Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will elevate any appetizer spread. It’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for a classy start to your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
- For serving: crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
- For serving: sweet peppers or cucumber slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Add ricotta, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand or use a hand mixer.
- Step 2: Warm honey in a small saucepan with hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until warm and infused.
- Step 3: Spread whipped ricotta onto a shallow dish. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls. Drizzle hot honey over the top.
- Step 4: Top with cracked pepper, lemon zest, and herbs if desired. Serve with crostini, vegetables, or on a charcuterie board.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the chili flakes and hot sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice into the ricotta for extra brightness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based soft cheese.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil to complement the flavors and add freshness.
Storage
Store the ricotta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey separate and warm it slightly before drizzling over the dip when ready to serve. Re-whisk the ricotta before serving if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, make the ricotta dip and hot honey separately and store them refrigerated. Combine just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
You can whisk the ricotta, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder vigorously by hand or use a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
PrintSpicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a classy and easy appetizer that combines creamy ricotta cheese whipped to perfection with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle. Enhanced with chili flakes, garlic powder, and optional fresh herbs, this versatile dip is perfect for serving with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices, making it an elegant addition to any appetizer spread or charcuterie board.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
For Serving
- Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
- Sweet peppers or cucumber slices
Instructions
- Whip the Ricotta: Add ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder (if using) to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a food processor, you can whisk vigorously by hand or with a hand mixer until the ricotta is creamy and fluffy.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey with hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat only until the honey is warm and the flavors are infused, being careful not to overheat or boil.
- Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped ricotta evenly onto a shallow serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls on the surface.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey evenly over the whipped ricotta. Finish by sprinkling fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and fresh herbs on top if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, pita chips, and vegetable slices or as part of a charcuterie board.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes and hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
- Using whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture, but part-skim ricotta can be used for a lighter version.
- If you don’t have chili oil or hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add heat to the honey mixture.
- This dip is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 1 day. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before serving.
- For an extra touch of freshness, add finely chopped fresh herbs both inside the ricotta and as a garnish.
Keywords: spicy ricotta dip, hot honey dip, appetizer recipe, easy dip, ricotta cheese dip, party appetizers, Italian appetizer
