Description
A simple and elegant appetizer featuring crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy, lemon-zested ricotta cheese. These Ricotta Crostini make a perfect starter or snack, enhanced with garlic, fresh herbs, and an optional drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 French baguette
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra, for brushing)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 garlic clove (halved)
Ricotta Topping
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons whole milk (or cream)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or thyme)
- Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Slice bread: Slice the French baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces to create the crostini base. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting.
- Bake crostini: Arrange the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of each slice with extra-virgin olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes on each side until the slices are golden and crisp.
- Rub garlic: Once the crostini are toasted and still warm, immediately rub the cut side of the halved garlic clove on each slice. This step infuses the crostini with a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Whisk ricotta: In a bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta with the lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of whole milk or cream. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and easy to spread.
- Assemble: Spread the prepared whipped ricotta generously onto each toasted crostini or use it as a creamy dip. Optionally, top with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or thyme, and drizzle with honey for a hint of sweetness before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the ricotta to come to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the garlic rubbing amount according to your preference for mildness.
- These crostini are best served fresh but can be toasted ahead and finished just before serving.
- Substitute whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta for a lighter option, though the texture may be less creamy.
- Optional herbs and honey add layers of flavor—experiment with what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Ricotta Crostini, Crostini Recipe, Italian Appetizer, Baked Crostini, Ricotta Toast, Easy Appetizer, Party Snack
