Honey and Ricotta: Toasts, Desserts and an Easy Whipped Spread
Honey and ricotta is a gentle, elegant pairing from Italian kitchens. Fresh ricotta is soft, milky and slightly sweet, and a ribbon of honey makes it taste like dessert without any baking. Spread it on toast, whip it into a dip, bake it with herbs or spoon it over fruit. This article covers what ricotta is, how to whip it, toast and dessert ideas, savory twists and which honeys pair best. For a higher-protein cousin, see honey and cottage cheese.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What ricotta is
Ricotta means recooked in Italian. Traditionally, it was made by reheating the whey left over from making other cheeses, so the remaining proteins formed delicate curds. Today, many ricottas are made from whole milk or a mix of milk and whey.
Good ricotta is soft, moist and lightly sweet, with small, tender curds.
Why honey and ricotta work
Ricotta is mild and creamy, so it lets honey's flavor take the lead. Its slight saltiness and dairy richness balance honey's sweetness, and its soft texture absorbs a drizzle beautifully. The pairing is simple enough for breakfast and elegant enough for dinner parties.
Whipped ricotta with honey
Blend one cup of whole milk ricotta with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil in a food processor for a minute until light and fluffy. Spread in a shallow bowl, swirl with a spoon and drizzle with honey. Top with flaky salt, black pepper or thyme. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Blend 1 minute
- Drizzle honey and top as you like
Ricotta toast ideas
Start with toasted sourdough, spread ricotta, then try:
| Topping | Honey |
|---|---|
| Sliced figs and thyme | Buckwheat or wildflower |
| Strawberries and basil | Orange blossom |
| Roasted pears and walnuts | Wildflower |
| Black pepper and lemon zest | Clover |
| Blueberries and mint | Blueberry blossom |
Baked ricotta
Mix two cups of ricotta with an egg, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Spread in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until set and golden at the edges. Finish with honey and fresh herbs. Serve warm with bread as an appetizer.
Quick honey and ricotta desserts
Spoon ricotta into small bowls, top with roasted figs or macerated berries and drizzle with honey. Or fold a little honey and orange zest into ricotta and serve with biscotti. Ricotta pancakes and lemon ricotta cake are also classic bakes that welcome honey.
Our article on honey and berries explains how to macerate berries.
Savory honey and ricotta pasta
Toss hot pasta with ricotta, lemon zest, black pepper, Parmesan and a splash of pasta water to make a creamy sauce. Finish with a drizzle of honey and crispy sage leaves. The honey adds a subtle warmth that balances the pepper. Our article on sage and honey explains how to crisp sage.
Honey and ricotta on a cheese board
A bowl of whipped ricotta drizzled with honey makes a soft, crowd-pleasing center for a cheese board. Surround it with aged cheeses, fruit, nuts and crackers. Our honey and cheese pairing guide has more ideas.
Which honey suits ricotta
Raw Orange Blossom Honey, from Florida, is fragrant and perfect with citrus zest and berries. Raw Wildflower Honey, harvested in New York State, has a layered floral taste that suits figs and pears. Raw Buckwheat Honey, also from New York State, is bold enough for savory dishes with pepper and herbs.
Choosing ricotta
Look for ricotta with a short ingredient list: milk, whey, salt and an acid or culture. Avoid brands with lots of gums and stabilizers, which can make the texture rubbery. Whole milk ricotta is creamier and better for whipping.
Homemade ricotta
Heat four cups of whole milk with a cup of cream and a pinch of salt to about 190°F. Stir in three tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar, wait a few minutes for curds to form, then strain through cheesecloth for 10 to 30 minutes depending on how thick you want it.
Storing ricotta
Keep ricotta refrigerated and use it within about five days of opening. Ricotta counts toward the dairy group on USDA MyPlate. If it smells sour or looks discolored, throw it away.
The takeaway
Honey and ricotta are a simple, elegant duo. Whip the ricotta, drizzle generously, and pair with fruit for breakfast and dessert or herbs and pepper for savory dishes.
Honey and ricotta stuffed dates
Slit pitted Medjool dates and fill each with a teaspoon of ricotta. Top with chopped pistachios and a drop of honey. They make an elegant bite for parties and take only minutes. For a warm version, bake for five minutes at 375°F before adding the honey.
Ricotta and honey on grilled peaches
Halve ripe peaches, brush with oil and grill cut side down until marked. Top each with a spoon of ricotta, a drizzle of honey and a few torn basil or mint leaves. It is one of the simplest summer desserts there is.
Honey for your ricotta
Try Raw Orange Blossom Honey and Raw Wildflower Honey side by side. Save with a 3 jar or 6 jar pack of any honey, and orders over $50 ship free. Shop in our store.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Dairy · USDA MyPlate
- Honey: nutrient profile · USDA FoodData Central
- United States Standards for Grades of Extracted Honey · USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Frequently asked questions
- How do I make whipped ricotta with honey?
- Blend ricotta with salt and olive oil until fluffy, then drizzle with honey.
- What goes on ricotta toast with honey?
- Figs, berries, pears, walnuts, black pepper or lemon zest.
- Which honey is best with ricotta?
- Orange blossom with citrus and berries, wildflower with figs, buckwheat for savory.
- Can I make ricotta at home?
- Yes. Heat milk and cream, add lemon juice, and strain the curds.
- How long does ricotta last?
- About five days in the fridge after opening.
- Is ricotta high in protein?
- It has a moderate amount, less than cottage cheese per serving.
- Can I use honey and ricotta in pasta?
- Yes. A small drizzle balances pepper and lemon in ricotta pasta.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.
