Print

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

4.6 from 93 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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