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Whipped Ricotta Dip Recipe: Easy Spicy Maple Pecan Crunch Appetizer

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This whipped ricotta dip is a creamy, airy appetizer topped with a sticky-sweet, spicy maple pecan crunch. It comes together in minutes and is perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Crostini, crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks for serving
  • Sliced apples or pears for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add ricotta, olive oil, honey (if using), lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides, until silky smooth and airy.
  2. If ricotta is watery, drain in cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for 10 minutes before whipping.
  3. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
  4. Add maple syrup and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir quickly as syrup bubbles and coats pecans. Cook for 30-45 seconds until sticky and glossy.
  5. Remove from heat and spread pecans onto a parchment-lined plate. Sprinkle with a pinch more salt if desired. Cool for a few minutes.
  6. Spoon whipped ricotta into a serving bowl, swirling the top with a spatula.
  7. Scatter cooled spicy maple pecan crunch over ricotta. Drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey if desired.
  8. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and extra lemon zest on top if using.
  9. Arrange crostini, crackers, veggie sticks, and/or sliced apples or pears around the bowl for serving.

Notes

For best texture, use whole milk ricotta and whip until very smooth. Toast pecans before adding syrup for maximum crunch. Adjust cayenne to taste. If making ahead, keep pecans separate until serving. For vegan, use plant-based ricotta and agave instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: whipped ricotta dip, maple pecan crunch, appetizer, party dip, gluten-free, vegetarian, easy dip, holiday appetizer, creamy dip, spicy dip

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/whipped-ricotta-dip-recipe-easy-spicy-maple-pecan-crunch-appetizer/