Name: Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Modern American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (225 g); 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed (300 g); 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml); 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g); 1 cup ricotta cheese (225 g); 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml); Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml); 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); Fresh thyme or parsley

Jump to Recipe

There is something absolutely irresistible about the combination of textures and flavors in this Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey. Imagine crispy roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, lightly smashed for the perfect bite, crowned with a luxuriously creamy whipped ricotta and a tantalizing drizzle of chili-infused honey. This dish is a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and a subtle kick of heat that will brighten up any meal or stand alone as a star appetizer. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or just indulge in a comforting yet fresh creation, this Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple in its ingredient list, but each component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes to the zing of chili honey, these ingredients come together to make something truly special.

Brussels sprouts (1 1/2 cups, trimmed and halved): Provide a nutty flavor and crispy texture when roasted, adding that satisfying crunch.
Sweet potatoes (2 cups, peeled and cubed): Bring natural sweetness and a soft, creamy contrast to the Brussels sprouts.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons for roasting, 1 tablespoon for ricotta): Enhances richness and helps achieve the perfect roast and smooth ricotta texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon for roasting, pinch for ricotta): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth to the roasted vegetables.
Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Whipped to creamy perfection, it adds a soft, mild, and luscious layer.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Acts as a sweet counterpoint to the spicy chili flakes.
Chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon, adjustable): Give a warm, lively kick in the chili honey drizzle that brightens the entire dish.
Optional garnish – fresh thyme or parsley: Adds a hint of herbal freshness and an attractive pop of color.

How to Make Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the Brussels sprouts and sweet potato cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they transform—golden edges and tender insides are what you’re after. This roasting step is essential for developing deep caramelized flavors and the perfect crispy-tender texture for your smash.

Step 2: Whip the Ricotta

While the vegetables roast, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or electric mixer to whip it until it gains a light and fluffy texture that spreads effortlessly. This whipped ricotta brings a cool, creamy contrast that makes every bite indulgent and silky smooth.

Step 3: Make the Chili Honey Drizzle

Gently warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave and stir in the chili flakes. This simple step infuses the honey with spicy heat that will dance beautifully on your tongue alongside the rich ricotta and savory vegetables. Adjust the chili flakes to suit your heat preference, but even just a little adds amazing depth.

Step 4: Smash and Assemble

Once the roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are out of the oven, use a spatula or the back of a fork to lightly smash them on the baking tray. Don’t overdo it; keep some texture and shape for that perfect bite. Now, dollop the whipped ricotta over your smashed veggies and generously drizzle the chili honey on top. Add fresh thyme or parsley if you’re using it, and you’re ready to serve this spectacular dish.

How to Serve Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley are the go-to garnishes, offering a fragrant and fresh contrast that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a few extra chili flakes for texture and a hint of crunch with extra heat. A little twist of lemon zest can elevate the brightness if you want to experiment.

Side Dishes

This Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey pairs wonderfully with lighter mains such as grilled chicken, seared fish, or even as part of a vegetarian spread featuring hearty grains like quinoa or farro. It’s a great complement to a simple green salad as well, balancing richness and spice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve it family-style on a rustic wooden board where everyone can dig in. For a more refined presentation, plate the smashed vegetables neatly in small piles, swirl the whipped ricotta artistically, and drizzle the chili honey in fine lines. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can take the look up a notch for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chili honey drizzle separate if you prefer to add it fresh at serving time for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

Freezing

While the vegetables freeze well, the whipped ricotta texture changes after thawing, so it’s best to freeze just the roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the dish with fresh whipped ricotta and chili honey.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispness, or gently warm in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess. Add fresh whipped ricotta and drizzle chili honey right before serving to keep everything vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta is ideal because of its light, creamy texture that whips up smoothly. However, you could experiment with mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

How spicy is the chili honey drizzle?

The heat level is quite mild and subtle with just 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes, but you can easily adjust this according to your taste. More flakes will amp up the spice, turning the drizzle into a lively finishing touch.

Is this dish vegan or can it be made vegan?

This recipe as written is not vegan due to the ricotta and honey. For a vegan version, try using a plant-based ricotta substitute and a maple syrup or agave drizzle infused with chili flakes instead.

Can I prepare the components in advance?

Absolutely! Roast the Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes a day ahead and make the whipped ricotta fresh before serving for the best texture. Chili honey can be made ahead and kept refrigerated.

What’s the best way to choose Brussels sprouts for roasting?

Select small to medium-sized sprouts that are firm and bright green. Smaller ones tend to roast evenly and get crispier, which works beautifully in this smash dish.

Final Thoughts

This Smash with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Honey is one of those dishes that feels both gourmet and comforting all at once. The way the crispy roasted veggies melt into the creamy ricotta and are brightened by a drizzle of spicy-sweet honey is pure magic. I hope you’ll make this recipe your own and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do. It’s perfect for sharing, savoring, and celebrating flavors that surprise and delight.