Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer perfect for entertaining. Creamy whipped ricotta is infused with subtle chili heat and a touch of garlic, then topped with a warm, spicy-sweet honey drizzle. Serve with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices for an irresistible starter that balances heat, sweetness, and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
Hot Honey Drizzle
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Garnishes 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, 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 to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Make the Hot Honey: Warm honey in a small saucepan over low heat, adding hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until the mixture is warm and the flavors meld, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling to preserve honey’s sweetness.
- Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped ricotta onto a shallow serving dish or bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls or peaks on the surface to catch the drizzle.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the warm spicy honey evenly over the ricotta. Sprinkle 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 quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; part-skim may produce a drier dip.
- Hot honey can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Try different herbs like thyme, basil, or chives for varying flavor profiles.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast between warm honey and cool ricotta.
Keywords: spicy ricotta dip, hot honey dip, appetizer recipes, ricotta cheese dip, easy party dips, spicy sweet dip
