Description
This lively ricotta dip balances creamy, lemony ricotta with a bright hit of rosemary and an addictive hot-honey drizzle — perfect for gatherings or an easy weeknight nibble.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp spicy sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts
- 1 to 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Base: Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl and spoon the ricotta into it. Cover loosely and drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Infuse Olive Oil: In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Process Ricotta for Smoothness: Transfer drained ricotta to a food processor. Add the infused olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Process on high for 2–3 minutes until smooth and airy.
- Brighten with Lemon and Rosemary: Transfer ricotta to a serving bowl, add zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, and fold in 1 to 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Craft the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey with 1 tsp spicy sauce. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes to combine. Cool completely to room temperature.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange dippers around the ricotta dip, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with toasted walnuts and rosemary.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ricotta, dip, appetizer, hot honey, easy recipe