Introduction

Some appetizers manage to be both elegant and comforting, and this Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is exactly that. Imagine creamy ricotta whipped until smooth, brightened with lemon zest and juice, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, then finished with a drizzle of golden hot honey infused with chili flakes, spicy sauce, and fragrant rosemary. To top it all off, crunchy walnuts add the perfect bite. The result is a dip that feels gourmet but takes almost no effort to make.

Ricotta is often underestimated—it’s usually tucked into lasagna or dolloped on pizza—but when you whip it into a silky dip, it becomes the star of the table. What I adore about this recipe is the balance of flavors. The cool creaminess of ricotta contrasts beautifully with the warmth of chili and hot honey. The lemon zest keeps it fresh and zippy, while walnuts and rosemary bring rustic charm.

This dip is endlessly versatile too. Serve it with warm crusty bread, crostini, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. It works as an appetizer for dinner parties, a snack for cozy nights in, or even as a festive holiday starter. It’s also one of those recipes that looks beautiful when plated—swirls of ricotta, ribbons of glistening honey, sprinkles of herbs and nuts—guaranteeing lots of “oohs” and “aahs” before anyone even takes a bite.

If you’re new to using ricotta as a base for dips, Serious Eats has an excellent guide to making whipped ricotta. And if you’re as intrigued by hot honey as I am, Eater dives into why it has become such a beloved condiment.

Now, let’s get into this recipe—you’re going to love how quickly it comes together and how fast it disappears once served.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

This spicy ricotta dip with hot honey is creamy, zesty, and perfectly balanced with heat, sweetness, and crunch. Topped with chili-infused honey, rosemary, and walnuts, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese around 475g
• Grated zest from ½ lemon
• Juice from ½ lemon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• A dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup runny honey
• 1 teaspoon spicy sauce such as sriracha or hot sauce of choice
• ½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes
• 1 –2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary
• ¼ cup walnuts chopped

Method

 

1. Prepare the Ricotta Base:
2. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Whip until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a serving dish, creating swirls with the back of a spoon.
3. Make the Hot Honey Drizzle:
4. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, spicy sauce, chili flakes, and rosemary. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Do not boil.
5. Assemble the Dip:
6. Drizzle hot honey mixture generously over the ricotta. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for crunch.
7. Serve:
8. Garnish with extra rosemary if desired. Serve immediately with toasted bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

• Active time: 10 minutes prep, 5 minutes warming
• For a smoother dip, always use fresh ricotta rather than ricotta from a tub.
• Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili flakes and hot sauce.
• The hot honey can be made ahead of time and stored in a jar for up to a week.

Advanced Techniques to Make This Dip Shine

Whipping Ricotta for a Luxurious Texture

While you can serve ricotta as-is, whipping it in a food processor makes it airy, fluffy, and luxurious—almost like a savory mousse. It’s worth the extra step.

Infusing the Honey Slowly for Deeper Flavor

Instead of just mixing honey with chili flakes, warm it gently to allow the flavors of chili and rosemary to fully infuse. This gives the drizzle a more complex, aromatic profile.

Toasting Walnuts for Extra Crunch

Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before chopping. This brings out their natural oils, intensifies flavor, and adds an irresistible nutty crunch.

Adding a Layer of Olive Oil Swirl

Before drizzling the hot honey, swirl a little extra virgin olive oil over the ricotta. It creates a glossy finish and adds richness.

Pairing with Bold Serving Options

Serve with charred sourdough bread, seeded crackers, or even roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini. The dip’s bold flavors pair well with equally bold dippers.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers in the Fridge

Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to reincorporate any separated honey.

Making Ahead for Entertaining

You can prepare the ricotta base a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the hot honey and walnuts right before serving.

Freezing Not Recommended

Ricotta tends to lose its creamy texture when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Refreshing Day-Old Dip

If serving leftovers, add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of olive oil to brighten the flavors.

Storing Extra Hot Honey

The infused honey can be stored in a glass jar at room temperature for up to a week and used on everything from pizza to roasted vegetables.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Making It Vegan-Friendly

Swap ricotta with a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from almonds or cashews, and replace honey with agave or maple syrup.

Gluten-Free Option

This dip is naturally gluten-free—just pair it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks for dipping.

Nut-Free Adaptation

Omit walnuts or replace them with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.

Lightening It Up

Use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta for a lower-calorie version that’s still creamy.

Adjusting Spice Levels

For a milder dip, reduce chili flakes and hot sauce. For a fiery kick, double them and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

FAQs About Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

Can I Use Store-Bought Whipped Ricotta?

Yes, but whipping it yourself with lemon juice and zest adds freshness and a smoother texture.

How Do I Prevent the Ricotta from Being Grainy?

Use fresh, high-quality ricotta and blend it until silky. Strain excess liquid if the ricotta is watery.

Can I Serve This Dip Warm?

Yes! You can gently warm the ricotta in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before adding the hot honey for a cozy, baked version.

Is This Dip Best for Parties or Everyday Snacks?

Both! It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough to whip up for a movie-night snack.

What Other Toppings Can I Add?

Pomegranate seeds, roasted garlic, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze make fun and flavorful variations.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated. The combination of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, fragrant rosemary, crunchy walnuts, and fiery-sweet honey makes every bite layered and memorable. It’s a dip that truly hits all the flavor notes—sweet, savory, spicy, tangy, and nutty.

I love serving this at gatherings because it always gets people talking. It looks beautiful on the table, tastes indulgent, and pairs effortlessly with bread, crackers, or veggies. And the best part? It’s so quick to make that you can prepare it in less time than it takes to chill a bottle of wine.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a unique starter for dinner with friends, or just craving something new and exciting, this dip is a winner. Once you make it, I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your appetizer rotation.

So grab some ricotta, drizzle on that hot honey, and get ready to wow your taste buds with this Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey.