Baked Ricotta Appetizer with Dates and Nuts

This baked ricotta appetizer tastes and looks fancy but really only has a few ingredients! It’s truly the kind of dish that feels special without being complicated. The ricotta warms up perfectly in the oven to become soft and spreadable, while the dates add a perfect sweetness and the nuts bring in some crunch. This recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for keeping in your back pocket as a unique yet easy appetizer. If you love hosting, then you’ll definitely want to save this recipe!

And not only is it a wonderful appetizer, but it’s also absolutely scrumptious as a fun snack or light breakfast that’s sweet + savory. Just spread it on toasted bread and you’re all set!

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Why you’ll love this Baked Ricotta Appetizer

• Tastes fancy and unique but has just a handful of whole ingredients
• Sweet and savory flavors balance beautifully
• Easy to prepare ahead and bake just before serving
• Perfect for making any time of year

Nutritional benefits of this recipe

• Dates are fruit that come from the date palm tree that’s native to the Middle East. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are a fantastic natural sweetener.
• Pecans contains healthy fats, vitamin E, antioxidants, flavonoids and ellagic acid.
• Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats, supporting skin health, balanced blood sugar, and sustained energy.

Ingredients for Baked Ricotta Appetizer

Ricotta – I recommend a whole-milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor.

Dates – discard the pits and dice up the dates

Pecans

Slice almonds – I find sliced almonds have just the perfect amount of crunch, but you can also chop them if you only have whole almonds on hand.

For serving: toasted bread, crackers

How to make a Baked Ricotta Appetizer

1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
2. Put the ricotta into the bottom of a shallow serving dish (an oven-safe dish). Top with the diced dates, diced pecans, and sliced almonds.
3. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until hot.
4. Serve with toasted bread and crackers. I recommend using a butter knife for smearing onto the bread and crackers.

Modifications and variations

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top before serving
• Add fresh chopped rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top for a savory note
• Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a pop of salty flavor
• Add a drizzle of raw honey just before serving for extra sweetness

Other recipes you’ll love

Whipped Goat Cheese with Honey & thyme

Strawberry Basil Bruschetta

Fortunata Pastries

I hope you love this Baked Ricotta Appetizer with Dates and Nuts! Please be sure to leave a comment and a rating if you give this recipe a try. I would love to know how it turned out for you!

Baked Ricotta Appetizer with Dates and Nuts

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A delicious sweet + savory baked ricotta appetizer with dates and nuts, perfect for spreading on toasted bread or crackers.

• Author: Christine Manes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: appetizers

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

16-oz container whole-milk ricotta

3/4 cup diced dates (pits removed)

1/4 cup chopped pecans

3 Tbsp sliced almonds

For serving:

Toasted bread like sourdough, bruschetta, etc.

Crackers

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
2. Put the ricotta into the bottom of a shallow oven-safe dish. Top with the diced dates, diced pecans, and sliced almonds.
3. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until hot.
4. Serve with toasted bread and crackers. I recommend using a butter knife for spreading onto the bread and crackers.

 

Serving notes

• If making ahead of time: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. Make sure to use a dish that can go into the oven cold, or let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before placing in the oven.
• Leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven until warmed through.

 

Optional flavor additions:

• Ground cinnamon, sprinkled on top before serving
• Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top for a savory note
• Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a pop of salty flavor
• A drizzle of raw honey just before serving for extra sweetness

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