Name: Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 4 bread slices, cut into 2 diagonal pieces; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 16 oz. whole milk ricotta (such as Luizi); 1 small garlic clove, grated; 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 3 tbsp. hot honey; 1 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (from the 6 tbsp. total)

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Introduction

This Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta makes for a delightful appetizer or snack with its creamy texture and sweet-spicy kick. Crispy fried bread pairs perfectly with the smooth, garlicky ricotta drizzled with warm hot honey and fresh rosemary. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three layers: the base is creamy white yogurt with soft, smooth swirls on top; the second layer is golden-brown oil drizzled unevenly in shallow pools over the yogurt; the top layer is small green herb pieces sprinkled evenly across, adding texture and color contrast. A piece of golden toasted bread with a crispy texture rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 bread slices, cut into 2 diagonal pieces
16 oz. whole milk ricotta (such as Luizi)
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
3 tbsp. hot honey
1 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully place the bread pieces in the oil and fry, lowering the heat to medium if the bread starts to darken too quickly. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the fried bread to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the process with 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil and the rest of the bread. Sprinkle the fried bread with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Step 2: In a food processor, combine the ricotta, grated garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until smooth. With the motor running on low speed, slowly stream in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 3: Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, spread and swirl the ricotta to create dollops. Drizzle the ricotta generously with hot honey, then sprinkle with chopped fresh rosemary. Serve immediately with the fried bread.

Tips & Variations

Use a sturdy bread like sourdough or country loaf to ensure it crisps without becoming soggy.
Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preferred spice level or substitute with plain honey for a milder sweetness.
For a finishing touch, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.

Storage

Store any leftover whipped ricotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fried bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat it briefly in a toaster oven to regain some crispness. Drizzle hot honey just before serving if preparing ahead.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a thick white creamy dip swirled with a shiny orange sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces, laid inside a white round bowl. A slice of toasted golden-yellow bread is being dipped into the creamy mixture by a woman's hand with red nail polish, with some orange sauce dripping down from the bread. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the whipped ricotta without a food processor?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or whisk the ricotta vigorously by hand with the garlic, salt, and oil until smooth and creamy, though a food processor makes it quicker and easier.

What type of hot honey should I use?

Any store-bought hot honey will work well, or you can make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes or fresh chili peppers for a customized level of heat.