Pin it A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey is perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies. This impressive appetizer comes together in minutes and delivers a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love.
I first made this whipped ricotta dip for a summer picnic, and it instantly became a family favorite. The creamy base combined with a spicy-sweet swirl makes it irresistible and a frequent request for holidays and parties.
Ingredients
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups (375 g)
- Cream cheese (softened): 2 oz (60 g)
- 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 (finely grated): 1 small
- 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
- Prepare 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 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. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve the dip:
- Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
- Add hot honey:
- Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Pin it Sharing this with family always sparks smiles—the honey swirl is a showstopper and encourages everyone to gather around the table for dips and laughter.
Required Tools
Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater or microplane, and a serving bowl are all you need for this recipe.
Notes
For a lighter dip, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese or heavy cream. Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to match your spice preference. Roasted nuts or smoked paprika are great for added flavor. For drinks, pair with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately: 180 calories, 11 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Pin it Serve this luscious dip as soon as it is prepared for the richest flavor. Fresh herbs and generous swirls of honey make it visually stunning and memorable.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the whipped ricotta lighter?
Replace cream cheese or heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier texture without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What types of hot sauce work best for the honey swirl?
Sriracha or similar chili sauces provide balanced heat and flavor that complement the honey's sweetness well.
- → Can the dip be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ricotta mixture and hot honey separately in advance, then combine and serve just before eating to preserve freshness.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Crostini, crackers, and fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, or bell peppers pair beautifully with this creamy dip.
- → How do the flavors balance in this dish?
The creamy, mild ricotta contrasts with the warm, spicy honey swirl, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, heat, and savory notes.