Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey

Featured in: Sunbeam Starts

This creamy whipped ricotta combines whole-milk ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream for a luscious texture. A warm swirl of honey infused with hot sauce and red pepper flakes adds a sweet-heat balance that complements the mild cheese. Aromatic notes from garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest enhance the flavor profile. Serve chilled with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a simple yet elegant appetizer option.

Adjust spice levels by varying hot sauce and pepper flakes, or lighten the dip by substituting Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese or cream. Fresh herbs such as chives or basil add a bright finish, while the rich blend pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:42:00 GMT
Creamy whipped ricotta dip with hot honey, drizzled and swirled for a delicious appetizer. Save
Creamy whipped ricotta dip with hot honey, drizzled and swirled for a delicious appetizer. | cheerfulchefs.com

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

The first time I made this whipped ricotta dip, it became an instant hit with friends at our weekend get-together. Everyone was wowed by the hot honey swirl that gave each bite a unique flair.

Ingredients

  • Whole-milk ricotta cheese: 1 ½ 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
  • 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 (e.g., chives, basil, or thyme): Chopped, optional

Instructions

Prepare the 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.
Make the whipped ricotta:
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.
Spoon and swirl:
Spoon the whipped ricotta into a shallow serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a swirl pattern on the surface.
Hot honey swirl:
Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it in for a marbled effect.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
A close-up of a serving bowl featuring whipped ricotta dip and a hot honey swirl. Save
A close-up of a serving bowl featuring whipped ricotta dip and a hot honey swirl. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe has become a staple at family gatherings. Seeing everyone eagerly scoop up the dip brings me real joy whenever we share a meal together.

Required Tools

Food processor or hand mixer, small saucepan, grater, serving bowl

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream). If serving with bread or crackers, gluten may be present—use gluten-free dippers as needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 180 calories, 11 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein

This delicious whipped ricotta dip is perfect; creamy, with a spicy hot honey drizzle. Save
This delicious whipped ricotta dip is perfect; creamy, with a spicy hot honey drizzle. | cheerfulchefs.com

This whipped ricotta dip with hot honey swirl elevates any spread with creamy, tangy flavor. Make it for your next gathering and watch it disappear quickly.

Recipe FAQs

How is the hot honey swirl made?

Combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, then let cool slightly before swirling over the whipped ricotta.

Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the ricotta mixture and hot honey separately in advance. Chill the ricotta and rewarm the honey gently before combining just before serving.

What are good serving options?

This whipped ricotta pairs well with crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey to suit your preferred heat intensity.

Are there suitable substitutions for cream cheese or cream?

Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese or heavy cream for a lighter, tangier texture without sacrificing creaminess.

Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey

Smooth ricotta blend with a vibrant honey swirl, ideal for spreading on crostini or fresh veggies.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Overall Time
15 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Sunbeam Starts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Dairy

01 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
02 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 1/4 cup heavy cream

Hot Honey

01 1/3 cup honey
02 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (sriracha or similar), to taste
03 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Flavorings & Seasonings

01 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
02 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Serve

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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Warm Hot Honey Infusion: 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 Base: In a food processor or using a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add Hot Honey Swirl: Drizzle the warmed hot honey generously over the ricotta, swirling it to achieve a marbled effect.

Step 05

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy ingredients including ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Gluten may be present if served with bread or crackers; use gluten-free alternatives as needed.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams