Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy appetizer perfect for any gathering. The smooth ricotta base is blended with Parmesan, herbs, and spices, then topped with a homemade jalapeño-infused honey for a delightful sweet-heat contrast. Garnished with dried cranberries and freshly cracked black pepper, it pairs wonderfully with crostini, crackers, or fresh fruit, creating an irresistible party starter in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta Dip
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (or red pepper flakes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Jalapeño Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 medium jalapeño, sliced
Garnish
- Dried cranberries
- Additional black pepper
Instructions
- Make the jalapeño honey: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup honey with the sliced jalapeño. Stir occasionally as the honey heats and comes to a gentle boil. When the honey begins to bubble and rise, remove it from heat and stir until the bubbles subside. Transfer to the refrigerator to cool and infuse flavors.
- Prepare the whipped ricotta: Place all the dip ingredients—ricotta, Parmesan, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt—into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Assemble the dip: Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls and valleys on the surface, which will help hold the hot honey later.
- Add jalapeño honey and garnish: Drizzle the chilled jalapeño honey generously over the whipped ricotta, filling the swirls and valleys. Top with the honeyed jalapeño slices, a few dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the dip immediately alongside crostini, pita bread, toast points, crackers, or fresh fruit such as apples, pears, grapes, or figs for a delicious and elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the honey to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- The honeyed jalapeño slices can be used as a garnish or eaten for an extra kick.
- This dip is best served fresh but can be kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Try experimenting with other herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the honey before drizzling to remove jalapeño seeds.
