Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey is an incredibly versatile and flavor-packed appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. This recipe demystifies a restaurant-quality dish, offering a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet, perfect for any gathering or even a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
- Freshly chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks, for serving
How to Make Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey
This Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey is a breeze to prepare, making it your new go-to appetizer. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll have a luxurious dip that’s both comforting and exciting, thanks to its velvety texture and the irresistible sweet heat. The simplicity allows the high-quality ingredients to shine, ensuring a truly satisfying culinary experience. Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained whole milk ricotta cheese and the softened cream cheese. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix the two cheeses together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Infuse with Flavor: Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the ricotta and cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese base. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Incorporate the Hot Honey: Gently fold in 2-3 tablespoons of hot honey into the cheese mixture. Be sure to distribute it without overmixing, creating ribbons of sweet heat throughout the creamy base. You want pockets of sweetness and spiciness rather than a uniformly colored mixture.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey to a serving dish. Drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top for an even more intensified flavor and visual appeal. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of freshness and color.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Serve immediately with your favorite dippers. Crusty bread, warm pita bread, sturdy tortilla chips, or an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers are all excellent choices.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey
You’ll adore this Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey for its remarkably silky-smooth texture that coats your palate with every bite, a testament to the quality of the ricotta and cream cheese. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought dips, allowing you to create a gourmet appetizer right in your own kitchen without breaking the bank. The dazzling interplay of the subtle heat from the red pepper flakes and the sweet, lingering warmth of the hot honey creates a symphony of flavors that’s both addictive and sophisticated, setting it apart from a simple cheese dip.
Unlike a basic baked brie, which can sometimes be overly rich, this Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey offers a lighter yet equally decadent experience with a dynamic flavor profile. Its ease of assembly means you can impress guests last minute or treat yourself to a delightful snack without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up this sensational dip – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.
To reheat, gently warm the dip in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the cheese to separate. For freezing, portion the dip into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating as directed.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey is a delightful fusion of comforting creaminess and exciting sweet heat. It’s an effortless yet impressive dish that’s perfect for sharing, so gather your favorite dippers and enjoy this flavor-packed creation!
Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained whole milk ricotta cheese and the softened cream cheese. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix the two cheeses together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained, 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the ricotta and cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese base. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Gently fold in 2-3 tablespoons of hot honey into the cheese mixture. Be sure to distribute it without overmixing, creating ribbons of sweet heat throughout the creamy base. You want pockets of sweetness and spiciness rather than a uniformly colored mixture.2-3 tablespoons hot honey
- Transfer the Creamy Spicy Ricotta Dip Hot Honey to a serving dish. Drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top for an even more intensified flavor and visual appeal. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of freshness and color.2-3 tablespoons hot honey, freshly chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
- Serve immediately with your favorite dippers. Crusty bread, warm pita bread, sturdy tortilla chips, or an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers are all excellent choices.Crusty bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks