Can I make Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ricotta base up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The hot honey mixture can be made and kept at room temperature for up to two weeks. Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.

What are the best accompaniments for this spicy ricotta dip?

This versatile dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. Think crispy crackers, toasted crostini, warm pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers. It's also fantastic on a cheese board!

How can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey?

To increase the heat, simply add more crushed chili flakes or a few extra drops of your favorite spicy sauce to the honey mixture. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit the spicy sauce altogether, using just pure honey.

What type of ricotta cheese should I use for the creamiest dip?

For the absolute creamiest texture, we recommend using fresh, full-fat ricotta cheese. If your ricotta seems a bit watery, you can strain it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about 30 minutes before blending to achieve a thicker, more luxurious consistency.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey – Quick and Flavorful Appetizer

Description

A creamy, sweet, and spicy ricotta dip infused with hot honey, perfect as a quick and flavorful appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

15 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1-2 tablespoons spicy sauce (e.g., sriracha, chili garlic sauce)
1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (more or less to taste)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Ricotta Mixture. Begin by combining the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey Mixture. In a small bowl, mix the honey, spicy sauce, and chili flakes until fully combined. Gently warm the mixture if needed to ensure it's runny and well combined. Be careful not to overheat to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip. Spread the creamy ricotta mixture evenly into a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle the hot honey mixture generously over the ricotta. Then, sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and freshly minced rosemary for a beautiful presentation and added texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the dip immediately with your favorite crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping. The balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors is irresistible!

Notes

For extra richness, use full-fat ricotta. Adjust chili flakes and spicy sauce to your preferred level of heat. The dip (ricotta and hot honey separately) can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in airtight containers. Let the ricotta come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg