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Honey Ricotta Dip: The Sweetest Appetizer Recipe You’ll Ever Need

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Creamy and sweet Honey Ricotta Dip, perfect with fresh fruit, crackers, or baguette slices. A simple and elegant appetizer or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, preferably fresh
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Assorted fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apple slices, and pear slices, for serving
  • Crackers, such as graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or biscotti, for serving
  • Toasted baguette slices, for serving (optional)
  • Chopped nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or walnuts, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Drain the Ricotta: Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel). Place the sieve over a bowl and spoon the ricotta into the cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Alternatively, let the ricotta sit in the sieve for about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the whey to drain naturally. Discard the drained liquid.
  2. (Optional) Soften the Ricotta: If your ricotta is particularly firm, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften. Be careful not to overheat it.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, heavy cream, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Blend Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer (stand or hand mixer) to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Start on low speed, then gradually increase to medium. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the dip is light and airy. Alternatively, whisk vigorously until smooth.
  5. Adjust Sweetness (If Needed): Taste the dip and add more honey, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
  6. Adjust Consistency (If Needed): If the dip is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more of heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to thicken it slightly.
  7. Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours.
  8. Prepare the Accompaniments: While the dip is chilling, wash and slice the fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the fruit, crackers, and toasted baguette slices (if using) on a platter or in separate bowls.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, transfer the chilled dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra honey and garnish with chopped nuts and lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately with the prepared fruit, crackers, and baguette slices.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Draining the ricotta is essential to prevent a watery dip.
  • Adjust the sweetness and consistency to your liking.
  • Get creative with garnishes.
  • The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Serving suggestions: As an appetizer, dessert, snack, topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast, or as a filling for crepes or cannoli.

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