Dessert

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Bylina Carter October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a delightful blend of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and a sweet-spicy honey drizzle. Perfect as an appetizer, it brings together contrasting flavors and textures that will impress any crowd.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a soft, thick layer of creamy white dip, with a swirl pattern on top. Drizzled on the surface is an amber golden oil forming concentric rings. Scattered on the dip are small pieces of chopped walnuts, green rosemary leaves, and tiny red spice flakes that add texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, showing parts of another similar bowl with the same dip in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (around 475g)
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

Step 1: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the runny honey, spicy sauce, and crushed chili flakes until fully combined to create a sweet and spicy drizzle.
Step 3: Drizzle the honey mixture over the smooth ricotta in the bowl. Top with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of minced rosemary for texture and aroma.
Step 4: Serve the dip with crackers or crostini. Invite guests to scoop the creamy, sweet, and spicy mixture onto their choice of bread and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use different nuts like pistachios or pecans for a unique crunch and flavor.
Adjust the chili flakes and spicy sauce according to your heat preference.
Fresh herbs such as thyme or basil can replace rosemary for a different aromatic note.

For a dairy-free version, try blending silken tofu with lemon and olive oil instead of ricotta.

Storage

Store the ricotta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the honey mixture separate until ready to serve to preserve its texture. When reheating, serve the ricotta at room temperature and drizzle the honey mixture fresh for best taste.

How to Serve

The dish is a creamy white spread with a smooth and fluffy texture, presented in a white bowl. It has a shallow swirl pattern on top, filled with a glossy golden honey-like syrup that pools in the center and radiates outward. Scattered on top are small chunks of walnut pieces adding a rough texture and warm brown color, along with a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary that provide contrast and a hint of freshness. The bowl is placed on a cloth with black and white stripes, on a surface with a white marbled texture. Behind the bowl, sliced pieces of light brown bread with a crusty edge and holey interior lay slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the blended ricotta mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the honey drizzle and toppings just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.