Save to Pinterest A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey (perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies). This appetizer comes together in just 15 minutes and is sure to impress at any gathering.
I was inspired to make this whipped ricotta dip after trying something similar at my favorite local wine bar. The combination of cool, creamy cheese and warm spicy honey quickly became a go-to for our weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups (375 g)
- Cream cheese: 2 oz (60 g), softened
- Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Honey: ⅓ cup (80 ml)
- Hot sauce: 1, 2 tsp (sriracha or similar), to taste
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
- Garlic: 1 small clove, finely grated
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest: ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables: for serving
- Fresh herbs (chives, basil, or thyme): chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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.
- Whip the ricotta mixture:
- 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.
- Spoon and swirl:
- Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
- Drizzle with hot honey:
- Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Save to Pinterest This dip is a hit with my family (especially at game night) (everyone loves customizing their own bite with different toppings).
Required Tools
Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater or microplane, serving bowl
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 180 calories, 11 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein
Wine Pairing
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling complement the creamy, spicy notes perfectly
Save to Pinterest Serve this dip right away for the best creamy texture (and be ready for requests for the recipe)!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect whipped texture?
Blend ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy using a food processor or hand mixer. This ensures a light, airy consistency perfect for spreading.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the hot honey?
Yes, modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice intensity without compromising the balance of sweetness.
- → What are good serving options for this dip?
Serve with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery to complement the creamy and spicy layers.
- → Are there alternatives to cream cheese for a lighter version?
For a lighter texture, substitute cream cheese or heavy cream with Greek yogurt, which adds tang and reduces richness.
- → Which herbs work best with this dish?
Fresh herbs like chives, basil, or thyme enhance freshness and add subtle herbal notes when sprinkled over the whipped ricotta.
- → What wine pairs well with this combination of flavors?
Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling perfectly complement the creamy base and spicy honey swirl.