Description
A delightful appetizer featuring creamy whipped ricotta infused with garlic and olive oil, drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey, and served with crispy fried bread slices seasoned with salt and fresh rosemary.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Bread
- 6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 bread slices, cut into 2 diagonal pieces
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
For the Whipped Ricotta
- 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)
Instructions
- Fry the Bread: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully place the bread slices in the oil and fry, reducing the heat to medium if the bread begins to darken too quickly. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried bread to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat the frying process with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining bread pieces. Once fried, sprinkle the bread with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Prepare the Whipped Ricotta: In a food processor, combine the whole milk ricotta, grated garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend until smooth. With the processor running on low speed, slowly stream in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, continuing to blend until the ricotta is light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, spread it around the bowl creating swirls and dollops for a visually appealing presentation. Drizzle the ricotta with 3 tablespoons of hot honey and sprinkle with the coarsely chopped fresh rosemary. Serve immediately alongside the fried bread slices.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the grated garlic to half or substitute with garlic powder to taste.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese spread and ensure the honey is replaced with agave nectar or another vegan sweetener.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey depending on your desired level of sweetness and heat.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh; the fried bread can lose crispiness if left too long before serving.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best aroma and flavor; dried rosemary can be substituted but use sparingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: whipped ricotta, hot honey, fried bread, appetizer, garlic, rosemary, Italian appetizer
