Description
This Whipped Ricotta Crostini recipe features creamy, airy ricotta whipped with fresh herbs and honey, served atop perfectly toasted baguette slices and topped with a vibrant cherry tomato mixture. It’s a delightful and elegant appetizer that combines smooth, fresh flavors with a satisfying crunch, perfect for entertaining or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 French baguette, cut into ½-inch slices
Tomato Topping
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (assorted colours), diced
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Whipped Ricotta
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sliced baguette in a single layer on a large half sheet baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and toasted to a perfect crunch.
- Prepare Tomato Topping: In a small bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to mix and set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
- Whip Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, add the ricotta, olive oil, honey, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat until the ricotta is smooth, creamy, and light in texture, which should take about one minute. Alternatively, you can blend the mixture in a food processor until creamy.
- Assemble Crostini: Spoon a generous amount of the whipped ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice. Then, top each with a spoonful of the prepared tomato mixture, ensuring every bite has a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can customize these crostini by swapping the tomato topping with other options like fresh fruit, grilled vegetables, pitted olives, or additional chopped herbs.
- A drizzle of honey on top can add a sweet balance to the savory and tangy elements.
- Make sure to toast the bread evenly for the perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on what you prefer or have on hand; basil and oregano work especially well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
