Description
Whipped Ricotta Crostini is a delightful and creamy appetizer featuring smooth whipped ricotta cheese blended with lemon zest, hot honey, and garlic, served atop toasted baguette slices and topped with fresh figs and herbs. This easy-to-make recipe combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a perfect party snack or elegant starter.
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta
- 16 oz ricotta cheese (1 ½ cup)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp hot honey (plus more for serving)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Baguette and Toppings
- 1 baguette
- Avocado oil spray or 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 whole clove garlic, peeled (optional, for brushing)
- 6-8 fresh black figs, cut into quarters or into 8 pieces (tops removed, no need to peel)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (or fresh thyme, oregano, chives, or rosemary)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it or leaving it clean for toasting the baguette slices.
- Make Whipped Ricotta: Combine ricotta cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot honey, minced garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a food processor. Pulse and blend for a few minutes until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
- Chill Whipped Ricotta: Transfer the whipped ricotta into a jar or container and refrigerate while you prepare the baguette slices.
- Prepare and Toast Baguette: Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with avocado oil (or your choice of cooking oil) to lightly coat each slice. Toast in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the slices are golden and crisp.
- Garlic Brush (Optional): Immediately after removing from the oven, rub the toasted baguette slices with the peeled whole garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
- Assemble Crostini: Spread a generous amount of the chilled whipped ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Add Toppings: Top each crostini with 2-3 pieces of diced fresh black figs, sprinkle with fresh parsley (or your chosen herb), and drizzle additional hot honey over the top. Season with freshly ground black pepper and flaky sea salt as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy these creamy, sweet, and savory crostini as an elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, substitute ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative or cashew cheese.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your preferred level of sweetness and heat.
- Fresh figs can be replaced with other seasonal fruits like pears or peaches for a different twist.
- Using a garlic clove to brush the toasts after baking adds subtle aroma without overpowering the ricotta topping.
- Store any leftover whipped ricotta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
