Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on the counter to ensure an efficient and smooth preparation process.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the mixture to add a delightful crunchy texture without breaking them down too much.
- 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
