Save to Pinterest A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey—perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies.
I first made this dip for a summer gathering and it disappeared in minutes. The swirl of hot honey adds a surprising kick that everyone loves.
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, to taste (sriracha or similar)
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
- Garlic clove: 1 small, finely grated
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest: ½ tsp
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- To Serve: Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables
- Fresh herbs: Chives, basil, or thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make 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.
- Blend the dip:
- 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.
- Assemble:
- Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
- Swirl and serve:
- Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
- Garnish and enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Save to Pinterest My family requests this dip at every holiday and even casual dinners. Even kids enjoy the touch of sweetness, while adults appreciate the spicy swirl.
Required Tools
Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater or microplane, serving bowl
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. Check your dippers for gluten. Always review packaged ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 6 g
Save to Pinterest This whipped ricotta dip is an easy showstopper. The sweet-heat swirl makes every bite irresistible.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the hot honey swirl?
Gently warm honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes in a saucepan for a few minutes without boiling to infuse the flavors.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese in the mixture?
Yes, Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese or heavy cream for a lighter consistency.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dip?
Serve chilled with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a delicious and easy-to-share appetizer.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness level?
Modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey to suit your preferred heat intensity.
- → Are there any suggested pairings for this dish?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling nicely complement the creamy and spicy notes.