Forget boring appetizers! If you’re looking for an effortless, yet elegant, dish that brings together creamy, sweet, and a touch of heat, you’ve landed in the right spot. We’re talking about the utterly delightful Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Dip with Pears. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget.

Pears offer the ideal counterpoint to the rich, savory, and spicy flavors of the hot honey whipped ricotta, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying bite. Their subtle sweetness and delicate flavor profile allow the bold notes of the honey, lemon zest, and thyme to shine through without competing. 

This post is sponsored by USA Pears.

Specifically, the crisp texture of Anjou pears provides a much-needed structural element, delivering a clean, palate-cleansing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the airy, creamy smoothness of the whipped ricotta. It’s a flavor profile that will be loved by kids and adults alike.

Plus, the visual appeal of using both red and green Anjou pears elevates the presentation, offering vibrant color contrast on the platter that makes the simple appetizer look sophisticated and inviting. 

Why This Dip Will Be Your New Obsession

We know what you might be thinking: ricotta, dip? Trust us on this one. When ricotta is whipped to airy perfection with a touch of olive oil and salt, it transforms into a cloud-like dream. Add in the vibrant kick of hot honey, the fresh aroma of lemon zest, and fragrant thyme, and you’ve got a symphony of flavors. And let’s not forget the star dipper: crisp, juicy Anjou pears, providing the perfect sweet counterpoint.

• Flavor in every bite
• Incredibly versatile
• Fancy enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a cozy night in
• Can be used for several occasions: an excellent addition to a cheese board, a show-stopping brunch item, or simply a sophisticated snack to elevate your afternoon.
• Pears are a true powerhouse of nutrition 
• Pairing foods with protein, like (ricotta) cheese with fiber-rich foods, like pears, is always a smart nutritional choice. They are better together!

Pear Nutrition and Beyond

Pears aren’t just naturally beautiful and delicious. Every bite delivers hydration, natural energy, and tasty fiber that helps you power through your day. The pear is a true powerhouse of nutrition. A medium-sized pear clocks in at about 100 calories, is fat-free, sodium-free, and contains zero cholesterol. This makes it an ideal, guilt-free addition to any daily diet.

Pears are an exceptional source of dietary fiber. If you’re looking to boost your fiber intake, look no further than the pear. A single medium pear is one of the leading fruit sources of fiber, providing around 6 grams, or roughly 21% of your recommended Daily Value. Fiber fuels digestion, supports gut health, and helps you feel satisfied longer.

More Health and Wellness Pear Facts

• Gentle on Digestion: Pears are one of the easiest fruits for your body to enjoy, making them a go-to for all ages — from little eaters to grandparents.
• Gut-Friendly: The fiber in pears feeds the good bacteria in your microbiome, supporting long-term wellness.
• Heart Smart: Pears are sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and fat-free, making them a heart-healthy choice that tastes indulgent without being heavy.
• Naturally Hydrating: With high water content, pears help keep you refreshed and energized.
• Everyday Energy: A natural source of carbs + fiber = steady fuel without the crash.

Learn more at www.usapears.org.

The Magic is in the Whip

The secret to this dip’s luxurious texture lies in the whipping. A food processor takes ricotta and turns it into something truly special – smooth, airy, and utterly scoopable. It’s a game-changer!

Ready to impress your guests (or just yourself)? Let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Dip with Pears

Ingredients:

• 2-3 red & green Anjou pears, sliced
• 15 oz ricotta
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt, or flaky sea salt
• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

How to Make Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Dip with Pears

First, you will need to whip the Ricotta. Place the ricotta, salt, and olive oil into a food processor. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through, until the ricotta is incredibly smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This step is key to that dreamy texture!

Next, assemble the dip by spreading the whipped ricotta generously in a shallow bowl.

Then, jazz it up with a drizzle & garnish. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the hot honey over the top of the ricotta. Garnish with the fresh thyme leaves and bright lemon zest. Optional: Use a toothpick or the back of a spoon to create a beautiful swirl on top.

Finally, serve, and enjoy! Add the bowl to a platter alongside the beautifully sliced red and green Anjou pears. Dive into this delightful creation and savor every bite!

Pro Tips for Perfection:

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are so few ingredients, opt for good quality full-fat ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Whip: Seriously, whip that ricotta! It makes all the difference.
• Hot Honey Hack: Can’t find hot honey? Drizzle regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a similar effect!
• So, go ahead and treat yourself to this incredible Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Dip with fresh pears. It’s easy, elegant, and absolutely irresistible!

So, go ahead and treat yourself to this incredible Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Dip with fresh pears. It’s easy, elegant, and absolutely irresistible!

Why We Love USA Pears

It’s no secret that we love produce. And we love helping you and your family add high-quality fruit and veggies to your family’s meals. USA Pears is just as passionate about educating parents about where and how they grow their pears — so you feel confident about the ingredients you put in the recipes you make for your family. With a variety of sweet and juicy pears that are grown in an optimal climate right in the US, you have your pick of perfect pears all year long.

More Great Pear Recipes

• Pear Bundt Cake
• Sausage and Pear Sheet Pan Dinner
• Pear Stuffed Biscuit Waffles
• Caramelized Pears & Blue Cheese Tarts
• Pear Galette
• Apple & Pear Puff Pancake
• Bake Cinnamon Ricotta Pears