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Honey Ricotta Dip: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Appetizer

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Creamy honey ricotta dip with orange zest. Perfect as an appetizer or dessert with fruit, crackers, or baguette.

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 fresh fruit, for serving (berries, grapes, apple slices, pear slices, figs)
  • Crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
  • Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts), for garnish (optional)
  • Edible flowers, for garnish (optional)

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 catch the excess liquid. Cover the ricotta with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large 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 (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), beat the ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth (2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Incorporate the Honey: Gradually drizzle in the 1/4 cup of honey while continuing to beat on low speed. Mix until the honey is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
  5. Chill the Dip: Transfer the honey ricotta dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Accompaniments: While the dip is chilling, prepare your serving platter. Wash and slice your chosen fruits. Arrange them artfully around the edges of the platter. If using crackers or baguette slices, arrange them in a separate bowl or around the fruit.
  7. Assemble and Garnish: Once the dip is chilled, transfer it to a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with additional honey. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using) and garnish with edible flowers (if using). A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, too!
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the honey ricotta dip immediately with the prepared fruit, crackers, or baguette slices.

Notes

  • The quality of your ricotta cheese will significantly impact the final result. Opt for whole milk ricotta cheese, preferably fresh from a local cheese shop or Italian deli. Avoid ricotta that is overly watery or grainy.
  • Use a high-quality honey with a flavor profile that you enjoy. Different types of honey (e.g., wildflower, clover, orange blossom) will impart different flavors to the dip. Experiment to find your favorite!
  • If you don’t have orange zest, you can substitute lemon zest or a pinch of ground cinnamon.
  • For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the ricotta mixture.
  • Stir in mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
  • Omit the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a savory ricotta dip. Serve with crusty bread or vegetables.
  • The honey ricotta dip can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • This dip is incredibly versatile! Serve it as an appetizer, a dessert, or even as a sweet spread on toast or pancakes. It’s also delicious with grilled peaches or figs.
  • If you have guests with nut allergies, be sure to omit the chopped nuts garnish. You can substitute with toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
  • Taste the dip after incorporating the honey and adjust the sweetness to your preference. Some people prefer a sweeter dip, while others prefer a more subtle sweetness.
  • Store leftover honey ricotta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the texture can change and become grainy upon thawing. The ricotta cheese tends to separate.
  • When serving the dip after it has been refrigerated, give it a good stir to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/honey-ricotta-dip/