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Honey Ricotta Dip: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Appetizer


  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x

Description

Creamy, dreamy Honey Ricotta Dip! This easy dessert dip is made with ricotta cheese, honey, and a hint of citrus. Perfect with fruit, cookies, or crackers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, preferably fresh
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup high-quality honey, plus more for drizzling
  • Assorted dippers: fresh fruit (berries, apple slices, pear slices, grapes), toasted baguette slices, graham crackers, biscotti, or your favorite cookies.
  • Optional garnishes: chopped pistachios, toasted almonds, edible flowers, extra orange zest.

Instructions

  1. Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel). Set the sieve over a bowl to collect the excess liquid. Let it drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for 1-2 hours.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the drained ricotta cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Whip Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the mixture on medium speed until it is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Give the ricotta mixture a taste. If you prefer a sweeter dip, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.
  5. Gently Fold in the Honey: Add the 1/4 cup of honey to the whipped ricotta mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the honey into the ricotta until it is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Chill for Optimal Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the honey ricotta dip for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Prepare Your Dippers: While the dip is chilling, prepare your dippers. Wash and slice your fresh fruit, toast your baguette slices, and arrange your graham crackers or biscotti on a serving platter.
  8. Transfer to a Serving Bowl: Once the dip has chilled, transfer it to a serving bowl.
  9. Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle the top of the dip with a generous amount of honey.
  10. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the dip with chopped pistachios, toasted almonds, edible flowers, or extra orange zest.
  11. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve the honey ricotta dip immediately with your prepared dippers.

Notes

  • For the best results, use fresh, whole milk ricotta cheese.
  • Draining the ricotta is essential for a creamy texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
  • Chilling the dip allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Get creative with your dippers and garnishes!
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes