Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful appetizer that balances creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. It’s perfect for entertaining or a simple snack served with crostini or fresh veggies.
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
- 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 fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crostini, vegetables, or on a charcuterie board.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust chili flakes and hot sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with a creamy cashew cheese.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the ricotta for extra brightness.
- Swap crostini with gluten-free crackers to suit dietary needs.
Storage
Store the ricotta dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey separate and drizzle just before serving. Reheat the honey gently on the stove or in the microwave if needed.
How to Serve
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 a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
What can I serve with this spicy ricotta dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crostini, pita chips, sliced baguette, sweet pepper strips, cucumber slices, or as part of a larger charcuterie board.
PrintSpicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a classy snack. Creamy whole milk ricotta is whipped to smoothness, infused with subtle garlic and chili flakes, then topped with a warm drizzle of spicy hot honey for a delightful sweet-heat balance. Serve with crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggie slices for an elegant treat that pairs exquisitely with charcuterie boards or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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, for garnish
- Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
Hot Honey
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (included in dip and hot honey)
To Serve
- Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
- Sweet peppers or cucumber slices
Instructions
- Whip the Ricotta: Add the ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and optional garlic powder into 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 the same consistency.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey alongside hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until warm and infused with the spicy flavors; avoid boiling to preserve the honey’s delicate sweetness.
- Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped ricotta onto a shallow serving dish, using the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls and textures.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta base. Top with fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately alongside crostini, pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable slices like sweet peppers and cucumber.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in both the dip and hot honey according to your heat preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Serve fresh, as the ricotta dip is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain its creamy texture.
- Mix and match herbs based on availability or personal preference to vary the flavor profile.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of breads and crisp vegetables, making it great for parties or as an addition to charcuterie boards.
Keywords: spicy ricotta dip, hot honey dip, ricotta appetizer, easy appetizer recipe, party dip, spicy sweet dip, crostini dip, vegetarian appetizer
