Spicy Ricotta with Hot Honey

This spicy ricotta dip with hot honey is perfect for when you want an easy yet impressive appetizer to share with friends or to brighten up a cozy night in. It balances creamy ricotta cheese with a sweet heat that wakes up your taste buds. I first made this after craving something easy but with a twist and it quickly became a favorite for casual gatherings and weeknight snacks.

I learned this recipe is perfect when you want something fancy without fuss. The hot honey drizzle is the star and makes the whole dip sing.

Ingredients

• Ricotta cheese: fresh whole milk ricotta is best for its creamy texture that melts smoothly on the palate
• Lemon zest and juice: add brightness and cut through the richness of the cheese
• Black pepper: for a subtle warming spice that layers with the chili flakes
• Good quality extra virgin olive oil: adds fruitiness and richness
• Coarse kosher salt: enhances all flavors without overwhelming
• Runny honey: choose a light floral honey to balance the heat with natural sweetness
• Crushed chili flakes: provide gentle heat but not overpowering and let you adjust spiciness
• Spicy sauce: like Frank’s RedHot to add vinegar tang and deeper chili flavor
• Chopped walnuts toasted: bring a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy ricotta
• Fresh rosemary: adds piney aromatic notes that lift the dish and give it an herbal finish

Instructions

Build The Base:

In a food processor or high-speed blender combine ricotta cheese lemon juice lemon zest salt pepper and olive oil. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth creamy and fluffy like whipped cream. This makes spreading and dipping easier and creates a lovely silky texture.

Make The Hot Honey:

In a small bowl mix runny honey chili flakes and spicy sauce thoroughly so the flavors meld. This sweet and spicy drizzle will add unexpected complexity and brighten the mild ricotta base.

Assemble The Dip:

Spread the whipped ricotta evenly in a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle the hot honey mixture over the top allowing some of the sauce to pool slightly. Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts and freshly chopped rosemary to add texture crunch and fresh herbal notes which make the dish more interesting and satisfying.

Serve And Enjoy:

Offer with crackers or toasted crostini for scooping. The combination of creamy sweet heat and nutty crunch makes a perfect bite. It is a dish that guests will want to come back to again.

This dip reminds me of summer evenings on the porch with friends where the sweet heat and fresh flavors kept the conversation going long into the night. The crunch of walnuts makes every bite exciting and the creamy ricotta so comforting.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover dip tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may deepen but the texture might firm up slightly so let it come to room temperature before serving again.

Ingredient Swaps

For a dairy-free version try a creamy plant-based ricotta or blended tofu with lemon and olive oil Replace walnuts with toasted pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch Swap the spicy sauce for a homemade harissa or sriracha to tweak heat and flavor profiles

Serving Ideas

Try serving this dip alongside grilled vegetables or as a spread inside warm pita pockets Use it as a topping for roasted sweet potatoes or spread on sandwiches for an unexpected kick Pair with a crisp white wine or light beer to complement the sweet heat

This spicy ricotta dip combines ease and flair for a snack that always impresses.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of ricotta is best to use?

Whole milk ricotta works best for a creamy and smooth texture that blends well with the other ingredients.

→ How can I make the honey drizzle spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed chili flakes or use a hotter sauce variety to elevate the heat level in the drizzle.

→ What is the purpose of toasting the walnuts?

Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch, complementing the creamy ricotta and sweet honey.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can blend the ricotta and prepare the honey mixture ahead of time, but add the walnuts and rosemary just before serving for the best texture.

→ What are good accompaniments to serve with this dish?

It’s ideal with crackers, crostini, or fresh bread, which help scoop the creamy mixture and balance the flavors.