Delicious Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

Let’s set the scene.

It’s Thanksgiving.
You’ve got the turkey doing its thing, the cranberry sauce chilling, and your favorite cousin just texted, “What apps are we doing?”

You panic.

Not because you don’t love a good party dip, but because most of them are a total hassle.
Mini meatballs? Too many steps. Spinach artichoke dip?

What you need is a dip that’s:

• Easy
• Fast
• Fancy without being fussy
• Packed with flavor

That’s where this Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey swoops in to save your appetizer game.

The Problem with Party Appetizers

Let’s be real: most holiday appetizer recipes feel like a second full meal.

They’re complicated, time-consuming, and often require either a hot oven or a culinary degree.

And during the holidays? Time is not on your side.

You’re juggling family, chaos in the kitchen, and probably trying to keep a toddler or dog from eating raw pie dough off the counter.

You need something quick that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
You need a dip that people will talk about more than the turkey.

The Solution: Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

This creamy, spicy, sweet and salty dip comes together in under 15 minutes, with just a handful of simple ingredients.

It’s got:

• Whipped ricotta so smooth it’ll make cream cheese jealous
• Hot honey that brings the perfect “sweet heat”
• Crunchy walnuts for that buttery, toasty crunch
• Fresh rosemary to keep things fragrant and festive

Basically? It’s a hot ricotta appetizer that looks fancy, tastes even better, and requires zero oven time.

You might want to double the recipe, because it’ll disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Dip

Here’s why this dip might just be your new holiday MVP:

It’s FAST

We’re talking 10–15 minutes from start to serve.
No baking, broiling, or waiting around.

Simple Ingredients

Nothing weird. You probably have everything already:

• Ricotta
• Honey
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Chili flakes or hot sauce

That Sweet & Spicy Combo

The hot honey drizzled over the creamy ricotta is what makes this shine.
It’s a savory sweet dip that hits every flavor note.

Crowd-Pleaser Energy

It’s elegant enough for Thanksgiving and casual enough for game day.
Serve it with crusty bread and watch it vanish.

Try this taco dip for another crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

Ingredient Spotlight: Ricotta

Okay, let’s talk about the star of the show: RICOTTA.

If you’ve only used ricotta in lasagna, this dip will blow your mind. It’s light, creamy, and takes on flavor like a champ.

Pro Tips for Choosing & Using Ricotta:

• Go for whole milk ricotta. It’s richer, creamier, and has way better texture.
• Drain it! Even good ricotta can be watery. Use a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer for 10–15 minutes to avoid a soggy dip.
• If you can, splurge on fresh ricotta from your deli or cheese counter.

Not only does ricotta make this a dairy-based dip that’s lighter than cream cheese, it also whips up like a dream in your food processor.

Ingredient Substitutions & Swaps

Missing something? Don’t worry. Here’s how to keep the magic alive with what you’ve got.

This dip is flexible — make it yours.

Mistakes to Avoid (Been There, Done That)

Let me save you a couple of headaches:

Using Cold Ricotta

Straight from the fridge = bland, clumpy dip.
Let it sit out for 10 minutes to soften.

Not Draining Your Ricotta

This is a creamy cheese dip, not a cheese puddle. Drain it to avoid watery results.

Overheating the Honey

Burnt honey = bitter disaster. Just warm it enough to loosen it up.

Going Lemon-Crazy

A little brightness is good. Too much? It turns sour. Stick to a tablespoon max.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

Cook Time: 0–5 minutes

Difficulty: Super easy

Serves: 4–6 people

1. Blend the Ricotta

In a food processor (or a bowl with a whisk), combine:

• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend until creamy and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and give it a quick taste.

2. Warm the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or 1 tsp hot sauce)

Warm gently for about 15–20 seconds. Stir to combine.
Don’t let it boil — we want drizzle, not caramel.

3. Assemble & Garnish

Spread the ricotta on a plate or shallow bowl.
Use the back of a spoon to create little swirls.

Drizzle the warm hot honey over the top.

Sprinkle with:

• 2 tbsp crunchy walnuts
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
• Optional: more chili flakes, olive oil drizzle

Spicy Ricotta Dip pairs well with classic deviled eggs at any gathering.

Serving Suggestions: Dip It Like You Mean It

You can serve this dip warm, room temp, or even cold — it’s good every way.

Here’s what to scoop it up with:

• Toasted baguette slices or sourdough
• Warm pita bread or pita chips
• Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, cukes)
• Pretzel crisps
• Crackers or crostini

Hosting a full party? This dip fits perfectly on a cheese or charcuterie board.

These Italian sliders make a hearty addition to your appetizer spread.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store:

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge
• Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
• Hot honey can be stored separately and rewarmed when needed

Serving Tip:

Let the dip sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving — it tastes way better that way.

For a savory pairing, check out this caramelized onion dip.

Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, spicy-sweet ricotta dip with hot honey, crunchy walnuts, and fresh rosemary. Ready in under 15 minutes — perfect for parties, holidays, or any day that needs a flavor boost.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or 1 tsp hot sauce)
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and fluffy.
2. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey and chili flakes (or hot sauce) for 15–20 seconds. Stir to combine — do not boil.
3. Spread whipped ricotta on a shallow bowl or plate, creating swirls with the back of a spoon.
4. Drizzle with the warm hot honey.
5. Top with chopped walnuts, rosemary, and an optional extra drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes.

Notes

Let ricotta come to room temp and drain excess liquid before blending. Use fresh ricotta if possible for best texture. Pairs perfectly with crusty bread, pita chips, or veggie sticks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 1300
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 90g
• Saturated Fat: 40g
• Unsaturated Fat: 45g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Final Thoughts

Look, I love a showstopper main dish as much as the next home cook. But sometimes, it’s the little things that steal the spotlight.

This Spicy Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey is:

• Quick
• Flavor-packed
• Fancy without being complicated

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving potluck, or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday, this dip will impress.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out. Snap a pic. Tag Virile Recipes. Tell your guests you made it from scratch — because you did.

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