Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful appetizer that balances creamy richness with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for entertaining or a casual snack, it pairs wonderfully with crostini, pita chips, 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
- For serving: crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
- For serving: 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 herbs if desired. Serve with crostini, vegetables, or on a charcuterie board.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust heat level by reducing or increasing chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an upscale presentation.
- Portion into mini jars or ramekins for elegant hand appetizers.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving again, re-whip the ricotta to restore its creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While part-skim ricotta works, whole milk ricotta ensures a richer, creamier dip. For best results, choose whole milk ricotta.
How spicy is this dip, and can I adjust it?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce. Start with less if you prefer mild heat, then add more to taste.
PrintSpicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer perfect for entertaining. It combines creamy whole milk ricotta whipped to perfection, infused with a gentle heat from chili flakes and hot sauce, and balanced by the sweetness of honey warmed with chili oil. Serve it with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices for an elegant addition to any charcuterie board or appetizer spread.
- 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
Main 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
For Serving
- Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
- Sweet peppers or cucumber slices
Instructions
- Whip the Ricotta: Add the ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a food processor, you can vigorously whisk by hand or use a hand mixer to achieve the same texture.
- Make the Hot Honey: Warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the hot sauce or chili oil along with the chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until the honey is warm and infused with the spicy flavors, being careful not to boil.
- Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped ricotta onto a shallow serving dish using the back of a spoon. Create swirls and texture on the surface for an attractive presentation. Drizzle the warm hot honey mixture generously over the top of the ricotta.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and your choice of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices as a classy appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing chili flakes and hot sauce according to your preference.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an upscale presentation when hosting.
- Consider portioning the dip into mini jars or ramekins for convenient hand appetizers at parties.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; re-whip the ricotta before serving again to restore creaminess.
Keywords: ricotta dip, hot honey, spicy appetizer, party appetizer, crostini dip, elegant appetizer, no-cook dip, easy dip recipe
