Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will elevate any appetizer spread. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for serving with crackers or crostini at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (around 475g)
• Grated zest from half a lemon
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup runny honey
• 1 teaspoon spicy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the runny honey, spicy sauce, and crushed chili flakes until well combined to create the hot honey drizzle.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the honey mixture over the smooth ricotta. Top with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of minced rosemary for texture and aroma.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately with crackers or crostini. Invite guests to scoop the dip onto their chosen base and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and spicy combination.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, reduce or omit the chili flakes and spicy sauce according to your heat preference.
• Try using different nuts such as pecans or toasted pine nuts for varied texture and flavor.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be used instead of rosemary for a different aromatic touch.
• If you don’t have a food processor, whisk the ricotta mixture vigorously by hand to achieve a creamy texture.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and add a fresh drizzle of hot honey if desired. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use jarred ricotta cheese for this dip?

Yes, you can use store-bought ricotta cheese. For the best texture, choose fresh, high-quality ricotta and drain any excess liquid before blending.

What can I serve with this Spicy Ricotta Dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted crostini, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell peppers.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 111 reviews

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful blend of creamy ricotta cheese whipped with zesty lemon and seasoned with black pepper and salt, topped with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle flavored with hot sauce and chili flakes. Finished with crunchy walnuts and aromatic rosemary, it’s perfect for serving with crackers or crostini as an elegant appetizer or snack.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ricotta Base

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (around 475g)
• Grated zest from half a lemon
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spicy Honey Drizzle

• 1/4 cup runny honey
• 1 teaspoon spicy sauce (such as hot sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes

Toppings

• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Blend the Ricotta Mixture: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Then spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.
2. Prepare the Honey Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the runny honey, hot sauce, and crushed chili flakes until fully combined to create a sweet and spicy drizzle.
3. Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the prepared honey mixture over the smooth ricotta in the serving bowl. Top with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of freshly minced rosemary to add texture and aroma.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with crackers or crostini. Invite guests to scoop the creamy ricotta and honey topping onto crackers for a luscious taste experience combining creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of spicy sauce and chili flakes to control the heat level to your taste.
• The dip can be prepared a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal creaminess.
• Walnuts can be replaced with toasted pine nuts or almonds as alternatives.
• This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices.

Keywords: Spicy ricotta dip, hot honey dip, ricotta cheese appetizer, easy party dip, spicy honey sauce, lemon ricotta dip, creamy ricotta spread