Whipped Ricotta Crostini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whipped Ricotta Crostini is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy, offering a delightful bite that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich and airy texture of the whipped ricotta pairs beautifully with the crispness of the crostini, while the simple toppings, such as honey, fresh herbs, or roasted vegetables, add layers of flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party, a gathering, or even as an appetizer for a cozy evening at home.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French baguette or ciabatta bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for creaminess)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 2 tbsp honey (optional for drizzling)
• Fresh fruit (such as figs or berries), or roasted vegetables (such as tomatoes or peppers), for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Whip the Ricotta: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, and lemon zest (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend or whisk until the ricotta becomes light and creamy, with a smooth texture.
3. Assemble the Crostini: Once the crostini are toasted and cooled slightly, spread a generous amount of the whipped ricotta onto each slice.
4. Add Toppings: Top with fresh fruit like figs or berries, or roasted vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms for a savory option.
5. Garnish: Drizzle the crostini with a bit of honey (for a sweet contrast) and sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
6. Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 crostini, depending on how thick you slice the bread.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for crostini)
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

1. Sweet Crostini: Top the whipped ricotta with fresh berries, figs, or a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet version.
2. Savory Crostini: Add roasted vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, or caramelized onions on top of the ricotta for a savory bite.
3. Spicy Crostini: For a little heat, add a few red pepper flakes or top with sliced jalapeños.
4. Nutty Crostini: Sprinkle toasted nuts such as pine nuts or walnuts over the ricotta for added crunch and flavor.
5. Vegan Option: Use a plant-based ricotta alternative to make this recipe vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Whipped ricotta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, crostini are best enjoyed fresh, as they may lose their crispness if stored. If you have leftover crostini, store them separately in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain some crunch before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ricotta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought ricotta, but fresh ricotta gives the best creamy and smooth texture.

Can I make the whipped ricotta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the crostini.

Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely! You can use any bread you prefer, such as sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta.

How can I make the ricotta lighter and fluffier?

If you want an even lighter texture, you can blend the ricotta in a food processor for a few extra seconds, or whip it by hand for an airier result.

What toppings work best on whipped ricotta crostini?

Sweet options like figs, berries, and honey pair well, while savory toppings like roasted vegetables, tomatoes, or fresh herbs balance the creamy ricotta nicely.

Can I freeze the whipped ricotta?

While the whipped ricotta can technically be frozen, its texture may change once thawed. It’s best to consume it fresh.

How do I prevent the crostini from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, assemble the crostini just before serving, or serve the whipped ricotta on the side for dipping.

Can I make the crostini gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make the crostini gluten-free.

Can I add garlic to the whipped ricotta?

Yes, for an extra burst of flavor, you can add roasted garlic or a bit of garlic powder to the ricotta before whipping.

How long can I store the crostini?

The crostini are best consumed within a day, as they tend to lose their crispness over time.

Conclusion

Whipped Ricotta Crostini is a simple yet elegant dish that elevates any gathering with its creamy, savory, and crunchy elements. Whether you top it with fresh fruit for a sweet bite or roasted veggies for a savory one, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. It’s perfect for dinner parties, casual snacks, or as an appetizer before your main meal, and it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

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Whipped Ricotta Crostini combines the creamy richness of whipped ricotta with the crunch of toasted bread and flavorful toppings like fresh fruit, honey, or roasted vegetables. It’s a sophisticated yet simple appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 crostini
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1 loaf of French baguette or ciabatta bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
   
   1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for creaminess)
   
   2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
   
   1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional for garnish)
   
   2 tbsp honey (optional for drizzling)
   
   Fresh fruit (such as figs or berries), or roasted vegetables (such as tomatoes or peppers), for topping

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

1. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, and lemon zest (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend or whisk until the ricotta becomes light and creamy, with a smooth texture.
2. Once the crostini are toasted and cooled slightly, spread a generous amount of the whipped ricotta onto each slice.
3. Top with fresh fruit like figs or berries, or roasted vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms for a savory option.
4. Drizzle with honey (for a sweet contrast) and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
5. Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack, and enjoy!

Notes

1. You can add roasted red peppers or olives for extra flavor.
2. For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top.
3. If you prefer a sweeter bite, try topping with fresh berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Use a plant-based ricotta for a vegan option.
5. Store crostini separately and reheat to maintain crispness if not serving immediately.
6. For a more garlicky flavor, add roasted garlic to the ricotta before whipping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 crostini
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg