Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
Elevate your appetizer game with this effortlessly chic Spicy Ricotta Dip, a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Fresh, whipped whole milk ricotta forms a luscious base, beautifully complemented by a drizzle of fiery hot honey and a textural crunch of toasted walnuts and fragrant rosemary. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack, this dip comes together in mere minutes, promising a truly memorable culinary experience.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Incredibly quick to prepare, coming together in just 10 minutes.
- Offers a sophisticated balance of creamy, sweet, spicy, and savory notes that tantalize the palate.
- Requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor impact, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Visually stunning and highly adaptable for various serving occasions.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have guests asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 500g (2 cups) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
- Zest from half a large lemon
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 15ml (juice from half a large lemon) fresh lemon juice
- 3g (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt (or 1/4 teaspoon Morton Coarse Kosher Salt)
- 1g (a dash) freshly ground black pepper
- For the Hot Honey:
- 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) crushed red chili flakes
- 60ml (1/4 cup) runny honey
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) spicy sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- For the Topping:
- 30g (1/4 cup) chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
- 5g (1 to 2 teaspoons) fresh chopped rosemary
Instructions
- In a food processor or a high-speed blender, combine the 500g (2 cups) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese, 15ml (juice from half a lemon) fresh lemon juice, the zest from half a lemon, 3g (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, 1g (a dash) freshly ground black pepper, and 15ml (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil.
- Blend these ingredients on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth, light, and airy. You are aiming for a luxurious, whipped consistency with no lumps.
- Once blended to perfection, gently spread the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl, creating a smooth surface. Set it aside while you prepare the hot honey drizzle.
- In a small separate bowl, combine the 60ml (1/4 cup) runny honey, 5ml (1 teaspoon) spicy sauce, and 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) crushed red chili flakes. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until the hot sauce and chili flakes are evenly dispersed throughout the honey, creating a vibrant, spicy-sweet mixture.
- Carefully drizzle the prepared hot honey mixture generously over the smooth, whipped ricotta in the serving bowl. Ensure an even distribution to ensure every bite contains a burst of this delightful flavor combination.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling the lightly toasted 30g (1/4 cup) chopped walnuts and 5g (1 to 2 teaspoons) fresh chopped rosemary over the hot honey-drizzled ricotta. The toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty depth, while the fresh rosemary provides an aromatic, herbaceous counterpoint.
- This delightful dish is best served immediately with an assortment of crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crostini. Invite your guests to scoop ample amounts of the delicious whipped ricotta and honey mixture onto their chosen accompaniment. Enjoy the sophisticated combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors!
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Shallow serving bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)
Essential Success Tips
- Always use fresh, whole milk ricotta for the best, creamiest texture and richest flavor. Avoid lower fat versions, as they may result in a less luxurious dip.
- Ensure your lemon is truly fresh; the vibrant zest and juice contribute significantly to the dip's brightness and counterpoint the richness of the ricotta.
- For the walnuts, a quick toast in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant, dramatically enhances their nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red chili flakes and spicy sauce in the hot honey to perfectly suit your preferred spice level. A little more or less can customize the kick.
- Serve the dip at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. If made ahead and chilled, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to bloom.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve an exceptionally smooth and airy ricotta, consider pressing it through a fine-mesh sieve before blending. This extra step removes any slight graininess, resulting in an even silkier, restaurant-quality texture.
- For an extra layer of nuanced flavor, gently warm the olive oil with a sliver of garlic or a small sprig of fresh rosemary for 10 minutes on low heat. Strain out the aromatics before adding the infused oil to the ricotta blend.
- Experiment with different varieties of honey, such as a robust buckwheat honey or a delicate orange blossom honey, to subtly alter the flavor profile of the hot honey drizzle and add complexity.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The texture may firm up slightly when chilled, so let it come to room temperature before serving again.
- Variations: For a smoky dimension, add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the hot honey. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pistachios or pecans, or other fresh herbs like thyme or chives for the topping.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond crackers and crostini, this dip is fantastic spread on toasted sourdough bread, served alongside fresh vegetable sticks (like bell peppers or cucumber), or even dolloped onto warm flatbread or pita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. However, for the freshest taste and best texture, prepare the hot honey and toast the walnuts just before serving, then assemble the entire dish right before your guests arrive.
What kind of hot sauce is best for the hot honey?
A classic vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank's RedHot works wonderfully, offering a balanced heat and tang that complements the sweetness of the honey. However, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce, adjusting the amount to your personal spice preference.
Can I make this dairy-free or nut-free?
While traditional ricotta is dairy-based, there are several excellent plant-based ricotta alternatives available on the market (often made from almonds or cashews) that could be used as a substitute. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and instead use toasted seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 250, Protein: 10g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Carbs: 15g, Sugars: 12g, Fiber: 1g, Sodium: 250mg.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (ricotta cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts). For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and use toasted seeds (e.g., pumpkin or sunflower seeds) as a topping. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if allergies are a concern.
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