Whipped Ricotta and Crispy Hot Honey Mortadella Dip
Elevate your appetiser game with a show-stopping whipped ricotta and crispy hot honey mortadella dip. This is the easiest and most impressive dip you can make with no fancy equipment.
This delightful dip combines creamy ricotta and cream cheese with the tang of pickles and jalapeños, topped with crispy mortadella and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle. Enjoy this delectable dip as the star of your next gathering, and watch your guests rave about its flavours and presentation.
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What is Mortadella?
Mortadella is a large Italian sausage or cold cut made from finely ground pork, flavoured with spices, and often studded with pistachios. Originating from Bologna, Italy, it is characterised by its smooth texture and rich, slightly sweet flavour. Mortadella’s delicate taste and luxurious texture make it a versatile ingredient in various dishes, from sandwiches to antipasto platters.
Why Hot Honey is So Hot Right Now
Hot honey is a versatile condiment that blends sweet honey with spicy chilli peppers. Its origins can be traced back to Southern Italy, where local honey was often infused with chilli flakes. However, it gained mainstream popularity in the United States, particularly in the culinary scenes of New York City and Nashville, where it’s commonly drizzled over pizzas, fried chicken, and cheeses.
The appeal of hot honey lies in its perfect balance of sweetness and heat, adding a dynamic layer of flavour to dishes without overwhelming them. Its versatility and unique flavour profile make it a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike for enhancing savoury and sweet dishes.
Balancing Flavours and Textures
A successful dish often hinges on the harmonious balance of flavours and textures. And this whipped ricotta and crispy hot honey mortadella dip delivers the perfect interplay of sweet, spicy, and acidic flavours with creamy and crispy textures.
- Sweetness: The honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savoury mortadella and the tangy pickles.
- Spiciness: Chilli flakes in the hot honey and pickled jalapeños add a pleasant heat that complements the richness of the ricotta and cream cheese.
- Acidity: Pickles and pickled jalapeños introduce a sharp, tangy note that cuts through the creaminess of the dip.
- Creamy Texture: Whipped ricotta and cream cheese form a smooth, luscious base for the dip.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy mortadella adds a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy dip.
No Fancy Equipment Required
This recipe is accessible and straightforward, requiring no fancy equipment. An air fryer can make the process quicker and easier, but an oven works perfectly well too.
Air Fryer vs Oven: Crispy Mortadella Made Easy
Using an air fryer to crisp up mortadella is incredibly convenient. The air fryer heats up quickly and cooks the mortadella evenly, achieving a perfect crispy texture in just a few minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven is a reliable alternative. Just keep in mind that the oven requires preheating, which adds a bit more time to the process. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose the one that works best for you.
Beverage Pairings
Pair this flavourful dip with beverages that complement its rich and spicy notes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Elderflower Cordial: Its floral sweetness balances the spicy and savoury elements of the dip.
- Ginger Beer: The spiciness of ginger beer enhances the heat in the hot honey while providing a refreshing contrast.
- Sparkling Wine: A crisp sparkling wine cuts through the creaminess of the dip, adding a touch of elegance to the experience.
- Weiss Beer: This light, wheat-based beer pairs well with the creamy and tangy flavours of the dip, offering a refreshing complement.
Insta-Worthy Dip
This dip is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for sharing on Instagram. The contrast of colours and textures — creamy white ricotta, vibrant green pickles and jalapeños, golden honey, and crispy pink mortadella — creates a stunning presentation. Arrange the elements artfully on a beautiful serving plate, drizzle the hot honey with a flourish, and snap away for an Insta-worthy post that will wow your followers.
Whipped Ricotta and Crispy Hot Honey Mortadella Dip Ingredient Substitutes
If you need to substitute any ingredients, here are some options:
- Mortadella: Substitute with prosciutto or crispy pancetta for a similar texture and flavour.
- Pickles: Use any type of pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions or cucumbers.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños or another pickled pepper can be used if pickled jalapeños are unavailable.
- Ricotta: Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used in place of ricotta.
- Cream Cheese: Thick sour cream or Greek yoghurt can substitute for cream cheese.
Tips and Tricks
Incorporate these tips and tricks to ensure your whipped ricotta and crispy hot honey mortadella dip turns out perfectly every time.
- Crisping the Mortadella: Keep an eye on the mortadella as it cooks to prevent burning. It should be just crispy enough to add texture without being too hard.
- Honey Consistency: Warm the honey just enough to make it runny but not too hot, as overheating can affect the flavour.
- Serving Suggestions: This dip can also be served with fresh vegetables, crusty bread, or pita chips for variety.
Shop the Equipment
These are Amazon affiliate links of the products I personally love and recommend. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Are You a Fan of this Whipped Ricotta and Crispy Hot Honey Mortadella Dip?
If you made this whipped ricotta and crispy hot honey mortadella dip, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so I can see what you come up with.
Looking for more dip inspiration?
Dreamy, Delicious Taramasalata
Yoghurt Dip with Chilli Oil & Crispy Herbs
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta mixture and store it in the refrigerator. However, to maintain their texture, it’s best to add the crispy mortadella and hot honey just before serving.
How long does the dip last?
The dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just ensure that the crisps or chips you serve with it are also gluten-free.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
If you need to substitute any ingredients, here are some options:
- Mortadella: Substitute with prosciutto or crispy pancetta for a similar texture and flavour.
- Pickles: Use any type of pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions or cucumbers.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños or another pickled pepper can be used if pickled jalapeños are unavailable.
- Ricotta: Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used in place of ricotta.
- Cream Cheese: Thick sour cream or Greek yoghurt can substitute for cream cheese.
Whipped Ricotta and Crispy Hot Honey Mortadella Dip
- Total Time: <15 mins
- Yield: 6 portions
Description
Elevate your appetiser game with a show-stopping whipped ricotta and crispy hot honey mortadella dip. This is the easiest and most impressive dip you can make with no fancy equipment.
Ingredients
- 100g sliced mortadella
- 35g pickles (about 10 small or 4 regular)
- 30g pickled jalapeno (2 tbsp/ whole jalapenos)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
- Pinch of chilli flakes
- 250g whole milk ricotta
- 100g cream cheese or thick sour cream
- 1 bag of salted crisps/chips to serve
Instructions
- Stack the mortadella slices and cut them into strips. Toss to separate the strips and place them in an even layer on a baking tray.
the air fryer: Place the mortadella strips into the air fryer and cook at 190°C for 2 minutes.
In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Once hot add the mortadella and cook for 3-5 minutes or until starting to crisp. - Warm the honey in the microwave until runny, then add in the chilli flakes and stir to combine.
- With 1 minute remaining in the cooking time, drizzle one-third of the honey mixture over the mortadella in the air fryer. Reserve the rest of the hot honey for serving. Once crispy and sticky, remove the mortadella from the air fryer or oven and allow to cool.
- Roughly dice the pickles and jalapenos. In a bowl, whip the ricotta and cream cheese together until smooth. Season to taste.
- Spread the whipped ricotta mixture onto a serving plate. Top with crispy mortadella strips, diced pickles, and jalapenos. Drizzle the remaining hot honey mixture over the top.
- Serve with your favourite salted crisps/chips.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3 min
- Category: Snacks and dips
- Method: Air fryer or oven
