Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread

Experience the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and spicy with this Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread. This easy-to-make appetizer transforms simple French bread into a gourmet starter by layering a rich, garlicky ricotta spread and finishing it with a signature drizzle of infused hot honey. It is a stunning American-Italian fusion that is guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering.

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The secret to this crave-worthy dish is the contrast between the crunchy toasted bread and the whipped consistency of the ricotta. When baked at a high temperature, the Parmesan and butter create a golden crust that balances the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (about 12 inches)
• 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
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Extra chopped parsley (optional garnish)

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

To ensure the best texture, use whole-milk ricotta cheese for maximum creaminess. Make sure to watch the bread closely during the final minutes of baking so the topping becomes golden without burning the edges of the French bread.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture. You can also substitute sourdough or ciabatta for the French bread if preferred. If you enjoy more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the honey infusion.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this garlic bread immediately while warm for the best experience. For a sophisticated wine pairing, try serving it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian red wine to complement the sweet and spicy notes.

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Whether you are serving this at a dinner party or enjoying it as a weekend treat, the Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread is a memorable appetizer that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Finish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy the delicious results.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make the ricotta spread ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the ricotta-garlic mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread for easier application.

→ How spicy is the hot honey?

With one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the heat level is mild to moderate. Adjust the amount to your preference—start with half a teaspoon for a subtle warmth or increase to two teaspoons for more intense spice.

→ What other bread varieties work well?

Sourdough, ciabatta, or a rustic Italian loaf all make excellent substitutes for French bread. Choose a sturdy loaf that can hold up to the creamy topping without becoming soggy.

→ Can I serve this at room temperature?

This dish is best served warm, straight from the oven. The contrast between the hot, crisp bread and the warm spicy honey drizzle is essential to the full experience. Plan to bake just before serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness. Note that the bread may lose some of its original crunch after refrigeration.

→ Can I make the hot honey in larger batches?

Absolutely. Scale up the honey and red pepper flakes as needed. Store the infused honey in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to a month. The flavors will continue to develop over time.