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crostiniEasyItalian

Crostini with Whipped Ricotta and Honey

Toasted bread topped with creamy ricotta, wildflower honey, and a crack of black pepper

⏱️ Prep: 10min🍳 Cook: 10min⏰ Total: 20min👥 Serves: 20🌡️ room_temp
✓ vegetarian
⚠️ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🥛 Dairy

Ingredients

  • 1 cupfresh ricotta(whole milk, drained)
  • 1baguette(sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsphoney(wildflower or chestnut)
  • flaky sea salt
  • black pepper(freshly cracked)
  • fresh thyme leaves(optional)

📝 Make Ahead

Crostini can be toasted a day ahead and stored airtight. Assemble just before serving.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. Arrange baguette slices on baking sheet and brush with olive oil
  3. Toast until golden, about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway
  4. In bowl, whip ricotta with fork or whisk until light and creamy
  5. Season ricotta with pinch of salt
  6. Spread generous spoonful of ricotta on each crostini
  7. Drizzle with honey
  8. Finish with flaky salt, cracked pepper, and thyme if using

💡 Pro Tips

Drain ricotta in cheesecloth-lined strainer for an hour for thicker texture. Whipping incorporates air for lighter spread. Quality honey matters - wildflower, chestnut, or truffle honey elevate this simple dish. The black pepper is essential - it adds complexity.

📜 History

Ricotta and honey is an ancient combination, appearing in Roman cooking texts. The pairing showcases Italian simplicity - quality ingredients need little embellishment. Fresh ricotta from a good Italian market or cheese shop makes all the difference in this minimalist preparation.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

proseccowinemoscato