Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
• Grated zest from half a lemon
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup runny honey
• 1 teaspoon spicy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all ingredients on the counter for efficient preparation.
2. Step 2: In a food processor or mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in the honey, spicy sauce, chili flakes, and rosemary until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle extra honey on top if desired. Serve with your favorite dippers.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, reduce or omit the chili flakes and spicy sauce.
• Try toasting the walnuts before folding them in to bring out their flavor.
• Use fresh rosemary for the best aroma and taste, but dried rosemary can be substituted in a pinch.
• Serve with pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for a variety of textures.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it come to room temperature and stir gently. If the dip thickens after refrigeration, you can mix in a little olive oil or lemon juice to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated. Allow it to sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If you can’t find ricotta, fresh cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes, though the texture and taste will differ slightly.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a creamy and flavorful appetizer combining fresh ricotta cheese with zesty lemon, spicy chili flakes, and a touch of sweet honey. Perfect as a dip for crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables, this recipe offers a balanced blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a delightful crunchy texture from chopped walnuts.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (serves 6) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dip Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
• Grated zest from half a lemon
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup runny honey
• 1 teaspoon spicy sauce (such as sriracha or hot sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on the counter to ensure an efficient and smooth preparation process.
2. Blend Ricotta Base: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend or whisk the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Add Sweet and Spicy Elements: Stir in the runny honey, spicy sauce, crushed chili flakes, and freshly chopped rosemary thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the dip carries a nice balance of heat and sweetness.
4. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the mixture to add a delightful crunchy texture without breaking them down too much.
5. Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle extra honey on top if desired for an additional touch of sweetness. Serve with your favorite dippers such as crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

• Use fresh ricotta cheese for the best creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes and spicy sauce according to your preferred spice level.
• For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This dip pairs well with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crisp vegetables.

Keywords: spicy ricotta dip, hot honey dip, ricotta appetizer, spicy cheese dip, easy no-cook dip, Italian dip recipe, party appetizer