This Delicious Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy, coming together in just minutes for an appetizer that feels truly special. It’s a simple recipe that proves you don’t need a lot of time to create something wonderful.

What Makes This Dip So Special

Effortlessly Elegant: This appetizer looks and tastes gourmet but takes only 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Perfectly Balanced: The combination of creamy ricotta, sweet honey, a kick of spice, and a hint of lemon creates a truly addictive flavor profile.
Versatile Starter: It’s perfect for serving with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, making it suitable for any occasion.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap out the nuts to suit your personal preference.

The Simple Things You’ll Need

1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

The Tools I Find Helpful

A medium-sized bowl gives you plenty of room to whip the ricotta without making a mess, ensuring it gets perfectly light and airy. I also find that a sturdy whisk incorporates air beautifully, but a flexible spatula works just as well to get everything creamy and smooth.

Let’s Make It Together

Step 1: Start with a Creamy Base

In a bowl, whip the ricotta with the olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until it’s smooth and fluffy. Don’t be afraid to give it a good whisk; this is where you create that wonderfully light and airy texture that makes the dip feel so luxurious.

Step 2: Create a Little Swirl

Transfer your whipped ricotta to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a gentle swirl on the top. This little step not only looks pretty but also creates the perfect little pocket for the honey to pool in.

Step 3: The Sweet and Spicy Drizzle

Now for the best part! Drizzle the hot honey generously over the ricotta. I always add a little extra because that sweet and spicy combination is what makes this dip sing.

Step 4: A Sprinkle of Crunch

Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and red chili flakes over the top. The crunch from the walnuts is a wonderful contrast to the creamy dip.

Step 5: The Final Flourish

Finish with a few fresh rosemary sprigs for a lovely, fragrant touch. Serve it right away with some warm, crusty bread, your favorite crackers, or even some sliced apples.

A Gentle Note on Nutrition

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. This recipe is intended as a treat to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones.

A Few Healthy Twists

For a Lighter Dip: You can substitute whole milk ricotta with a good quality part-skim ricotta. It will still be creamy and delicious.
For a Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different crunch, try using toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
To Swap the Sweetener: If you prefer to avoid honey, a drizzle of pure maple syrup mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Ways We Love to Share This Dip

On a Big Bread Board: Serve this dip as the centerpiece of a board with various types of bread—think toasted sourdough, warm pita, or crunchy breadsticks.
With Fresh Fruits and Veggies: For a brighter take, offer it with sliced apples, pears, or crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers. The sweetness of the apple slices with the spicy honey is just divine.
As Little Toasts: Spread a generous amount on small toasted baguette slices and serve as individual crostini for an easy-to-handle party appetizer.

A Few Tips from My Kitchen

Choose Your Ricotta Wisely: The star of the show is the ricotta, so try to use a fresh, high-quality brand. Some can be grainy, which will affect the final texture. Look for one that seems smooth and creamy in the container.
Don’t Skip the Whipping: Taking a minute to whip the ricotta with the olive oil is key to achieving a light, fluffy texture. Simply stirring it won’t give you the same beautiful consistency.
Wait to Add the Toppings: If you’re making the dip even slightly ahead of time, wait to add the honey and toppings until just before you serve. This keeps the nuts crunchy and the presentation looking fresh and beautiful.

Saving Some for Later

If you have any leftovers, you can store the whipped ricotta base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a quick stir, transfer it to a bowl, and add fresh toppings and a new drizzle of hot honey.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This recipe is more than just an appetizer; it’s a little bit of joy in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating new memories. I hope that when you make it, you feel that same sense of warmth and connection. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every bite.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make this dip ahead of our party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the whipped ricotta base up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wait to add the hot honey, walnuts, and other garnishes until you are ready to serve to ensure everything stays fresh and crisp.

What if I can’t find hot honey?

No problem at all. You can easily make your own by gently warming regular honey in a small saucepan with a pinch or two of red chili flakes. Let it infuse for a few minutes, then allow it to cool before drizzling. Alternatively, you can just use regular honey and sprinkle a few extra chili flakes on top for heat.

Are there other herbs that would work for the garnish?

While rosemary adds a wonderful piney aroma, this dip is also delicious with other fresh herbs. Fresh thyme would be lovely, or you could add some finely chopped chives or fresh basil for a different flavor profile.

Delicious Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Delicious Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy, coming together in just minutes for an appetizer that feels truly special.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, whip the ricotta with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fluffy.
Transfer whipped ricotta to a serving bowl and create a swirl on top with a spoon.
Drizzle generously with hot honey.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and red chili flakes.
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve with bread, crackers, or sliced apples.

Notes

Use a fresh, high-quality ricotta for the best creamy texture. Add toppings just before serving to keep nuts crunchy and presentation fresh.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: ricotta dip, hot honey, appetizer, creamy dip, party snack