Hot Honey Ricotta Garlic Bread (Print Version)

Crispy bread with creamy ricotta spread and sweet-spicy honey

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 1 loaf French bread, approximately 12 inches long

→ Ricotta-Garlic Spread

02 - 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Hot Honey

09 - 1/4 cup honey
10 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjustable to taste preference

→ Garnish

11 - Extra chopped parsley as optional finishing touch

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
02 - Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and position both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
04 - Distribute the ricotta-garlic mixture evenly across both bread halves using a spoon or spatula.
05 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bread achieves a toasted texture and the topping develops a light golden color.
06 - While bread bakes, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Remove from heat and permit the flavors to infuse during baking.
07 - Remove bread from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes. Slice into individual serving pieces.
08 - Drizzle each slice generously with the prepared hot honey. Add optional parsley garnish if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • The contrast between creamy ricotta, crispy bread, and that hot honey kick is addictive in the best way.
  • Everyone assumes it's complicated until you serve it and they realize it's your secret weapon appetizer.
02 -
  • Do not skip softening the butter before mixing—cold butter creates lumps in the ricotta that won't smooth out no matter how much you stir.
  • The honey must be warm when you drizzle it; cold honey sits on top like glue instead of soaking into the bread and creating that addictive sweet-spicy coating.
03 -
  • Make the ricotta mixture up to 4 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge, then spread and bake right before serving for maximum convenience.
  • Warm your honey in a microwave-safe bowl instead of a saucepan if you're short on dishes—just 30 seconds gets it to the perfect temperature.
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