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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
