Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
