Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread

Imagine the perfect appetizer that bridges comfort and luxury: Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the familiar warmth of garlic bread with the creamy indulgence of whipped ricotta and the unexpected zing of hot honey. Each slice delivers a symphony of textures—crisp bread, pillowy cheese, and a sweet-spicy drizzle that makes it impossible to stop at just one piece.

Pin it

The beauty of this dish lies in its contrasts. The crispy edges of the French bread give way to a warm, garlic-infused ricotta spread that melts in your mouth. Just when you think you've experienced all the flavors, the hot honey drizzle introduces a sweet heat that transforms this from ordinary garlic bread into something truly memorable. It's an elevated take on a classic that will have everyone asking for your secret.

• 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 for garnish (optional)

Prepare the oven and bread

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Make the ricotta-garlic spread

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

Assemble and bake

Evenly spread the ricotta-garlic mixture over both bread halves. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the topping is lightly golden.

Prepare the hot honey

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.

Finish and serve

Remove bread from oven and cool for 2 minutes. Slice into pieces. Drizzle generously with hot honey. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

For the creamiest spread, allow the butter to come to room temperature before mixing with the ricotta. This ensures a smooth, easily spreadable texture without any cold butter lumps. When preparing the hot honey, be careful not to overheat it—gentle warming is all that's needed to infuse the honey with spicy flavor. The honey can be made in advance and stored at room temperature for up to two weeks in a sealed container.

Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.

Check price on Amazon

This versatile recipe welcomes creative adjustments. For a Mediterranean twist, add a tablespoon of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and some fresh basil to the ricotta spread. Make it heartier by adding a layer of thinly sliced prosciutto before baking. For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture as suggested in the recipe notes. Can't handle the heat? Reduce the red pepper flakes or substitute regular honey for a milder version.

Serve this Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread as a starter before pasta night, alongside a bowl of tomato soup, or as part of an antipasto spread. For an elegant presentation, arrange the slices on a wooden board with small bowls of additional hot honey for dipping. This bread pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Italian red wine as the recipe notes suggest, making it perfect for dinner parties or date nights at home.

Pin it

This Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience. It's the kind of recipe that becomes part of your signature repertoire—requested at gatherings and remembered long after the last crumb disappears. The combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy elements creates a perfectly balanced bite that appeals to almost every palate. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside your favorite main dish, it brings an element of rustic elegance to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ 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 drizzle?

The heat level is mild to moderate with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference—reduce for just a hint of warmth or increase to 2 teaspoons for more intense spice.

→ What other bread varieties work well?

Sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread make excellent substitutes. Choose a sturdy loaf with good crust structure that can hold the creamy topping without becoming soggy during baking.

→ Should I serve this immediately?

This appetizer tastes best when served warm, right after drizzling with the hot honey. The contrast between the crispy toasted bread, creamy topping, and warm spicy-sweet honey is at its peak within 10 minutes of baking.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Fresh herbs like basil or thyme, crushed walnuts, or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese before baking complement the flavors beautifully. Avoid adding cold toppings until after baking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Note that the texture will be best when freshly made.