Save A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey is perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies. This appetizer brings together velvety cheese and a drizzle of golden honey infused with a gentle kick.
The first time I made this whipped ricotta dip, it was for a last-minute get-together with close friends. Everyone hovered around the bowl, swiping and swirling with crackers, and the hot honey swirl was a revelation.
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 (sriracha or similar): 1–2 tsp, to taste
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
- Garlic clove: 1 small, 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
- Make 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. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whip ricotta base:
- 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.
- Transfer and swirl:
- Spoon whipped ricotta into a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface.
- Add hot honey:
- Drizzle the warm hot honey over the ricotta, swirling for a marbled effect.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Save This ricotta dip is often at the center of our family gatherings, with kids and adults alike reaching in for another taste. Swirling in the hot honey has become a favorite ritual—and sparks lots of smiles.
Required Tools
Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater or microplane, serving bowl.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. If served with bread, gluten may be present; use gluten-free options as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 6 g.
Save This whipped ricotta dip is best enjoyed fresh, swirled with plenty of hot honey. Pair it with crisp white wine and share with friends for maximum delight.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the honey swirl spicy?
Combine honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes, then warm gently to meld flavors without boiling.
- → Can I use a substitute for cream cheese?
Yes, Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese or heavy cream for a lighter texture.
- → What serving options pair well with this dish?
Crostini, crackers, and fresh vegetables complement the creamy, spicy swirl perfectly.
- → How should the mixture be blended?
Use a food processor or hand mixer to blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- → Are there any seasonal herbs recommended?
Chopped chives, basil, or thyme add fresh herbal notes when garnishing.