Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will elevate any appetizer spread. It’s quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices. A classy yet simple dip to impress your guests effortlessly.

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
• Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette, for serving
• Sweet peppers or cucumber slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand or use a hand mixer until whipped.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, warm the honey with hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until warm and infused, taking care not to boil.
3. Step 3: Spread the whipped ricotta onto a shallow dish. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls on the surface.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the warm hot honey evenly over the ricotta. Sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and herbs if using.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with crostini, pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like sweet peppers and cucumber slices.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the chili flakes and hot sauce to your preferred spice level for a mild or fiery kick.
• For extra creaminess, fold in a tablespoon of mascarpone or cream cheese with the ricotta before whipping.
• Try different herbs such as oregano or parsley for varied flavor profiles.
• Use flavored honey like thyme or orange blossom for a unique twist on sweetness.

Storage

Store the whipped ricotta dip and hot honey separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow the dip to come to room temperature and gently rewarm the honey. Drizzle the honey just before serving for the freshest flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the ricotta dip and hot honey up to 2 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately and assemble 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 thoroughly by hand or use a hand mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. It may take a bit more effort but works just as well.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that combines smooth ricotta cheese whipped to perfection with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle. Perfect for serving with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices, this elegant dip brings a sophisticated twist to any appetizer spread with its balance of mild creaminess and fiery heat.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4–6 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dip Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
• Optional: lemon zest for garnish

Hot Honey Drizzle

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes

To Serve

• 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 to a food processor. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a food processor, you can whisk vigorously by hand or use a hand mixer to achieve a similar fluffy texture.
2. Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce or chili oil, and chili flakes. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until just warm and the flavors are infused, taking care not to boil the honey.
3. Plate the Dip: Transfer the whipped ricotta to a shallow serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to create attractive swirls on the surface, giving it a rustic and inviting look.
4. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the warm spicy honey over the ricotta. Top with freshly cracked pepper, optional lemon zest, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately alongside crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices such as sweet peppers or cucumber for dipping.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives for added freshness and flavor.
• If you want a smoother ricotta texture, use a food processor or hand mixer rather than just whisking by hand.
• This dip can be prepared ahead of time; keep the ricotta mixture and hot honey separate and combine just before serving.
• Try pairing with a variety of dipping options such as crudités, crackers, or naan bread for versatility.

Keywords: ricotta dip, spicy dip, hot honey, appetizer recipe, easy dip, party food, Italian appetizer, crostini dip