Save A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey, perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies.
The first time I whipped up this ricotta dip, it disappeared within minutes at a family gathering. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and now it has become my go-to appetizer for potlucks and special occasions.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 1 ½ cups (375 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese, 2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, softened, ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- Hot Honey: ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey, 1–2 tsp hot sauce (sriracha or similar), to taste, ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Flavorings & Seasonings: 1 small garlic clove, finely grated, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, ½ tsp lemon zest, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- To Serve: Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables, fresh herbs (e.g., chives, basil, or thyme), chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Hot Honey:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whipped Ricotta:
- In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assembly:
- Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
- Honey Swirl:
- Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Save Sharing this dip on weekends has become a little tradition in our home. Everyone gathers in the kitchen and loves to customize their serving with fresh veggies or crispy bread.
Required Tools
Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater or microplane, serving bowl
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. If serving with bread or crackers, gluten may be present. Use gluten-free options if necessary. Double-check all store-bought ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180. Total Fat: 11 g. Carbohydrates: 15 g. Protein: 6 g.
Save Serve this dip right away for the freshest texture and flavor. Leftovers make a delicious spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I make the hot honey swirl?
Warm honey gently with hot sauce and red pepper flakes over low heat for 2–3 minutes, then cool slightly before swirling into the whipped ricotta.
- → Can I use alternatives to cream cheese in this dish?
Yes, Greek yogurt can substitute cream cheese or heavy cream for a lighter texture while maintaining creaminess.
- → What is the best way to serve this whipped ricotta?
Serve with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables to complement the creamy and spicy flavors.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey mixture to suit your preferred heat intensity.
- → Are there recommended pairings for this dish?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling complement the creamy ricotta and spicy honey beautifully.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if served with gluten-free dippers such as gluten-free crackers or vegetables.