Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread

This Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread is a crave-worthy appetizer that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, spicy, and sweet. Featuring crusty French bread topped with a rich ricotta-garlic spread, it is baked until golden and finished with a glossy drizzle of infused honey. It's an easy yet sophisticated American-Italian fusion dish that will elevate any gathering.

Save

The key to this recipe's depth is the infusion of red pepper flakes into warm honey, which creates a sophisticated glaze. When paired with the savory notes of minced garlic and grated Parmesan, it creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

• Bread: 1 loaf French bread (about 12 inches)
• Ricotta-Garlic Spread: 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), 3 cloves garlic (finely minced), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Hot Honey: 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Garnish: Extra chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Evenly spread the ricotta-garlic mixture over both bread halves.

Step 5

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the topping is lightly golden.

Step 6

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Remove from heat and let infuse while the bread bakes.

Step 7

Remove bread from oven and cool for 2 minutes. Slice into pieces.

Step 8

Drizzle generously with hot honey. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of brightness, try adding a pinch of fresh lemon zest to the ricotta mixture. This cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter. Additionally, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature so it incorporates seamlessly into the ricotta without lumps.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the French bread with a sturdy sourdough or ciabatta loaf for a tangier flavor and chewier texture. If you prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the honey infusion.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this garlic bread immediately while the honey is warm and the cheese is bubbly. For a complete experience, pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian red wine to complement the sweet and savory notes.

Save

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious snack, this Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread is sure to be a standout. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a memorable dish that is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Enjoy every spicy-sweet bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the ricotta spread ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mix the ricotta spread up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading—it will glide onto the bread more smoothly.

→ How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?

With one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the heat is mild to medium—more of a gentle warmth than overwhelming fire. Adjust to your taste by adding more flakes for extra kick or reducing for a milder experience.

→ What other breads work well?

Sourdough brings tangy depth, ciabatta offers a chewy, airy crumb, and baguette yields smaller, elegant slices. Even rustic Italian loaves work beautifully—just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the generous ricotta layer.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh parsley is called for in the recipe, but you can also add fresh basil, chives, or oregano to the ricotta mixture. Fresh herbs deliver brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried.

→ Should I serve this immediately?

For the best experience, yes. The contrast between warm, crispy bread and cool, creamy ricotta is at its peak right after baking. If you need to wait, reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness before drizzling with honey.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Certainly. A pinch of lemon zest brightens the ricotta, crushed walnuts add crunch, or a scatter of fresh arugula after baking introduces peppery contrast. Keep additions minimal so the honey-garlic harmony shines.