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Whipped Ricotta Crostini Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

Whipped Ricotta Crostini is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring creamy, smooth ricotta whipped to perfection, spread on crispy toasted baguette slices, then drizzled with honey and topped with fresh thyme, crunchy pine nuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt. This elegant yet simple dish takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a light snack.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 26 slices baguette or ciabatta, cut 0.5cm / 1/4-inch thick, ideally on the diagonal
  • ½ to 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing the bread, as needed

Ricotta Topping

  • 1 cup (250 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons clear runny honey, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts (or 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pistachios)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the bread: Cut the baguette or ciabatta into 0.5cm (1/4 inch) thick slices, preferably on the diagonal to create more surface area for the toppings and a visually appealing shape.
  2. Preheat oven or grill pan: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Alternatively, if you prefer, preheat a grill pan on the stovetop as another option for toasting the bread.
  3. Toast the bread slices: Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil. Bake in the oven for about 4-5 minutes or grill on the pan until they are golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  4. Whip the ricotta: Place the whole-milk ricotta cheese into a food processor and whip it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. This whipped ricotta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if preparing ahead of time.
  5. Assemble the crostini: Spread a generous layer of the whipped ricotta on each toasted bread slice. Drizzle with runny honey to add sweetness, then sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, pine nuts, and a pinch of sea salt flakes for flavor and texture contrast.
  6. Serve immediately: Arrange the finished crostini on a serving platter and serve right away for the best texture and taste. Alternatively, present all components on a plate so guests can customize their crostini themselves.

Notes

  • You can substitute pine nuts with chopped walnuts or pistachios as per your preference.
  • Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest and richest flavor; part-skim ricotta will work but the texture won’t be as smooth.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, you can whip ricotta manually by beating vigorously with a whisk or electric mixer to achieve a lighter texture.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a zest of lemon or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to the whipped ricotta.
  • These crostini are best served fresh to keep the bread crunchy and the ricotta cool and creamy.
  • If making ahead, toast the bread right before serving to maintain crispness.