Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey

Featured in: Quick Everyday Meals

This dish features smooth whipped ricotta combined with a sweet and spicy hot honey swirl, perfect for enhancing crostini or fresh vegetables. The creamy dip is effortlessly prepared by blending whole-milk ricotta with cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest to achieve a rich, velvety texture. The warm hot honey mixture, made from honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, is drizzled on top for a beautiful marbled effect and a balanced kick of heat. Garnished with fresh herbs, it offers a delightful mix of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors ideal for any appetizer table.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:44:00 GMT
Creamy, dreamy whipped ricotta dip swirled with hot honey creates the perfect appetizer for guests. Save to Pinterest
Creamy, dreamy whipped ricotta dip swirled with hot honey creates the perfect appetizer for guests. | messlitreats.com

A luscious, creamy ricotta dip swirled with sweet, spicy hot honey—perfect for spreading on crostini or serving with fresh veggies.

I first whisked up this whipped ricotta dip for a weekend gathering. The swirl of hot honey was such a crowd-pleaser that everyone asked for the recipe, making it a staple in our appetizer rotation.

Ingredients

  • Whole-milk ricotta cheese: 1 1½ cups (375 g)
  • Cream cheese: 2 oz (60 g), softened
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml)
  • Honey: ⅓ cup (80 ml)
  • Hot sauce: 1–2 tsp, to taste (sriracha or similar)
  • Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
  • Garlic clove: 1 small, finely grated
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon zest: ½ tsp
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
  • Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables: To serve
  • Fresh herbs (chives, basil, or thyme): Chopped, optional

Instructions

Make Hot Honey:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly:
Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
Add Honey Swirl:
Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
Finish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
A visually stunning bowl of whipped ricotta dip glistening with a hot honey drizzle is ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A visually stunning bowl of whipped ricotta dip glistening with a hot honey drizzle is ready to serve. | messlitreats.com

The first time I made this dip at a family dinner, my kids loved swirling the honey into the ricotta. It was fun letting everyone customize their own bite with herbs and veggies around the table.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this dip spread over toasted crostini, as a centerpiece with crisp vegetables, or paired with crackers for effortless entertaining.

Customization Ideas

Mix in roasted nuts or sprinkle smoked paprika for added depth, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.

Nutritional Info

Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, 11 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.

Enjoy the sweet and spicy contrast of this flavorful whipped ricotta dip with hot honey and crostini. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy the sweet and spicy contrast of this flavorful whipped ricotta dip with hot honey and crostini. | messlitreats.com

This whipped ricotta dip brings a delicious twist to any gathering—just add your favorite dippers for instant party flair.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I make the hot honey swirl?

Combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling, then cool slightly before drizzling.

Can I substitute cream cheese or heavy cream?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead for a lighter texture while maintaining creaminess.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables to complement the creamy and spicy flavors.

How spicy is the hot honey swirl?

The spiciness depends on the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes used, allowing you to adjust to your preferred heat level.

Are there any suggested pairings for this dish?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling pair well with the creamy and spicy notes.

Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey

Creamy whipped ricotta with a swirl of warm spicy honey delivers a rich, flavorful spread for snacking.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cooking Duration
5 min
Overall Duration
15 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 6 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Free from Gluten

List of Ingredients

Dairy

01 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
02 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 ¼ cup heavy cream

Hot Honey

01 ⅓ cup honey
02 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or similar hot sauce, adjusted to taste
03 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Flavorings & Seasonings

01 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
02 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
03 ½ teaspoon lemon zest
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Serve

01 Crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables
02 Fresh herbs (chives, basil, or thyme), chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Prepare Hot Honey: Combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally without boiling. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

Whip Ricotta Mixture: In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Step 03

Assemble Dip: Transfer whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface.

Step 04

Add Hot Honey Swirl: Drizzle warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, creating a marbled swirl effect by gently mixing with the spoon.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately alongside crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Food processor or hand mixer
  • Small saucepan
  • Grater or microplane
  • Serving bowl

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains dairy ingredients: ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Gluten may be present if served with bread or crackers; choose gluten-free options if needed.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 180
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 6 g