This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a classy and flavorful appetizer that combines creamy ricotta with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle. Perfect for serving with crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables, this dip brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness to any gathering.
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:6 servings
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 Garnishes
Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or chives)
Lemon zest for garnish
For Serving
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.
Make the Hot Honey: Warm honey in a small saucepan with hot sauce or chili oil and chili flakes. Stir gently and heat just until warm and infused.
Plate the Dip: Spread whipped ricotta onto a shallow dish. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls. Drizzle hot honey over the top.
Garnish and Serve: Top with cracked pepper, lemon zest, and herbs if desired. Serve with crostini, vegetables, or on a charcuterie board.
Notes
Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
If you don’t have a food processor, a hand mixer or vigorous whisking works well to achieve a creamy dip.
The hot honey can be doubled for extra drizzle or saved for other dishes.
Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh flavor, but you can omit or substitute with dried herbs if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate the dip covered for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
