Whipped ricotta with hot honey is a quick 15-minute appetizer combining creamy cheese with sweet-spicy honey drizzle, perfect for any gathering when served with crusty bread or crunchy vegetables.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
This luxurious dip strikes the perfect balance between creamy and spicy with minimal effort. The smooth, cloud-like texture of whipped ricotta creates an elegant base while the sweet-spicy hot honey adds complexity that will keep guests coming back for more. Perfect for entertaining, this appetizer looks impressive but requires just minutes to prepare and only a handful of simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (full-fat works best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or basil)
- Flaky sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables
Supplies & Tools
- Food processor or high-powered blender
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Serving bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grater for lemon zest
How to Make Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
For the Whipped Ricotta:
- Place the ricotta cheese in a food processor or blender.
- Add olive oil, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Process for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and airy, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and create a well in the center for the hot honey.
For the Hot Honey:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes.
- Heat for 30-45 seconds in the microwave or warm gently on the stove until honey thins.
- Let infuse for 5 minutes, then strain if desired or leave the flakes for extra heat.
- Allow to cool slightly before using.
Assembly:
- Pour the hot honey into the well of the whipped ricotta.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, flaky sea salt, and cracked pepper.
- Serve immediately with dipping options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
- Cold Ingredients: Allow ricotta to come to room temperature before whipping for the smoothest texture.
- Under-Processing: Don’t rush the whipping process—the longer you process, the airier the dip becomes.
- Draining Ricotta: If your ricotta seems watery, drain it in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes before whipping.
- Hot Honey Temperature: Let the hot honey cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from melting into the ricotta too quickly.
You Must Know
For the creamiest result, choose whole milk ricotta rather than part-skim. The higher fat content delivers that luxurious texture that makes this dip so special. If you find your ricotta has a grainy texture even after extensive whipping, try passing it through a fine-mesh sieve before processing.
Serving & Storing Whipped Ricotta Dip
This dip is best served at room temperature to maximize its creamy texture. Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The hot honey can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Allow refrigerated ricotta dip to come to room temperature before serving again.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Boosters: Add roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or grated parmesan to the ricotta mixture.
- Sweet Version: Skip the hot honey and top with fig jam, honey, or fruit preserves for a dessert dip.
- Make It Thicker: For a firmer dip, reduce or omit the heavy cream.
- Presentation: Serve in a shallow bowl to maximize the surface area for toppings.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute with whipped tofu and plant-based cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does whipped ricotta dip last in the refrigerator? Whipped ricotta dip will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes! Make the whipped ricotta and hot honey up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately and assemble just before serving.
What can I serve with whipped ricotta dip? Crusty bread, crackers, pita chips, crostini, fresh vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, or even fresh fruit like figs and apples.
Can I use part-skim ricotta? While you can use part-skim ricotta, whole milk ricotta produces a creamier, more luxurious dip.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free? Try using a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from nuts or tofu, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream.
Final Thoughts
This whipped ricotta hot honey dip elevates any gathering with minimal effort. The contrast of smooth, creamy cheese against sweet-spicy honey creates an irresistible combination. Try it today and watch it disappear!
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
- Chicken Rice Casserole
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
- Churro Bites Recipe
- The Ultimate Easy Carrot Cake Bars
- Orange Cream Sicle Pie
- Breakfast Grilled Cheese
- Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
| Whipped Ricotta with Hot Honey Dip | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Calories | 165 per serving |