Dessert

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Bylina moretti October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Looking for a quick and delicious party appetizer? This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is creamy, sweet, and has just the right amount of heat. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and always gets rave reviews.

This image shows a shallow white bowl filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, creamy white base, swirled smoothly to create soft peaks. The second layer is an amber-colored oil, drizzled in a swirl pattern on top of the creamy base. The third layer consists of small pieces of green rosemary leaves, chopped walnuts, and tiny red chili flakes, scattered evenly over the oil. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and small nut pieces are visible around the bowl edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (around 475g)
Grated zest from half a lemon
Juice from half a lemon
1/4 teaspoon salt
A dash of black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup runny honey
1 teaspoon spicy sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
1 to 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

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.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, spicy sauce, and crushed chili flakes until fully combined to make a sweet and spicy drizzle.
Step 3: Drizzle the honey mixture over the whipped ricotta. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and freshly chopped rosemary on top for added texture and aroma.
Step 4: Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies. Invite guests to scoop and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Tips & Variations

Let ricotta come to room temperature before blending to avoid lumps.
If ricotta is watery, strain it in cheesecloth for 30 minutes to achieve a creamier texture.
Substitute lime juice or 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar if you don’t have lemon.
Use cottage cheese (blended smooth), Greek yogurt, or mascarpone as alternative bases.
Replace walnuts with pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, or roasted pumpkin seeds for different flavors or nut-free options.
Swap rosemary with fresh thyme or sage, or use 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
Be careful warming honey gently to avoid bitterness.

Storage

Store the ricotta dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the honey mixture in a separate jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Combine just before serving. Allow the dip to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving and stir if any liquid separates.

How to Serve

A shallow white bowl holds a creamy white ricotta cheese spread with a soft, fluffy texture that fills the bowl in one thick layer. Golden honey is drizzled over the cheese in a swirl pattern, pooling slightly in low spots and creating a glossy amber contrast against the white base. On top of the honey and cheese are crunchy walnut pieces scattered mostly in the center, adding a rich brown color and rough texture. Small green rosemary sprigs are placed among the walnuts for a touch of color and freshness. In the background, blurred white bread slices are stacked, showing a light crust and airy crumb. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth beneath, accented by a few stray rosemary leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of ricotta should I use?

Fresh, high-quality whole milk ricotta with a creamy, smooth texture works best. Avoid grainy or watery ricotta. Strain watery ricotta if needed to improve consistency.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, prepare both the ricotta base and the honey mixture separately up to 2 days in advance. Store them as directed, then mix and serve at room temperature when ready.