Save It My neighbor knocked on my door one evening holding a platter wrapped in foil, still warm. She'd made what she called "fancy garlic bread" for a dinner party and had leftovers. One bite of that creamy, garlicky, sweet-hot combination and I spent the next three days trying to reverse-engineer it in my own kitchen. Turns out ricotta was the secret all along, and a little drizzle of heat made it impossible to stop at one slice.
I brought this to a potluck once, thinking it was just a simple side. It disappeared before the main courses even hit the table. People were hovering near the platter, pretending to chat but really just waiting for someone to step away so they could grab another piece. One friend actually texted me the next morning asking if I had any left over.
Ingredients
- French bread: A crusty loaf with a soft center works best because it holds up to the ricotta without getting soggy, and the crust gets beautifully golden in the oven.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: The richness here is everything. Low-fat ricotta can turn out grainy and dry, so splurge on the good stuff for a silky, luscious spread.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This helps the ricotta become spreadable and adds a buttery depth that makes the topping taste indulgent without being oily.
- Garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable. The raw bite mellows beautifully as it bakes, creating that classic garlic bread flavor everyone craves.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty punch and helps the topping get those gorgeous golden spots in the oven.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up and adds a pop of color. Dried parsley just doesn't have the same fresh, herby lift.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the garlic and cheese shine without overpowering the delicate ricotta.
- Honey: The base of your hot honey. Use a good quality honey because its flavor really comes through, especially when warmed.
- Red pepper flakes: This is where the magic happens. The flakes infuse the honey with a slow, building heat that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Instructions
- Get the oven ready:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and prevents the bread from sticking.
- Prep the bread:
- Slice your French bread in half lengthwise and lay both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. You want a flat, even surface for spreading.
- Make the ricotta spread:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until it's smooth and creamy. It should look like a thick, fluffy dip.
- Spread it on:
- Divide the ricotta mixture evenly over both bread halves, spreading it all the way to the edges. Don't be shy; a generous layer is what makes this so good.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the topping has light golden brown spots. Your kitchen will smell incredible.
- Infuse the hot honey:
- While the bread bakes, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and let it sit.
- Slice and drizzle:
- Let the bread cool for a couple of minutes, then slice into pieces. Drizzle generously with the hot honey and sprinkle with extra parsley if you like.
Save It The first time I made this for my family, my teenage son, who usually lives on pizza and chicken nuggets, ate three pieces and then asked if we could have it again the next night. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper. It's one of those dishes that feels special enough for company but easy enough that I make it on random Tuesdays just because.
Choosing Your Bread
French bread is classic, but I've had great luck with sourdough when I want a tangier base, and ciabatta when I'm craving extra-crispy edges. The key is a sturdy loaf with some structure so it doesn't get soggy under all that creamy ricotta. Avoid soft sandwich bread; it just won't hold up.
Adjusting the Heat
If you're nervous about spice, start with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes and taste the honey before drizzling. You can always add more heat, but you can't take it away. I've also made a mild version for kids by skipping the pepper flakes entirely and just using plain honey, then offering hot honey on the side for adults.
Serving and Storing
This is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the bread is still crispy and the ricotta is soft and creamy. Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, though the bread won't be quite as crispy the second time around.
- Serve it as an appetizer with a light salad or soup for a simple dinner.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian red.
- Store any leftover hot honey in a jar at room temperature and use it on pizza, fried chicken, or biscuits.
Save It This hot honey ricotta garlic bread has become my go-to whenever I need to impress without stressing. It's proof that a few simple ingredients, when put together with a little care, can turn into something people remember long after the last crumb is gone.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and gently warm before drizzling over the bread.
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
French bread is ideal for its crusty exterior and soft interior, but sourdough and ciabatta also work wonderfully. Choose a bread with good structure to hold the ricotta spread.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for mild heat, or increase to 1.5-2 teaspoons for extra spice. You can also let each person drizzle their preferred amount of hot honey.
- → Can I use low-fat ricotta instead of whole milk?
While whole-milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture and richest flavor, low-fat ricotta can be substituted. The spread may be slightly less creamy but will still taste delicious.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside this appetizer?
This pairs beautifully with a fresh arugula salad, charcuterie board, or Italian antipasti. For drinks, try a crisp white wine, light red, or sparkling water with lemon.