Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey is a creamy, smooth, and light treat that’s both simple and delicious. The ricotta cheese becomes fluffy and soft when whipped, creating a perfect canvas…

By Alina • January 25, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey is a creamy, smooth, and light treat that’s both simple and delicious. The ricotta cheese becomes fluffy and soft when whipped, creating a perfect canvas for the sweet drizzle of honey on top. It’s a beautiful balance of mild cheese and just a touch of natural sweetness that makes every bite delightful.

I love making this dip because it feels fancy, but it’s seriously easy to whip up in just a few minutes. Sometimes, I like to add a little lemon zest or cracked black pepper for a tiny twist, but the classic version with just ricotta and honey is pure magic. Whenever I bring this dish to a gathering, people are always surprised at how much they enjoy it—it’s light, fresh, and different from the heavier dips you often see.

My favorite way to serve this dip is alongside crunchy crackers, fresh fruit like figs or apple slices, or even toasted bread. It’s perfect for sharing during a relaxed afternoon with friends or as a quick snack to feel a little special. Honestly, once you try it, you might find yourself reaching for it more often than you expect because it’s just that easy and tasty.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta is best for creamy texture. If you want it lighter, try part-skim, but it won’t whip up as fluffy. For a richer dip, add a bit of cream cheese as I do—it makes it super smooth.

Honey: Use good quality honey for natural sweetness and floral notes. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup or agave work well as substitutes and still add lovely sweetness.

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds depth and richness. You can try a mild avocado oil if you prefer a lighter taste, but olive oil’s flavor pairs beautifully here.

Fresh Herbs & Spices: Chives, thyme, or rosemary bring fresh, earthy flavors. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work, but use less as their flavor is more concentrated. The crushed red pepper flakes or coriander seeds add a subtle kick, but are optional.

How Do You Get Ricotta Perfectly Whipped and Fluffy?

Whipping ricotta turns it from slightly grainy to silky smooth and cloud-like. The trick is patience and the right tools:

• Start with room temperature ricotta for easier whipping.
• Use a hand mixer or stand mixer whisk attachment for 2-3 minutes to get it light.
• If it’s still too thick, add a small splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of cream cheese to improve creaminess.
• Whip until you see the texture change—it should be fluffy but still hold some shape, not runny.

Once whipped, gently fold in honey and salt to keep the airy texture. Serve immediately for best results or chill briefly but avoid over-stirring later.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium mixing bowl – perfect for whipping the ricotta smoothly without making a mess.
• Hand mixer or whisk – I use a hand mixer for quick, fluffy results, but a whisk works if you like a bit of arm exercise.
• Spatula – great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in honey and herbs gently.
• Serving bowl – a pretty bowl makes your dip look inviting and keeps it easy to share.
• Small spoon or honey dipper – ideal for drizzling honey neatly over the top before serving.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for a fresh, bright twist that lifts the dip’s richness.
• Mix in finely chopped fresh basil or mint for a fragrant, garden-fresh note—great in spring and summer.
• Stir in crushed toasted nuts like pistachios or walnuts for crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely.
• Try swapping honey for a drizzle of balsamic glaze to balance creaminess with tangy sweetness.

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2-3 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp fresh herbs (such as chives, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or cracked coriander seeds (optional, for garnish)

For Serving:

• Toasted baguette slices or crostini
• Fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, radishes), thinly sliced
• Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, sage, thyme) for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare, from whipping the ricotta to arranging your serving platter. There’s no cooking involved, so it’s quick and perfect for last-minute guests or snacking anytime.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Whip the Ricotta and Cream Cheese:

In a medium bowl, put the ricotta and cream cheese (if using). Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip them together until the mixture becomes smooth, light, and fluffy—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add Honey, Olive Oil, and Seasoning:

Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle in the sea salt. Mix gently until everything is nicely combined and creamy. Taste and add more honey or salt if you like.

3. Assemble the Dip:

Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to make a small swirl or well in the center. Drizzle additional honey and olive oil over the top.

4. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (or coriander seeds if using), and chopped fresh herbs evenly over the dip. Arrange toasted baguette slices, crostini, and fresh vegetable sticks around the bowl. Finally, add a few fresh herb sprigs for an attractive look.

5. Enjoy!

Serve right away and let everyone spread this creamy, sweet, and herbaceous dip on bread or veggies for a delightful snack or appetizer.

Can I Use Part-Skim Ricotta Instead of Whole Milk Ricotta?

Yes! Part-skim ricotta can work, but the dip will be less creamy and fluffy. To compensate, consider adding the optional cream cheese or a small splash of olive oil to help with the texture.

Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and drizzle with fresh honey and olive oil.

How Should I Store Leftover Whipped Ricotta Dip?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture might firm up a bit, so let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or give it a quick whisk before serving.

What Are Good Alternatives for Serving Besides Baguette Slices?

If you want a gluten-free option or something different, try serving with crackers, pita chips, vegetable sticks (like cucumbers or bell peppers), or toasted naan bread. Fresh fruit slices like apple or pear also pair beautifully!