Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
I’ve been making this ricotta dip with hot honey for years when I need a fast, impressive starter — it comes together in minutes but looks and tastes like something from a neighborhood bistro. Silky ricotta, a kiss of spicy-sweet honey, and bright fresh herbs make a spread that’s equally welcome at casual weeknight snacks, brunch boards, or holiday appetizer platters. If you like a little heat with your creamy dips, this one is ridiculously easy and endlessly adaptable (and it pairs beautifully with a hot-honey flatbread or a crisp salad — try pairing with a favorite flatbread recipe for a crowd-pleasing combo: best hot honey flatbread pizza).
Why you’ll love this dish
This ricotta dip is the kind of recipe that solves more than one problem: it’s fast, cost-effective, and looks fancy without fuss. You can whip it up from pantry staples and fresh herbs, and it scales easily for intimate snacking or larger gatherings. The contrast between the pillowy ricotta and the sticky heat of hot honey is what makes it addictive — neither component overwhelms the other.
“Smooth, subtly tangy ricotta with a brilliant hit of hot honey — my go-to for last-minute guests.” — a regular kitchen-test review
When to make it:
- Last-minute appetizers for dinner parties or potlucks.
- Brunch boards alongside fruit, cured meats, and pastries.
- A simple elevated snack for movie nights or game-day grazing.
Step-by-step overview
This is a quick, no-cook spread that relies on good-quality ingredients and a few clean steps:
- Spoon ricotta into a bowl.
- Add hot honey, taste and adjust heat.
- Whisk until very smooth.
- Fold in chopped herbs, season.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, finish with extra honey and herbs.
- Serve with crusty bread, crostini, or crisp veg.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture; see note below)
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer milder heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, finely chopped (basil, parsley, or thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread or crostini, for serving
- Crisp vegetables (carrot sticks, cucumber, radish), for serving
Notes and substitutions:
- If ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine sieve for 10–15 minutes or use a paper towel-lined sieve to get a thicker result.
- Substitute Greek yogurt (full-fat) for ricotta for tangier, thicker dip.
- If you don’t have hot honey, stir a teaspoon of chili oil or chili flakes into regular honey.
- For a vegan version, use a firm tofu whipped with a bit of olive oil and lemon; adjust seasoning.
Directions to follow
- Scoop the ricotta into a medium mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to get all of it out of the container.
- Add 2 tablespoons hot honey. If you prefer less heat, start with 1 tablespoon and taste.
- Stir vigorously with a fork or whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Aim for no lumps — a quick 30–60 second whisk does the trick.
- Fold in the finely chopped herbs. Season with a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper, then taste and adjust.
- Spoon the dip into a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle a little extra hot honey on top for shine and a fresh pop of heat. Garnish with a few whole herb leaves.
- Serve immediately with slices of crusty bread, toasted crostini, or an assortment of raw vegetables.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve the dip on a cheese board or as the star of a light grazing platter. It’s lovely with:
- Toasted baguette slices or grilled flatbread.
- Thick crackers, seeded crisps, or crostini.
- Fresh vegetables: cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, radishes, and celery.
- As a spread under prosciutto or smoked salmon for an elevated bite.
To assemble a simple party platter, place the ricotta dip in the center, scatter olives and nuts around it, and serve with warm bread and pickles. For more flatbread pairing inspiration, try a matching recipe like this hot-honey flatbread idea: best hot honey flatbread pizza.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The dip will firm slightly as it chills — stir gently before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended — freezing changes ricotta’s texture and makes it grainy.
- Food safety: Keep chilled below 40°F (4°C) and discard any dip left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If dairy smells off or shows separation beyond mild whey, discard.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest mouthfeel; low-fat ricotta can be grainier.
- Whisking is your friend — a metal whisk or fork aerates the cheese for a mousse-like texture.
- Taste as you go with honey: hot honey can vary widely in heat level depending on brand and chili content.
- For prettier presentation, serve in a shallow white bowl and finish with a drizzle of honey and a scattering of micro-herbs or lemon zest.
- If you need to make it ahead, assemble up to a day in advance, then add final drizzle and herb garnish right before serving to keep herbs bright.
Creative twists
- Lemon & Chili: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness.
- Olive Tapenade Swirl: Spoon a tablespoon of olive tapenade on top and lightly swirl for a savory contrast.
- Roasted Garlic: Mix in 1–2 teaspoons of mashed roasted garlic for depth.
- Nut Crunch: Top with toasted pistachios or almonds for texture.
- Smoky Option: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika to echo smoky-sweet flavors.
- Vegan: Use whipped silken tofu or cashew cream, and swap honey for agave plus a pinch of chili flakes.
Helpful answers
Q: How long does this take to prepare?
A: Active prep is about 5–10 minutes. It’s primarily assembly — great when you need an impressive snack fast.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes — prepare up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated and add the finishing honey drizzle and fresh herbs right before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have hot honey?
A: Mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to taste. Start small and increase heat gradually.
Q: Is this dip kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Use milder honey (or start with 1/2–1 tablespoon) or omit the chili entirely for a sweet ricotta spread kids will love.
Q: Any tips for a thicker dip?
A: Strain the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve for 10–15 minutes, or use full-fat ricotta or a blend of ricotta and a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt for body.
Conclusion
This ricotta dip with hot honey is a fast, flexible winner — elegant enough for guests and simple enough for weeknight nibbling. If you want more whipped ricotta inspiration and variations, check out this recipe for Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey or try another quick version at Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Appetizer.
Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture) If watery, drain in a fine sieve for 10–15 minutes.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer milder heat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, finely chopped (basil, parsley, or thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Crusty bread or crostini For serving
- Crisp vegetables (carrot sticks, cucumber, radish) For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Scoop the ricotta into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons hot honey. If you prefer less heat, start with 1 tablespoon and taste.
- Stir vigorously with a fork or whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth with no lumps.
- Fold in the finely chopped herbs. Season with a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper, then taste and adjust.
- Spoon the dip into a shallow serving bowl, drizzle extra hot honey on top, and garnish with whole herb leaves.
