Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Appetizer

Make this quick whipped ricotta dip with hot honey for any gathering!

You can whip up this appetizer in just 5 minutes which makes it one of the best dips to serve guests.

This easy whipped ricotta dip is sure to be a crowd pleaser during the holiday season!

Just like my cranberry whipped feta dip appetizer, this creamy whipped ricotta dip is simple to make and full of seasonal flavours.

The ricotta dip has a creamy texture that is lovely when paired with the flavours of hot honey, fresh rosemary and crunchy walnuts. It’s the easiest appetizer packed with lots of flavours!

Why you’ll love this creamy ricotta appetizer with hot honey

• You only need 5 minutes to whip up this delicious recipe.
• It’s an impressive appetizer for any holiday gathering that you can make ahead of time.
• This dip is made for easy dipping with crackers, pita chips, crostini or sourdough bread!

Ingredients needed to make this delicious appetizer

Ricotta: fresh whole milk ricotta cheese can be found in the grocery store and is essential for the base of this whipped ricotta dip.

Lemon: the zest and juice of a lemon brightens up the ricotta when whipped together.

Olive Oil: extra virgin olive oil helps to make the ricotta super creamy when whipped

Seasonings: salt and black pepper are the best seasonings for the ricotta

Honey: liquid honey is the base for the hot honey drizzle that tops the whipped ricotta

Hot Sauce: use any hot sauce you have on hand to mix with the honey to create the hot honey

Chili Flakes: chili flakes or red pepper flakes amp up the heat in the hot honey mixture

Rosemary: fresh herbs like rosemary bring a fresh flavour to this delicious dip

Walnuts: chopped walnuts add a nice crunch to the creamy whipped ricotta

How to make this whipped ricotta dip

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

Step 2: Mix together the liquid honey, hot sauce and chili flakes until combined. Drizzle the hot honey mixture on top of the dip and then top with chopped walnuts and minced rosemary.

Step 3: Serve the whipped ricotta dip with hot honey with crackers, pita chips or crostini and enjoy!

Expert tips for making this easy whipped ricotta dip recipe

• If you want to make this ahead of time, whip the ricotta and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Remove from the fridge and top with hot honey mixture just before serving.
• Instead of serving as a dip, mix things up and serve the whipped ricotta mixture on individual crostini. Then, add a drizzle of the hot honey to each ricotta crostini for bite-sized appetizers for guests.
• Make your own crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.
• While fresh rosemary is a divine herb flavour with this dip in a pinch you can use fresh thyme instead.
• This ricotta dip would also make a divine centrepiece as a part of a great spread of appetizers and/or charcuterie.

Common questions

Can I make this gluten free?
Easily make this gluten-free by serving this whipped ricotta appetizer with a favourite gluten-free cracker or make crostini with a gluten-free baguette.

How can I adjust the spice level in the hot honey?
YES! Make the spicy honey to your liking by adding only the hot sauce to the regular honey and mixing first. Taste and then adjust by adding the chili flakes dependant on your tastes – start with 1/4 tsp and add another 1/4 tsp if desired.

Do I have to use a food processor to whip the ricotta?
I’ve tested this recipe with a food processor but you can also use a stand or hand mixer with the whisk attachment. Note, you may need to whip the ricotta a minute or two longer compared to using a food processor to whip the ricotta. It will however turn out just as delicious but it may need a bit more time to become creamy!

Can I use another type of nut or seed instead of walnuts?
If you don’t want to use walnuts try chopped almonds, pecans or pistachios. Alternatively, you could try a sunflower seed or a bit of granola as a topping or simply omit the walnuts if there’s a nut allergy – the dip will still be extremely delicious!

Storage

This whipped ricotta dip with hot honey is best enjoyed on the day it’s made. However, if have leftovers store the whipped ricotta in an airtight container for 1-2 days. When ready to enjoy stir the whipped ricotta and then enjoy with crackers, crostini or even on a piece of toast!

More delicious and easy appetizer recipes from the blog

The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans