Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a rich, creamy appetizer that balances savory cheese with the warm kick of spiced honey. It’s smooth, fluffy, and layered with flavor — perfect for dipping with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or want a quick snack that feels gourmet, this ricotta dip comes together fast and impresses every time. It also works wonderfully as a spread for toast, a topping for roasted veggies, or even as part of a brunch board. The combination of creamy and spicy-sweet is hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
- Made in under 10 minutes
- Requires just a few basic ingredients
- Elegant yet effortless
- Pairs with both sweet and savory sides
- Can be served warm or cold
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking
- Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hot Honey:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of chili powder (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
- Crushed pistachios or walnuts
- Zest of lemon or orange
- Extra olive oil drizzle
- Fresh cracked pepper
How to Make Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
Step 1: Whip the Ricotta
Place the ricotta in a food processor or blender. Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and fluffy (about 1 minute). Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes and chili powder. Heat for 2–3 minutes until infused, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls.
Step 4: Drizzle and Top
Drizzle the warm hot honey over the ricotta. Add toppings like herbs, crushed nuts, citrus zest, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, warm naan, or crisp vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- With toasted sourdough, naan, or warm pita
- As a topping for grilled chicken or roasted vegetables
- On a brunch board with fruit, cured meats, and croissants
- Swirled into pasta
- Spread on grilled toast with avocado or tomatoes
- Dipped with carrot sticks or cucumber
Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality ricotta for the best texture
- Drain excess liquid to prevent watery dip
- Whip it well for creaminess
- Adjust spice by adding more or less red pepper
- Make it seasonal with figs, cranberries, or pumpkin
Flavor Variations to Try
Herbed Ricotta Dip
Blend in fresh basil, thyme, or parsley.
Lemon Ricotta Dip
Add lemon zest and juice for brightness.
Roasted Garlic Ricotta Dip
Blend in roasted garlic cloves for depth.
Balsamic Honey Ricotta Dip
Use balsamic glaze instead of hot honey.
Sweet & Savory Fig Ricotta
Top with fig jam and crushed walnuts.
Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & Nuts
Sprinkle smoked paprika and chopped almonds.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Reheat: Warm ricotta gently in microwave; heat honey separately
- Make-ahead: Whip ricotta in advance and refrigerate
Nutrition Info (Per 1/4 Cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat ricotta?
Yes, but the texture will be less creamy. Whole milk ricotta gives the best results.
Is it spicy?
Mildly spicy — the honey balances the heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to your liking.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Whip the ricotta and refrigerate. Add hot honey before serving.
What if I don’t have red pepper flakes?
Use cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce. Chili oil also works.
Can I use cottage cheese instead?
Yes, blend it well. It’s tangier and less creamy than ricotta.
What do I serve it with?
Breadsticks, chips, crackers, veggies, or roasted meat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! It scales easily. Just blend in batches.
Final Thoughts
Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a simple but stunning appetizer. The creamy base, spicy-sweet topping, and fresh herbs make it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Quick, versatile, and irresistibly delicious — you’ll find endless ways to serve it again and again.
Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
Ingredients
For the Dip
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese drained if watery
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
For the Hot Honey
- 3 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 pinch chili powder optional
Optional Toppings
- fresh thyme or rosemary chopped
- crushed pistachios or walnuts
- lemon or orange zest
- extra olive oil for drizzling
- fresh cracked pepper to finish
Instructions
- Whip the ricotta: Add ricotta, olive oil, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth and fluffy, about 45–60 seconds, scraping down as needed.
- Warm the hot honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm honey. Stir in red pepper flakes and a pinch of chili powder (optional). Infuse 2–3 minutes; remove from heat.
- Assemble: Spoon whipped ricotta into a shallow bowl and create swirls with the back of a spoon.
- Finish: Drizzle with warm hot honey. Top with herbs, nuts, citrus zest, a touch of olive oil, and more pepper if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy right away with toasted baguette, naan, crackers, or veggie sticks. Serve warm or chilled.