Whipped ricotta crostini is the easiest appetizer to whip up in just minutes. It is a fancy addition to your dinner menu but will likely be the easiest item. Top toasted slices of French baguettes with creamy herbed whipped ricotta and tomatoes. You can even prepare the whipped ricotta and toppings in advance and assemble the crostini just before serving. It's a total crowd pleaser so you may want to make extras.
What is Crostini?
Crostini literally translates to "little toasts" in Italian. They are small, thin slices of toasted bread (like French baguettes), brushed with olive oil. They are topped with savoury toppings like cheese and vegetables. Bruschetta on the other hand, is made with thicker wide slices of Italian bread or sourdough.
If you like this whipped ricotta crostini, then you will love tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze, pea and ricotta crostini with mint, fig crostini with goat cheese, or curried white bean crostini.
Ingredients in Whipped Ricotta Crostini
To make this easy whipped ricotta crostini, you need the following ingredients:
- french baguette - or other long crust bread, cut into ½-inch slices.
- whipped ricotta - made with ricotta, olive oil, honey, fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, thyme, oregano, or chives), garlic, salt and pepper.
- cherry tomatoes - or grape tomatoes, in assorted colours
- olive oil - use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- salt and pepper
You will also need a measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and large half sheet baking pan.
How to Make the Best Whipped Ricotta Crostini
- Toast the bread. Preheat oven to 350 F. Arrange sliced bread in a single layer on a large half sheet baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until toasted.
- Combine toppings. In a small bowl, toss to combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Make whipped ricotta. In a medium bowl, add ricotta, olive oil, honey, fresh herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about a minute. You can also blend everything together in a food processor.
- Assemble crostini. Add a large spoonful of whipped ricotta onto each toasted sliced bread. Top with a spoonful of the tomato mixture.
Tips
- How to customize: You can top this whipped ricotta crostini with whatever toppings that you like. Instead of tomatoes, you can add fruit, grilled vegetables, pitted olives, more fresh herbs, or a drizzle of honey.
- Make ahead instructions: Make the whipped ricotta and tomato topping 1-2 days in advance and store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, set the ricotta and toppings on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes to let them come to room temperature. Meanwhile, quickly slice up the French baguette, toast and then assemble the crostini.
More Easy Appetizers
- How to Make a Charcuterie Board
- Whipped Ricotta Dip
- Creamy Hummus
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus and Cantaloupe Bundles
- Easy Tzatziki Sauce (Yogurt Cucumber Dip)
- Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Zucchini Boats with Marinara and Cheese
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Recipe
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whipped ricotta crostini is a fancy easy appetizer to make in just minutes or prepare in advance and assemble before serving. A total crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 french baguette, cut into ½-inch slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (assorted colours), diced
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the whipped ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 tablespoon good quality extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 + ½ tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, thyme, oregano, or chives), finely chopped
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Arrange sliced bread in a single layer on a large half sheet baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until toasted.
- In a small bowl, toss to combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add ricotta, olive oil, honey, fresh herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about a minute. You can also blend everything together in a food processor.
- Add a large spoonful of whipped ricotta onto each toasted sliced bread. Top with a spoonful of the tomato mixture.
Notes
How to customize: You can top this whipped ricotta crostini with whatever toppings that you like. Instead of tomatoes, you can add fruit, grilled vegetables, pitted olives, more fresh herbs, or a drizzle of honey.
Make ahead instructions: Make the whipped ricotta and tomato topping 1-2 days in advance and store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, set the ricotta and toppings on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes to let them come to room temperature. Meanwhile, quickly slice up the French baguette, toast and then assemble the crostini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian
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wilhelmina says
Holy moly, this whipped ricotta is so delicious! I can only think of a about a zillion other things I can't wait to use it for!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
I know right? It's amazing even as just a dip on it's own.
Claudia Lamascolo says
This is a fantastic appetizer we made for the holiday and that creamy cheese is just perfect on garlic bread awesome recipe!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you Claudia!