Name: Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives); Lemon zest for garnish; Crostini, pita chips, or sliced baguette; Sweet peppers or cucumber slices

If you’re craving a dip that’s creamy, a little spicy, and beautifully balanced with sweet heat, you’re going to adore this Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers or whenever you want an appetizer that feels both special and surprisingly easy to pull together. I love making this dip because it never fails to impress friends and family with its silky texture and that addictive drizzle of warm, spicy honey.

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe shines because it’s creamy yet vibrant, with warm honey that brings out the spicy kick. Since it’s quick to whip up, you can enjoy a sophisticated appetizer without fuss.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The ricotta’s whipped texture balances the heat, giving you a dip that’s luscious and smooth.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: A drizzle of warm hot honey over the top creates that perfect sweet-spicy harmony you’ll crave.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Just a few pantry staples come together for maximum flavor and minimal stress.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether it’s a casual snack or part of a party spread, this dip fits effortlessly into your plans.

Ingredients at a Glance

Choosing fresh and quality ingredients for your Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe really elevates every bite. Fresh ricotta, good olive oil, and pure honey are the stars here — the simpler, the better for letting these flavors shine.

Whole milk ricotta cheese: Look for a creamy, fresh ricotta in a tub rather than the firmer pack to achieve that silky whip.
Olive oil: Use a fruity, medium-bodied olive oil that complements without overpowering the ricotta.
Chili flakes: Adjust to your preferred heat; fresh chili flakes have more vibrant flavor than pre-ground chili powder.
Honey: Choose a mild, raw honey that blends seamlessly with spicy notes when warmed.
Hot sauce or chili oil: This adds depth — I like a smoky chipotle hot sauce or a fragrant chili oil for complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season well and bring out all the layers of flavor.
Optional fresh herbs and lemon zest: Use what’s on hand for a bright, fresh finish.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Step 1 — Whip the Ricotta Until Luxuriously Smooth

Start by combining the whole milk ricotta, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder in a food processor. Blend on medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes until the ricotta turns delightfully fluffy and creamy, with no lumps. If you don’t have a food processor, whisk energetically by hand or use a handheld mixer — the key is achieving a smooth, airy texture. You’ll notice the ricotta lighten in color and body, setting the perfect base for our dip.

Step 2 — Warm the Honey with Chili for That Spicy-Sweet Kick

While the ricotta whips, pour honey into a small saucepan and gently warm it over low heat. Add your hot sauce or chili oil along with the chili flakes, stirring occasionally. Heat just until the honey becomes fragrant and starts to thin out—usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to scorch it; you want a warm, fluid drizzle, not burnt bitterness. This step infuses the honey with spicy heat that beautifully contrasts with the creamy ricotta.

Step 3 — Build Your Dip and Drizzle with Hot Honey

Transfer the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to spread and create elegant swirls on the surface — the texture is part of the charm here. Slowly drizzle the warm hot honey over the ricotta, letting it pool in some spots while also creating a glossy sheen. This visual contrast makes the dip as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Step 4 — Garnish and Serve with Style

Finish by scattering fresh cracked black pepper and, if you like, some lemon zest for brightness and fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or basil. These add bursts of freshness that balance the richness. Serve the dip alongside crostini, pita chips, or crunchy vegetable slices — I often like sweet peppers and cool cucumber for a crisp bite. This dip is a real crowd-pleaser and adds that extra wow-factor on any appetizer board.

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Things to Remember

When making this Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe, it’s all about balance and timing. Take care to whip the ricotta well and warm the honey gently to maintain the shine and sweetness. Small touches like fresh cracked pepper and herbs truly bring it together.

Doneness Cue: The ricotta should be silky smooth and fluffy, not grainy or dense.
Temperature Trick: Warm the honey gently on low—too hot, and you’ll lose that lovely floral taste.
Make-Ahead Move: You can whip the ricotta a few hours ahead; just cover and refrigerate. Add hot honey and garnishes right before serving.
Common Pitfall: Don’t skip seasoning the ricotta well with salt—it’s the key that unlocks full flavor.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love adding a bright sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh herbs like chives or thyme on top because it cuts through the richness and adds a fragrant note. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the honey and chili flakes perfectly. Don’t skip these finishing touches—they elevate your Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe from everyday to memorable.

Plays Well With

This dip pairs beautifully with crispy crostini or pita chips, but I also love contrasting its creaminess with fresh, crunchy veggies like sweet mini peppers or cucumber slices. For a fuller party spread, serve alongside cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables to give guests a range of textures and flavors.

Simple Plating Upgrades

Try serving the dip in a shallow rustic bowl or even a hollowed-out small bread bowl for a charming presentation. Drizzle an extra swirl of hot honey right before serving and scatter a handful of toasted nuts, like pine nuts or crushed pistachios, for crunch and added depth. Fresh herb sprigs arranged around the plate instantly boost visual appeal with minimal effort.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover ricotta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will stay creamy, though it may slightly firm up as it chills. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again or let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften up perfectly.

Freezing Tips

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe doesn’t freeze well because ricotta’s texture can become grainy after thawing. I recommend enjoying this dip fresh for best taste and mouthfeel. If you’re looking to prep ahead, making the ricotta base and hot honey separately and refrigerating them is your best bet.

Reheating Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe Without Drying Out

For leftovers, warm the dip gently in a microwave at 50% power in short 20-second intervals, stirring in between and adding a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of milk if it feels too thick. Alternatively, heat it in a low oven (around 275°F) covered in foil to preserve moisture. Avoid high heat—it dries out the ricotta quickly. Drizzle with fresh hot honey just before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe vegan?

While this recipe relies on whole milk ricotta for its creamy texture, you could substitute a vegan ricotta alternative or blended tofu. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but the hot honey drizzle can stay the same, using vegan-friendly honey options or agave syrup mixed with chili flakes.

How spicy is this dip really?

The heat level is adjustable! With ½ teaspoon of chili flakes and a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili oil, it delivers a gentle, warming spice that complements the honey’s sweetness. You can easily increase or decrease the chili flakes and hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

What is the best way to serve this dip at a gathering?

Serve it spread in a shallow dish with plenty of crostini, pita chips, and fresh veggie slices for guests to grab easily. Adding small spoons or spreaders encourages a mess-free, easy-to-enjoy experience. Garnish just before serving for the best visual appeal.

Can I use store-bought chili oil?

Absolutely! Store-bought chili oil adds wonderful depth and flavor if you don’t want to make your own. Just pick a high-quality oil that’s balanced in spice and richness to harmonize with the ricotta and honey.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen thanks to its balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. It’s deceptively simple but delivers on wow factor every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—whether it’s as a last-minute snack or the star appetizer at your next party.

Full Printable Recipe