Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

This ricotta dip with hot honey is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s quick to whip up and makes an impressive appetizer or snack. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 1–2 tablespoons hot honey plus extra for serving
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• Optional garnishes: crushed red pepper flakes
• Optional garnishes: toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios
• Sliced baguette or crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Measure 1 ½ cups of ricotta cheese and place it in a mixing bowl. Have your olive oil, hot honey, salt, pepper, and any garnishes ready.
2. Step 2: Whisk or beat the ricotta with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of olive oil while mixing. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust.
3. Step 3: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot honey into the whipped ricotta. Gently fold it in with a spatula, leaving some swirls if you’d like a marbled effect.
4. Step 4: Transfer the ricotta mixture to a serving dish and smooth the top. Drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top and sprinkle with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or toasted nuts.
5. Step 5: Serve at room temperature with toasted baguette slices or crackers and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot honey or substitute with regular honey.
• Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, tangy twist.
• Swap fresh herbs with finely chopped chives or basil for varied flavors.
• Use goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier taste and creamier texture.

Storage

Store any leftover ricotta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, bring it to room temperature and stir gently to restore its creamy texture. Avoid reheating as it may alter the flavor and consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving. Add fresh honey and garnishes just before serving for the best presentation.

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers or spices, combining sweetness with a touch of heat. It adds a unique spicy-sweet flavor to dishes and can often be found at specialty grocery stores or made at home by mixing honey with chili flakes.

Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

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This Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that combines whipped whole-milk ricotta cheese with a drizzle of spicy hot honey, finished with olive oil and optional garnishes like fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, and toasted nuts. Perfect for serving with toasted baguette slices or crackers, this easy-to-make dip offers a delightful balance between creamy richness and sweet heat.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ricotta Dip

• 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 1–2 tablespoons hot honey plus extra for serving
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios
• Sliced baguette or crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Measure out 1 ½ cups of ricotta cheese and place it in your mixing bowl. Have 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1–2 tablespoons of hot honey, salt, and pepper ready. If using garnishes like herbs or nuts, set those aside so everything is within reach.
2. Whip the Ricotta: Use a whisk or electric hand mixer to beat the ricotta until light and fluffy. Gradually drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil while mixing. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Add the Hot Honey: Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of hot honey into the whipped ricotta. Gently fold it in with a spatula, leaving some swirls for a beautiful marbled effect if desired.
4. Plate and Garnish: Spoon the ricotta mixture into your serving dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top for a finishing touch. Sprinkle optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, or toasted nuts.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Keep the dip at room temperature for the best texture. Serve with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers and enjoy this addictive appetizer that disappears quickly at parties.

Notes

• For best results, serve the dip at room temperature for optimal creaminess and flavor.
• You can adjust the amount of hot honey to control the sweetness and heat level according to your taste preference.
• Whisking the ricotta well is key to achieving a light, fluffy texture without lumps.
• Experiment with different nuts or fresh herbs to vary the garnish and add your own twist.
• This dip pairs excellently with toasted baguette slices or assorted crackers for easy snacking.

Keywords: appetizers, cheese appetizer, ricotta dip, hot honey, easy dip, party snack