Description
This easy, no-cook ricotta dip with hot honey is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy appetizer that comes together in minutes. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, it’s a crowd-pleaser with endless topping and serving options.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (from about 1/2 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- Chopped fresh herbs (basil, chives, or parsley, about 2 tablespoons, optional)
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts (1-2 tablespoons, optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling, optional)
- Lemon zest curls (optional)
- Toasted baguette slices, crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Scoop ricotta into a mixing bowl. If watery, drain in a fine mesh sieve for 10-15 minutes.
- Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the ricotta.
- Whip with a hand mixer or sturdy whisk for 1-2 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth. If too thick, add a splash of milk and whip again.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Warm gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes until runny and fragrant. Do not boil. Let cool for a minute.
- Spread whipped ricotta onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, swirling into a mound or making a well in the center.
- Drizzle warm hot honey generously over the ricotta.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts, flaky salt, and lemon zest curls if desired.
- Serve immediately with toasted bread, crackers, or sliced veggies.
- To prep ahead, store whipped ricotta and hot honey separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Bring ricotta to room temperature and warm honey before serving.
Notes
For best texture, use high-quality whole-milk ricotta and drain if watery. Adjust the heat of the hot honey to taste. The dip can be made dairy-free with almond or cashew-based ricotta and agave or maple syrup. Serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies for a GF option. Prep ahead by storing components separately and assembling just before serving. Garnish creatively with herbs, nuts, or citrus zest.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 7
Keywords: ricotta dip, hot honey, appetizer, no-cook, party dip, easy, vegetarian, creamy dip, cheese dip, honey, spicy dip