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This ricotta dip with hot honey is the kind of simple, show-stopping spread I turn to when guests pop in or when I want a fuss-free snack that tastes like I tried. Creamy ricotta gets a kiss of sweetness from honey and a sly heat from hot honey, making it perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight snacks, or as an elegant starter for dinner parties.
Why you’ll love this dish
This dip is ready in minutes, needs no cooking, and hits a fantastic balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. It’s budget-friendly, approachable for cooks of any level, and effortless to scale up for bigger groups. Use it as a last-minute appetizer or pack it for a picnic — it always feels a little indulgent.
“We served this at a small get-together and everyone asked for the recipe — so simple and unforgettable.” — Jessica, home cook
For a heartier spread, pair this with warm mains like honey garlic chicken bites, which echo the honey notes and add meaty texture for a complete snack board.
How this recipe comes together
Start by whisking creamy ricotta with two kinds of honey so the flavors meld without fuss. A quick seasoning of salt and pepper brightens the cheese, and finishing with extra hot honey and fresh herbs makes it look like a special, not a shortcut. All told, it’s five minutes between you and a dip that feels thoughtfully made.
What you’ll need
1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon hot honey (or more to taste), Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh herbs (like basil or chives) for garnish, Crackers or bread for serving
Substitution tips:
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; part-skim is fine but slightly drier.
- Swap hot honey for honey + pinch of red pepper flakes if you don’t have hot honey.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or your favorite crackers.
Directions to follow
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon hot honey until smooth and combined.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. A small pinch of salt will make the sweetness pop.
- Transfer the ricotta mixture to a shallow serving dish and, if you like, drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top for gloss and heat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives for color and a fresh herb note.
- Serve immediately with crackers or slices of crusty bread.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve as part of a snack board with olives, cured meats, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit for contrast. It’s great on crostini topped with figs or roasted peaches, and it pairs especially well with simple salads or grilled vegetables. For a casual meal, offer alongside grilled or fried proteins — try it with crispy honey garlic chicken bites to echo the honey flavors and add heartier bites to the table.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to minimize skin forming.
- Freezing: Ricotta’s texture changes when frozen; you can freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month, but expect some graininess after thawing. Whisk vigorously or use a blender to smooth it again.
- Reheating: This dip is best at room temperature. Remove from fridge 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving — heat breaks down the creaminess and alters texture.
Extra advice
- Helpful cooking tips
- Drain any watery ricotta by placing it in a fine mesh sieve for 15 minutes if you want a firmer dip.
- Use a handheld whisk or fork to keep the texture airy — overworking with a blender can make it gummy.
- Balance is key: too much hot honey can dominate; add in small increments and taste as you go.
- Finish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elevated final bite.
Creative twists
- Add lemon zest and a pinch of cracked pepper for a brighter version.
- Stir in chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for color and umami.
- Swap in mascarpone or goat cheese for a richer tang.
- Make it vegan using almond or tofu-based ricotta and agave in place of honey.
- Top with toasted nuts (walnuts or pistachios) and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a sweet-savory finish.
Helpful answers
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — make it a few hours to a day ahead. Keep covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. Add the fresh herbs and last drizzle of hot honey just before serving.
Q: How spicy will the dip be?
A: The heat depends on your hot honey. Start with 1 tablespoon and increase to taste. If you don’t want heat, use plain honey and a pinch of smoked paprika for depth without spice.
Q: Is this dip suitable for parties with dietary restrictions?
A: For gluten-free guests, serve with rice crackers or veggie sticks. To make it vegan, use a plant-based ricotta and a vegan honey substitute like maple or agave (not truly honey, but sweet).
Internal link suggestions (anchor text only):
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy ricotta dip elevated with sweet and spicy hot honey, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hot honey (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like basil or chives) for garnish
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, honey, and hot honey until smooth and combined.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Transfer the ricotta mixture to a shallow serving dish, drizzling a little extra hot honey over the top if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately with crackers or slices of crusty bread.
Notes
For a firmer dip, drain watery ricotta. Use a handheld whisk for a light texture. Balance the hot honey to avoid overpowering the dip.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg