When it comes to our brunch boards, there is one thing that everyone always comes back for. Our cannoli dip is a fan favorite at any party and always keeps guests coming back for more. This creamy dip makes the best combination to pair with the brunch board.
Growing up, I remember one of our family friends, Amber, often making cannoli dip whenever she had guests over and I absolutely LOVED it! So, when we started deciding what we would want to put on our brunch boards, I instantly knew that we had to include cannoli dip. Click HERE for the link to our complete brunch board blog to learn more about building the rest of your brunch board. Our online course, “Charcuterie Made Simple” also provides step by step instructions on how to build your own brunch board.
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The Main Ingredient
People are often shocked when we tell them the ingredients to this yummy, sweet dip. It is hard to believe that the main ingredient is Ricotta cheese, most commonly used in lasagna. From everything that I have read, Ricotta is the main ingredient in a majority of traditional cannoli recipes. So it only makes sense to also include ricotta in the dip.
Don’t be hesitant about the use of Ricotta in this dip, I promise! The cream cheese and powdered sugar add the sweet flavor, and the ricotta helps to create the consistency that we are looking for with this dip.
This dip can be made in less than 10 minutes and is bound to blow your guests away.
@charcuteriecollective The recipe is available on our blog at charcuteriecollective.com 💗 This dip is a favorite on all of our brunch boards so tag me if you try it! #charcuterie #cannolidip #cannoli #breakfast #brunch #dessert #dessertideas #somethingsweet #traderjoes #charcuteriecollective #brunchcharcuterie #waffles #waffle #chocolatechips
First, when making your dip, grab a bowl and combine the Ricotta, Cream Cheese, and Powdered Sugar. We recommend doing this in a bowl of a stand mixer or mixing it in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer. Once both of the cheeses and powdered sugar have mixed together thoroughly and have reached a good, thick consistency, then you can mix in your vanilla extract.
Many recipes will tell you to mix in the chocolate chips to the mix with a hand or stand mixer. You are more than welcome to do this, but for grazing tables, I typically just put a very thick layer of chocolate chips onto the top of each of the cups of the dip on my grazing table.
Pro Tip: Don’t mix in your mini chocolate chips until you are ready to serve. Otherwise, your chocolate chips pose the risk of blending into the mix and bleeding into the white cannoli dip, taking away from the overall aesthetic.
In the refrigerator, prepared cannoli dip can last three to five days refrigerated in a sealed, airtight container.
@charcuteriecollective Who wants some brunch charcuterie?! #CloseYourRings #YerAWizard #elfitup #weekend #traderjoes #fyp #charcuterie #brunch #brunchtok #foryou #brunchin
This recipe makes 8 servings, which can fill two cups to put on your brunch grazing table.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Whole Milk Ricotta- Staple piece in traditional cannoli recipes and essential for the traditional cannoli flavor.
- 8 Ounces of Cream Cheese- Some recipes also use Mascarpone cheese, which is similar to cream cheese, and can be used!
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar- Makes the dip light, fluffy and sweet!
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract- Adds the simple vanilla flavor to the overall flavor
- ½ Cup of Mini Chocolate Chips- Perfect way to top the dip!
Recipe:
- Using a hand or stand mixer, mix together 1 Cup of Whole Milk Ricotta, 8 ounces of Cream Cheese, and 1 Cup of Powdered Sugar until it reaches a smooth consistency. Once smooth, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and whip until it is mixed in.
Pro Tip: This is the fun part – now you get to taste test! If you try it and want it to be sweeter, add more powdered sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time. I wouldn’t add any more than 8-10 tablespoons to avoid messing up the consistency.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight, sealed container until serving with waffle crisps for dipping.
Waffle Crisps for Serving
A few years ago, I came across these crisps at Trader Joe’s and knew that there would be the perfect pairing for the cannoli dip recipe. I have included the link on my Amazon Storefront which is available HERE if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby! These are my absolute favorite and they are so much better than regular waffles because you don’t have to worry about the waffles getting soggy, while still getting the same great taste of Belgian waffles.
https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/belgian-butter-waffle-cookies-067004