bag and refrigerate it while the skulls freeze.
- Pipe the base. Once the skulls are firm, pipe the chilled whipped cheese into coupe glasses or onto a large serving dish.
- Add the skulls. Carefully remove the frozen skulls from the molds and set them on top of the whipped cheese. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Add the preserves. Spoon or drizzle sour cherry preserves over and around the skulls.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and fresh thyme, then serve with Milton's Gluten Free Crackers.
Styling Notes
For individual servings, pipe the whipped cheese into coupe glasses and set 2 to 3 skulls on top of each.
For a larger appetizer, pipe or spread the whipped cheese into a shallow serving dish and arrange a dozen skulls across the top. Drizzle the sour cherry preserves around the skulls and finish with chopped pistachios for color and texture.
Get Creative
- Swap the sour cherry preserves for raspberry, blackberry or fig preserves.
- Skip the molds for an everyday version: spread the whipped cheese in a shallow bowl, swirl in the preserves and top with pistachios and thyme.
Best Milton's Crackers for Whipped Ricotta Dip
A creamy dip needs a cracker that scoops without snapping. Every one of these is Certified Gluten Free and Non-GMO Project Verified, so the whole crowd can dig in. Browse the full Gluten Free Crackers collection to find your favorite.
- Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers: Our pick. The simple sea salt flavor lets the cherry and pistachio shine.
- Everything Gluten Free Crackers: Garlic, onion, caraway and poppy seeds add a savory crunch next to the sweet preserves.
- Multi-Grain Gluten Free Crackers: Seven grains and two seeds give every bite a hearty, toasty texture.
Feeding a big crowd? Grab the Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers Costco 20 oz bag at select Costco locations.
More Milton's Dip Recipes
- Pumpkin Whipped Feta Recipe With Milton's: Another whipped cheese dip, with fall flavor built in.
- Whipped Cottage Cheese With Honey and Berries: A sweet, fruity whipped dip for brunch or snacking.
- Summer Dip Recipe With Milton's Crackers: A fresh, crowd-friendly dip for warm-weather parties.
- Creamy Pickle Dip With Milton's Protein Crackers: Tangy, creamy and made for game day.
- 3 Ingredient Dunkaroo Dip: A sweet dip the kids will ask for again.
- At Home Halloween Pizza Recipe: Ghost and Jack-o'-Lantern Pizzas: Round out your spooky spread with cheesy ghosts and pumpkins.
Recipe courtesy of: @jessiejanedaye
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Milton's Crackers for Your Next Party
Pick up a box of Milton's Crispy Sea Salt Gluten Free Crackers, whip up the ricotta and let the skulls steal the show.
Ready to build your dip platter?
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