This creamy and smooth ricotta dip with hot honey is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It’s incredibly simple to make yet tastes like something served at a high-end restaurant. With just a few ingredients, I can whip this up for a party appetizer or an easy snack that impresses every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile. The creamy ricotta offers a luxurious texture, while the hot honey brings a gentle kick of heat balanced by sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s elegant but low effort. I also enjoy how easy it is to customize—whether I want it spicy, herby, or with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Whole milk ricotta cheese
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Hot honey
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped herbs (like chives, parsley, or thyme)
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For serving: toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables
Directions
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I start by placing the ricotta in a mixing bowl and whisking it for a few minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth. I sometimes use a food processor for extra smoothness.
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I season the ricotta with a pinch of salt, some black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, mixing until everything is well combined.
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I transfer the ricotta mixture to a serving bowl or spread it on a plate.
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Then, I drizzle hot honey generously over the top. If I want extra flavor, I add a sprinkle of lemon zest or red pepper flakes.
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Finally, I garnish with fresh herbs and serve it with warm, toasted bread or crunchy vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. No cooking is required, making it a super quick and easy appetizer.
Variations
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I like to add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
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For a bolder flavor, I mix in roasted garlic or a bit of balsamic glaze.
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If I want it extra spicy, I infuse my own honey with chili flakes or use store-bought extra hot honey.
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I sometimes add a spoonful of whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt to make it tangier and creamier.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover ricotta dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I give it a quick stir before serving again. Since this dip is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. However, I do recommend adding fresh hot honey right before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs
What is hot honey, and where can I find it?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet and spicy kick. I usually find it in most grocery stores or make my own by heating honey with chili flakes.
Can I make this ricotta dip ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it a day in advance. I just keep the ricotta mixture chilled and add the hot honey and toppings right before serving.
What can I serve with this dip besides bread?
I like serving it with crackers, sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, or even pita chips. It goes well with anything crunchy.
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, I can use low-fat ricotta, but the texture may be less creamy. I sometimes blend it longer or add a little olive oil to smooth it out.
Is this recipe good for vegetarians?
Absolutely. All the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. I just make sure the hot honey brand I use doesn’t contain any animal-based additives.
Conclusion
This ricotta dip with hot honey is a simple yet irresistible recipe I keep coming back to. Whether I’m hosting a party or craving a quick snack, it always delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and endlessly customizable—everything I want in a perfect dip.
PrintDelicious Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
This creamy and smooth ricotta dip with hot honey blends sweet and savory flavors for a luxurious yet simple appetizer. Perfect for parties or snacks, it’s easy to customize with citrus, herbs, or extra spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme)
- For serving: toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Place the ricotta in a mixing bowl and whisk for 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth, or blend in a food processor for extra smoothness.
- Add salt, black pepper, and olive oil, then stir until fully combined.
- Transfer the ricotta mixture to a serving bowl or spread it onto a plate.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Sprinkle optional toppings like lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped herbs if desired.
- Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Add whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt for extra tang.
- Infuse your own honey with chili flakes for customized heat.
- Make ahead and add hot honey right before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
