Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a tasty snack anytime.

A creamy white dip is swirled smoothly in a round white bowl with a soft texture on top. The dip is topped with a golden layer of oil, sprinkled with small red chili flakes and tiny green herb leaves scattered across the surface. Two fresh green sage leaves rest on one side of the bowl, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and slices of orange fruit are visible blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
  • Optional: lemon zest for garnish
  • Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
  • Sweet peppers or cucumber slices

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add the ricotta, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder (if using) to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand or use a hand mixer to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
  2. Step 2: Warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes, avoiding boiling, until the flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the whipped ricotta to a shallow serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls or peaks on the surface to catch the honey drizzle.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the warm spicy honey evenly over the ricotta. Sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and fresh herbs if desired.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • Adjust the chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Try using flavored honey, like orange blossom, for a different twist.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with a firm tofu whipped until creamy.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the ricotta for extra brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey separate and drizzle it over just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor. Reheat the honey gently over low heat before use.

How to Serve

A round brown bowl filled with a thick layer of creamy white dip swirled in a circular shape, with golden olive oil drizzled in ribbons following the swirls. The dip is sprinkled with red chili flakes and small green herb pieces evenly scattered on top. A fresh green mint sprig is placed on the right edge of the bowl. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta dip and hot honey separately in advance. Keep them refrigerated and combine just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

What can I use for dipping besides bread?

Sweet peppers, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or even crispy crackers make excellent alternatives for dipping into this spicy ricotta dip.

Print
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Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that combines creamy ricotta cheese whipped to perfection with a warm, sweet, and spicy honey drizzle. Perfect for serving with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables, this dip is a crowd-pleaser that balances heat, sweetness, and creamy texture in just 15 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Dip

  • 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, to taste

Hot Honey

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

Garnish and Serving

  • Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
  • Optional: lemon zest for garnish
  • Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
  • Sweet peppers or cucumber slices

Instructions

  1. Whip the Ricotta: Add ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and optional garlic powder to a food processor. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a food processor, whisk vigorously by hand or use a hand mixer to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
  2. Make the Hot Honey: Warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes, stir gently, and heat just until the mixture is warm and the flavors meld, about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid boiling to preserve the honey’s natural sweetness.
  3. Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped ricotta evenly onto a shallow serving dish or bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls or peaks to catch the hot honey drizzle.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the warm spicy honey evenly over the ricotta spread. Sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices for dipping.

Notes

  • Adjust chili flakes and hot sauce quantities to control the spice level to your preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative.
  • Honey can be gently warmed in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you don’t want to use the stovetop method.
  • Use fresh herbs and lemon zest to add brightness and enhance the flavor complexity.
  • This dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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

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