Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet heat that makes a perfect appetizer or snack. Smooth ricotta is whipped with lemon and seasoned, then topped with a spicy honey drizzle and crunchy walnuts for texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
• Zest from half a lemon
• A dash black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin for flavor)
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt (Morton Coarse Kosher Salt recommended)
• 1/2 tsp crushed chili flakes
• 1/4 cup runny honey
• 1 tsp spicy sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for deeper flavor)
• 1 to 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary

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 until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the runny honey, spicy sauce, and crushed chili flakes until fully combined to create the hot honey drizzle.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the hot honey mixture evenly over the whipped ricotta. Sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts and fresh chopped rosemary for added texture and aroma.
4. Step 4: Serve the dip with crackers or crostini. Invite guests to scoop and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and spicy combination.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to bring out deeper flavor.
• Substitute fresh rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different herbal note.
• Use honey infused with chili or a spicier hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
• For a dairy-free version, try a creamy cashew ricotta alternative.

Storage

Store leftover ricotta dip covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the hot honey drizzle and toppings fresh before serving. Reheat slightly only if desired; serving cold or at room temperature works best to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.

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 mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it separately from the honey drizzle and toppings. Add the honey, walnuts, and rosemary just before serving for best texture.

What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, crostini, pita chips, fresh vegetables, or even as a spread on sandwiches for a sweet and spicy twist.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a luscious, creamy dip combining fresh ricotta, zesty lemon, and a spicy-sweet honey drizzle. Enhanced with toasted walnuts and fresh rosemary, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make an inviting appetizer or snack perfect for gatherings or casual indulgence.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting walnuts)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ricotta Dip

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
• Zest from half a lemon
• A dash black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin for flavor)
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt (Morton Coarse Kosher Salt recommended)

Hot Honey

• 1/2 tsp crushed chili flakes
• 1/4 cup runny honey
• 1 tsp spicy sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

Topping

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for deeper flavor)
• 1 to 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ricotta Dip: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend on high speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.
2. Make the Hot Honey: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the runny honey, spicy sauce, and crushed chili flakes until well combined. This will create a sweet and spicy drizzle.
3. Assemble the Dip: Drizzle the prepared hot honey mixture over the whipped ricotta spread in the bowl. Then sprinkle the toasted chopped walnuts evenly on top. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped rosemary to enhance flavor and aroma.
4. Serve: Serve this dip immediately with crackers or crostini. Encourage guests to scoop the creamy ricotta and spicy honey mixture onto their chosen bread for a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Notes

• Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
• Toast walnuts gently in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant to deepen their flavor.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce to control the heat level of the honey drizzle.
• Can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Pair well with a variety of crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Keywords: ricotta dip, hot honey, spicy dip, appetizer, easy appetizer, whipped ricotta, savory dip, party snack, lemon ricotta