Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a classy and flavorful appetizer that combines creamy ricotta cheese with a sweet and fiery honey drizzle. Perfectly whipped and infused with chili flakes and garlic powder, this dip offers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Serve it with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices for an elegant start to any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- 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
- Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
Hot Honey
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
To Serve
- Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette
- Sweet peppers or cucumber slices
Instructions
- Whip the Ricotta: Add ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder into a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If a food processor isn’t available, vigorously whisk by hand or use a hand mixer to achieve the same creamy texture.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, warm the honey with the hot sauce or chili oil, and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until the honey is warm and infused with the spicy flavors; do not let it boil.
- Plate the Dip: Spread the whipped ricotta mixture evenly onto a shallow serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls on the surface for an attractive presentation.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey over the ricotta dip. Top with fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and optional fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives. Serve immediately alongside crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices such as sweet peppers and cucumbers.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; part-skim ricotta may be drier.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative and honey with agave or maple syrup infused with chili oil.
- Make the dip a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then add hot honey and garnishes just before serving.
- The dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of crunchy dippers including crackers, breadsticks, or raw vegetables.
Keywords: Spicy Ricotta Dip, Hot Honey Dip, Appetizer, Party Dip, Ricotta Cheese Recipe, Spicy Honey Sauce, Easy Dip
