If you are searching for a show-stopping appetizer that is both elegant and effortless, then the Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe is the perfect dish to add to your culinary repertoire. This creamy, tangy ricotta dip swirled with spicy-sweet hot honey creates a balance of flavors that will delight any crowd. Each bite offers a smooth texture elevated by the bright lemon zest and the warmth of chili flakes, making it an irresistible snack or party starter you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the harmony of flavors and textures you’ll love.
- 2 cups fresh whole milk ricotta cheese: The creamy base that makes this dip luxuriously smooth and mild.
- Zest from half a lemon: Adds a bright, fresh citrus aroma that lifts the dip.
- Juice from half a lemon: Brings a refreshing tang to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the ricotta and honey.
- Pinch of ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dip a silky texture and rich complexity.
- 1/4 cup liquid honey: Sweetens with a natural floral note, essential for the hot honey topping.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Introduces a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the honey’s sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: Adds a touch of heat and vibrant color.
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced: Offers an aromatic herbal note that complements the chili’s heat.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
How to Make Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Ricotta
Start by combining the fresh whole milk ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blitz everything on high speed until the mixture turns luxuriously smooth and creamy, usually taking about 1 to 2 minutes. This step transforms the rustic ricotta into a velvety base that’s perfect for spreading or dipping.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey
While your ricotta is resting, incorporate the sweet and spicy magic by mixing liquid honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes together in a small bowl. Stir them well until you achieve a harmonious blend that will drizzle over the creamy ricotta, adding delicious heat and sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Transfer your whipped ricotta to a shallow serving bowl for easy access. Generously drizzle the hot honey mixture all over the top to ensure each scoop gets a touch of that fiery sweetness. This layering is what really brings this Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe to life.
Step 4: Garnish
Finish off the dish by sprinkling freshly minced rosemary and chopped walnuts over the honey-topped ricotta. The rosemary’s herbal fragrance perfectly balances the richness, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy texture beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This dip is best enjoyed immediately with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, crostini, or good old sourdough bread. Its fresh flavors and luscious texture will keep everyone reaching for more.
How to Serve Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe by adding a few extra garnishes for visual appeal and taste. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra chili flakes on top can add texture and a pop of heat. Finishing with fresh herbs like thyme or basil alongside rosemary can provide an inviting aroma that sets the scene for indulging.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs exceptionally well with crunchy breads and crackers that provide a sturdy vehicle for scooping. Think warm pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or even crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a refreshing crunch alongside the creamy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe inside a hollowed-out round sourdough loaf to create an edible bowl. You can also drizzle a little extra hot honey over individual servings or group it alongside other appetizers like marinated olives and charcuterie boards for a beautifully balanced spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep your Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, though the texture of the ricotta might thicken slightly, so a gentle stir before serving helps.
Freezing
Freezing this dip isn’t recommended, as ricotta’s texture can become grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days when refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this dip is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to soften and come alive.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture, part-skim ricotta can work in a pinch. Expect a slightly less rich and silky dip, but it will still taste delicious.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The heat level is gentle to moderate, thanks to the balance of chili flakes and hot sauce with sweet honey. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the whipped ricotta in advance?
Yes! You can blend the ricotta base a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the hot honey and garnishes just before serving for the freshest flavor.
What substitutions work well if I don’t have walnuts?
Pine nuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds can offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor if walnuts aren’t available.
Is this Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, traditional ricotta is dairy-based, so this recipe isn’t vegan. However, vegan ricotta alternatives made from nuts or tofu can be experimented with for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that manages to be both simple and special. Whenever you want to impress guests or enjoy a flavorful snack, this dip is the answer. Its creamy texture combined with the playful contrast of sweet heat and fresh herbs will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to appetizers!
Print
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy appetizer that combines smooth ricotta cheese with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and a sweet heat from honey infused with chili flakes and hot sauce. Topped with crunchy walnuts and fresh rosemary, it’s perfect for serving with crackers, pita chips, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Ricotta Dip
- 2 cups fresh whole milk ricotta cheese (about 475g)
- Zest from half a lemon
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Hot Honey Topping
- 1/4 cup liquid honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Garnish
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Blend the Ricotta: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a shallow serving bowl and set aside.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes until well combined to create a sweet and spicy drizzle.
- Assemble the Dip: Drizzle the hot honey mixture evenly over the whipped ricotta in the serving bowl.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts and minced fresh rosemary to add crunch and aromatic flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, serving with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or slices of sourdough bread for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Use fresh whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; drain well if it is watery.
- Adjust hot sauce and chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- The dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir well before serving.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping.
- This dip pairs beautifully with crisp white wines or sparkling beverages.
