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Perfect Antipasto Grazing Table Recipe with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

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A fuss-free, impressive antipasto grazing table featuring creamy whipped ricotta drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey, paired with assorted olives, cured meats, and fresh accompaniments. Perfect for casual gatherings and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • Whole milk ricotta cheese (16 oz / 450 g)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp / 30 ml)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp / 15 ml)
  • Sea salt (to taste)
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • Raw honey (1/4 cup / 60 ml)
  • Red chili flakes (1 tsp / 2 g)
  • Mixed olives (1 cup / 150 g)
  • Marinated artichoke hearts (1 cup / 150 g)
  • Cured meats, sliced thin (e.g., prosciutto, salami, soppressata) (8 oz / 225 g)
  • Assorted crackers and toasted baguette slices (enough for 8-10 servings)
  • Roasted red peppers (1/2 cup / 75 g)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (like basil, oregano, or thyme)
  • Optional extras: roasted nuts, pickled vegetables, cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Drain any excess liquid from the ricotta to avoid a watery texture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, fluffy, and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with red chili flakes, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Drain olives and artichokes, pat dry if needed. Arrange cured meats by folding or rolling slices.
  6. Slice and toast baguette slices until golden and crunchy. Slice roasted red peppers into strips.
  7. Select a large serving board or platter. Place whipped ricotta in a small bowl and drizzle with hot honey.
  8. Surround ricotta with small bowls of olives and artichokes. Arrange cured meats, crackers, toasted bread, roasted peppers, and optional extras around the board.
  9. Garnish with fresh herbs.
  10. Just before serving, drizzle hot honey again over the ricotta to keep it fresh and enticing.

Notes

Use whole milk ricotta for best creaminess. Keep heat low when warming honey to avoid bitterness. Drain ricotta if watery before whipping. Prepare ricotta up to 4 hours ahead and keep refrigerated. Drizzle hot honey just before serving for best texture. For vegan version, substitute ricotta with dairy-free cream cheese and honey with agave or maple syrup infused with chili flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: antipasto, grazing table, whipped ricotta, hot honey, appetizer, party food, easy entertaining, crowd-pleaser