Save It My neighbor knocked on the door one Sunday with a loaf of bread and a jar of honey shed infused with chili. I had ricotta left from making lasagna and garlic sitting on the counter. Twenty minutes later, we were standing in my kitchen, mouths full, realizing wed stumbled onto something that needed to exist in the world. That bread disappeared before we even sat down.
I brought this to a potluck once without much fanfare, set it on the table, and turned around to grab napkins. By the time I came back, half of it was gone and three people were asking for the recipe. One friend later texted me at midnight because she was making it right then. Its the kind of thing that turns casual evenings into tiny celebrations.
Ingredients
- French baguette: Choose one with a sturdy crust and airy crumb so it crisps up beautifully without becoming too hard.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese: The richness matters here, low-fat versions can turn grainy and lack the luxurious creaminess that makes this spread irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends smoothly into the ricotta and adds a silky mouthfeel that elevates the whole bite.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings pungency and warmth, roasting mellows it just enough without losing its punch.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds nutty, salty depth that balances the mild ricotta perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the spread and cuts through the richness with a hint of green freshness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus and adding just enough edge.
- Lemon zest: Optional but transformative, it lifts the whole dish with a whisper of citrus that dances on your tongue.
- Honey: Use a good quality honey, it becomes the sweet foundation that carries the heat.
- Hot sauce: Sriracha works beautifully, but any hot sauce you love will shape the flavor to your taste.
- Red pepper flakes: These add tiny bursts of heat and visual appeal, making every drizzle look as good as it tastes.
Instructions
- Get the Oven Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. This step matters more than you think, it ensures even heat and easy cleanup.
- Make the Ricotta Spread:
- In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Taste it now, this is your chance to adjust seasoning before it hits the heat.
- Prep the Bread:
- Halve the baguette lengthwise and lay both pieces cut side up on your baking sheet. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each half, getting it all the way to the edges so every bite is covered.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is lightly golden and the bread edges turn crisp and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like a dream.
- Prepare the Hot Honey:
- While the bread bakes, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Let it heat for a minute or two, just until everything melds together and the honey thins out.
- Drizzle and Serve:
- Pull the bread from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top in generous zigzags. Slice into pieces and serve while its still warm and melty.
Save It The first time I made this for my sister, she took one bite and closed her eyes. She didnt say anything for a solid ten seconds, just chewed slowly with this look of pure contentment. When she finally opened her eyes, she just nodded and reached for another slice. Sometimes food speaks louder than words ever could.
Choosing Your Bread
A crusty French baguette is classic, but Ive had gorgeous results with sourdough and ciabatta too. Sourdough brings a tangy note that plays beautifully with the honey, while ciabatta offers an airier, softer crumb that soaks up the ricotta in the most wonderful way. Whatever you choose, make sure it has some structure, soft sandwich bread will turn soggy and sad under all that topping.
Adjusting the Heat
The beauty of hot honey is that you control the fire. Start with less hot sauce and red pepper flakes if youre serving a mixed crowd, then set out extra on the side for the heat seekers. Ive also swapped in chili oil or even a pinch of cayenne when I didnt have hot sauce on hand, and it worked perfectly. Trust your palate and taste as you go.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This garlic bread shines as an appetizer, but Ive also served it alongside simple pasta, roasted vegetables, or a big green salad for an easy weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chianti, the acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate between bites. If youre going non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
- Add chopped chives or fresh basil to the ricotta for an herby twist.
- Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the hot honey drizzle for extra texture and flavor pop.
- Leftovers reheat well in a hot oven, just watch closely so the edges dont burn.
Save It This recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to feel like a kitchen genius without breaking a sweat. I hope it brings you as much joy and as many happy moments as its brought me.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread work wonderfully. Choose a crusty bread that can hold the ricotta spread and maintain texture when baked.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or increase the hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more after tasting.
- → Can I make the ricotta spread ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the ricotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before spreading on bread for easier application.
- → What wine pairs well with this appetizer?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness, while a light Chianti complements the garlic and cheese. Prosecco also makes an excellent pairing.
- → How do 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.
- → Can I add fresh herbs to the ricotta mixture?
Yes, chopped basil, chives, or oregano add wonderful flavor. Mix them into the ricotta spread or sprinkle on top before baking for extra freshness.