Name: Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, cut into ½-inch slices; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (assorted colours), diced; ½ tablespoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup whole milk ricotta; 1 tablespoon good quality extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving); ½ teaspoon honey; 1½ tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, thyme, oregano, or chives), finely chopped; 1 small clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt

If you’re looking for an easy, elegant appetizer that always impresses, you can’t go wrong with this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy, light, and flavorful the whipped ricotta turns out, and pairing it with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes on toasted baguette slices is pure magic. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or want a quick snack that’s a little fancy, this recipe has got you covered—plus, it’s super simple to whip up!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: You’ll wow guests with a fancy-looking dish that’s quick and fuss-free to make.
Bright, Balanced Flavors: The creamy whipped ricotta paired with fresh, tangy cherry tomatoes creates irresistible flavor contrast.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out toppings to suit your mood, season, or pantry staples.
Great For Any Occasion: Whether it’s weeknight snacks, brunch, or cocktail parties, this recipe always fits perfectly.

The image shows a wooden board with eleven small slices of crusty bread arranged in rows. Each slice has three layers: a base layer of light golden-brown toasted bread, a thick middle layer of creamy white cheese spread, and a top layer of diced red and yellow cherry tomatoes. The wooden board rests on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth partially visible on the left side. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes, easy appetizer recipes, elegant party snacks, healthy appetizer ideas, quick vegan starters

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe are simple but carefully chosen—the fresh herbs and honey in the ricotta add that little special touch that keeps it from tasting ordinary. Look for good quality ricotta and fresh herbs for the best results.

Flat lay of a sliced French baguette arranged in a neat stack, a small white bowl of diced assorted-color cherry tomatoes, a small white bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with creamy whole milk ricotta, a small white bowl containing honey, a small white bowl with finely chopped mixed fresh herbs (basil, mint, thyme, oregano, chives), a single small clove of garlic whole and unpeeled, a small white bowl with coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed to the side, all items spaced symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes, easy appetizer recipes, elegant party snacks, healthy appetizer ideas, quick vegan starters

French Baguette: I prefer slicing it about half an inch thick—thin enough to crisp up but sturdy to hold all the toppings.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use a mix of colors if you like; it makes the crostini look so pretty and adds a variety of sweetness levels.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil both in the ricotta and tossed with the tomatoes really lifts the flavors.
Whole Milk Ricotta: This fresh cheese is key to getting that creamy, whipped texture; avoid dry or grainy ricotta varieties.
Honey: Just a touch adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the fresh cheese and tomatoes.
Garlic: Minced finely so it distributes evenly without overpowering.
Fresh Herbs: Basil, mint, chives, thyme, or oregano all work wonderfully—my favorite combo is basil and chives.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the whipped ricotta and the tomatoes to bring all the flavors together.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe my own by switching up the toppings based on seasons or what’s in my fridge. It’s so easy to personalize and still tastes incredible.

Use Different Toppings: Instead of cherry tomatoes, I’ve topped it with sliced roasted beets, figs, or even caramelized onions for a twist.
Dietary Adjustments: For a vegan version, try whipped tofu with a little lemon juice and nutritional yeast instead of ricotta.
Herb Swaps: Fresh mint or tarragon give it a fragrant lift that pairs beautifully with sweeter toppings like fruit or honey drizzle.
Add a Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts sprinkled on top add a nice texture contrast my family really loves.

How to Make Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices Until Perfectly Crisp

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the baguette into half-inch rounds and lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy—this is crucial because you want them sturdy enough to hold the ricotta and tomatoes without getting soggy. I usually peek around the 7-minute mark to make sure they’re not browning too quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Juicy Tomato Topping

While the bread is toasting, dice up your cherry tomatoes. Toss them gently with the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Letting them sit for even a few minutes helps them release some juices and really absorb the olive oil. This tomato mixture brings that fresh brightness and slight acidity needed to balance the richness of the ricotta.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Ricotta Spread

This part is my favorite. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, olive oil, honey, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, and salt. Using a hand mixer, whip on medium speed until the mixture is super smooth and creamy. It usually takes about a minute. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a food processor or even whisk vigorously by hand, but whipping gives you that wonderfully airy texture that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once everything is ready, spread a generous spoonful of your whipped ricotta on each toasted bread slice. Top with a spoonful of the tomato mixture. If you want, drizzle a little more olive oil on top or sprinkle some extra chopped herbs for a fresh look. Serve immediately to enjoy the beautiful contrast of crunchy bread, creamy spread, and juicy tomatoes.

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Pro Tips for Making Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ricotta: Cold ricotta is harder to whip smoothly, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before mixing for best texture.
Don’t Overload the Crostini: Too much topping can weigh down the bread and make it soggy; stick to generous but balanced portions.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Freshly chopped herbs add vibrant flavor and a pop of color—dry herbs just don’t cut it here.
Toast Bread Evenly: Keep an eye on your oven so the baguette slices toast evenly without burning, especially around edges.

How to Serve Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

The image shows a wooden board with ten pieces of toasted bread arranged nicely in rows. Each toast has three visible layers: the base is a golden brown crusty toast slice, the middle layer is a smooth, creamy white spread, and the top layer consists of small, uneven chunks of colorful tomatoes in red, yellow, and orange, giving the dish a fresh look. The board is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the bottom right toast gently. The scene is well-lit, showing the texture of the toast and cream clearly, creating a fresh and appetizing appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes, easy appetizer recipes, elegant party snacks, healthy appetizer ideas, quick vegan starters

Garnishes

I love finishing these crostini with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it enhances all the flavors. Sometimes I throw on a few torn basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for warmth. A little cracked black pepper right before serving also brightens things up.

Side Dishes

Pair these crostini with a crisp green salad or a bowl of creamy soup for a well-rounded light meal. They also work beautifully alongside grilled veggies or a charcuterie board with olives and nuts—great for entertaining with a variety of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving these bite-sized crostini on a wooden board with edible flowers scattered around to add a pop of color. Using colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes also makes the platter visually stunning. You could even try stacking the toppings into small glasses for an unexpected twist on this classic appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover whipped ricotta, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crostini themselves are best toasted and eaten fresh, but the ricotta spread keeps really well.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the assembled crostini because the bread will lose its crispness and the tomatoes will get mushy. However, you can freeze ricotta on its own if you want—it may change texture slightly but still works well for cooking or blending into recipes.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy leftover toasted bread, pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness before assembling. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread chewy instead of crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta for this recipe?

While you can use part-skim ricotta, I find that whole milk ricotta has a creamier texture when whipped, which really uplifts this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. Part-skim may be a bit drier and less silky.
How far in advance can I prepare this appetizer?

You can whip the ricotta and toss the tomatoes a few hours before serving and keep them refrigerated separately. Toast the bread just before assembling to keep it crisp.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Fresh herbs really enhance the flavor here, but if you’re in a pinch, a small pinch of dried herbs can work—just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them carefully to avoid overpowering the delicate ricotta.
Can I add other toppings besides tomatoes?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is how adaptable it is. Try grilled zucchini, roasted peppers, figs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

This Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe has become one of my go-tos whenever I want something simple but special. It’s a classic flavor combo with a creamy, fresh finish that makes every bite feel like a treat. I highly recommend giving this a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for sharing, easy to whip together, and endlessly adaptable. Trust me, your friends and family will go crazy for it just like mine do!