Mediterranean Rustic Bread Board with Hot Honey Ricotta
This Mediterranean-inspired bread board is a beautiful mix of rustic artisan bread, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of sweet heat from hot honey. Topped with toasted nuts, herbs, and optional fruit, it’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Serve it as an appetizer, light lunch, or centerpiece for gatherings. Simple, elegant, and ready in minutes.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (to toast nuts and warm bread)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 rustic artisan loaf (sourdough, ciabatta, or country bread), sliced
8 oz ricotta cheese, room temperature
2–3 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey mixed with a pinch of chili flakes)
2 tbsp toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), chopped
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or basil), for garnish
Olive oil, for drizzling
Optional: fresh fruit such as figs, grapes, or sliced pears
Instructions
Prepare the bread: Slice the artisan loaf into thick slices. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and toast in a skillet, grill pan, or oven until golden and crisp on the edges.
Make the ricotta base: In a small bowl, stir the ricotta gently to soften. This makes it creamier and easier to spread.
Assemble the bread board: Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving board or platter. Spread a generous layer of ricotta over each slice.
Add toppings: Drizzle hot honey over the ricotta. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and fresh herbs.
Optional touch: Add fresh fruit like figs, grapes, or sliced pears to the board for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Serve: Enjoy immediately while the bread is warm and the ricotta is creamy.
Tips & Variations
Cheese Swap – Try whipped feta, burrata, or goat cheese instead of ricotta for different textures and flavors.
Savory Option – Skip the honey and top with roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.
Nut Alternatives – Use pistachios, hazelnuts, or pine nuts for a Mediterranean twist.
Fruit Pairings – Figs, grapes, pears, or even roasted apricots balance beautifully with the creamy ricotta and hot honey.
Make it Smoky – Add a drizzle of smoked olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the ricotta.
Fresh Herb Boost – Basil gives sweetness, rosemary adds earthiness, and thyme offers a subtle lemony note.
Bread Variety – Use focaccia, multigrain, or a crusty baguette if you don’t have rustic sourdough or ciabatta.
Entertaining Upgrade – Serve it as a DIY board with the bread, ricotta, nuts, herbs, and fruit in separate bowls so guests can build their own.
Extra Creaminess – Whip the ricotta with a little olive oil before spreading for a smoother, richer texture.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can toast the bread and prepare the toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble just before serving so the bread stays crisp.
Q: What if I don’t have hot honey?
A: Mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a quick homemade version.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free artisan bread or crackers.
Q: What fruits pair best with this board?
A: Figs, pears, and grapes are classic choices, but peaches, plums, or pomegranate seeds also work well.
Q: Is ricotta the only cheese option?
A: No, burrata, whipped feta, or goat cheese make excellent substitutes.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Estimated values, may vary depending on bread and toppings used.
Calories: ~280
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium: 12% DV
Vitamin C: 6% DV
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Rustic Bread Board with Hot Honey Ricotta is a simple but elegant dish that delivers a mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors. With artisan bread as the base, ricotta for creaminess, hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick, and nuts plus herbs for texture and aroma, it’s both versatile and crowd-pleasing. Whether served as an appetizer, light lunch, or centerpiece for entertaining, this bread board is an effortless way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table.