Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a quick and easy appetizer perfect for last-minute entertaining. Creamy ricotta cheese is blended smooth with fresh lemon juice, zest, and seasonings, then topped with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle, chopped walnuts, and fresh rosemary for a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies for an irresistible crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ricotta Mixture
- 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
Hot Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup runny honey
- 1 teaspoon spicy sauce (such as hot sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
Toppings
- 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Blend the Ricotta Mixture: 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 for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the Honey Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, spicy sauce, and crushed chili flakes until fully combined. This creates a sweet and spicy drizzle that adds a burst of flavor.
- Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the prepared hot honey mixture evenly over the smooth ricotta in the bowl. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and minced rosemary on top for added texture and aromatic flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spicy ricotta dip with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies. Invite guests to scoop the creamy, sweet, and spicy dip onto their chosen dippers and enjoy.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; if watery, strain for 30 minutes before using.
- Let ricotta come to room temperature for 30 minutes before blending to avoid lumps.
- Warm honey gently over low heat to prevent bitterness when making the hot honey drizzle.
- Add lemon juice gradually and taste to balance acidity.
- Can substitute lime juice or white wine vinegar for lemon juice if needed.
- Substitute nuts with pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, or roasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
- Make the ricotta base and honey drizzle up to 2 days ahead; store separately and combine before serving.
- Dip keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; honey drizzle stores at room temp up to 2 weeks.
Keywords: ricotta dip, spicy dip, hot honey dip, easy appetizer, party food, crowd pleaser, quick dip, creamy dip, savory dip, sweet and spicy
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/spicy-ricotta-dip-with-hot-honey-recipe/
