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The easiest party appetizer ever
Forget about overcomplicating party appetizers from here on out. Did you know that you can make something easy, creamy, savory, and dreamy using just a handful of fresh ingredients? Yes, it’s possible, thanks to this Whipped Ricotta Crostini recipe!
Every bite of this easy appetizer will have your guests clamoring for more. Thankfully, making whipped ricotta and homemade crostini is really easy, quick, and can even be done ahead of time. Play around with the sweet and savory flavors by loading on as many toppings as you like!
This creamy, light, and garlicky snack is fit for any kind of party, from fancy dinner parties to casual get-togethers. If this is the kind of snack you’re after, then you’ve gotta try my Easy Smoked Salmon Dip and Tangy Deviled Eggs as well!
What is whipped ricotta?
Ricotta cheese on its own is already creamy, fluffy, and spreadable. It becomes even lighter and creamier when it’s whipped for a few minutes in a food processor! Add a few flavor enhancers to the mix to transform the everyday Italian cheese into a dip or spread that’s loaded with bright flavors.
What is crostini?
Small appetizer toasts, AKA crostini, are made from toasted slices of white, French, or sourdough baguettes. They’re easy to make at home and can hold a long list of toppings, like tomato and basil, radishes, or smoked salmon.
Creamy ricotta crostini ingredients
All you need are a handful of simple and fresh ingredients to make this ricotta and honey crostini:
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta (meaning “recooked” in Italian) is a fresh whey cheese made from sheep, goat, cow, or water buffalo milk (cow’s milk ricotta being the most common these days). According to Bon Appetit, ricotta cheese is traditionally made from the whey leftover in the production of other cheeses. It's then reheated with a little bit of whole milk and an acid (like lemon juice).
I recommend using whole milk ricotta without any stabilizers or gums listed in the ingredients for this whipped ricotta recipe. Instead, look for cheese made from only milk or whey, salt, and vinegar. The fresher, the better!
Garlic
It might seem weird to combine a fresh, moist cheese with savory garlic, but I promise the combination is so good! All you need is a small garlic clove to whip in with the cheese. Anything bigger and the flavors will be overpowering.
Flavor enhancers
Fresh thyme, extra virgin olive oil, and salt are whipped in with the ricotta to enhance the flavors. These extras really take this cheese from being light and sweet to a dreamy savory spread. Finish the ricotta crostini with a drizzle of honey for a delightful mix of sweet and savory.
Crostini
Slice up a fresh sourdough or french baguette, drizzle olive oil on both sides of each slice, then toast until golden brown. This crunchy and delicious snack holder can be made at home in no time and last for up to a week.
Is crostini not really your thing? Instead, use a hearty cracker that can hold the weight of a few spreads and toppings, toasted slices of crusty bread, or just place the whipped ricotta in a bowl to enjoy as a dip with fresh fruit and vegetables.
How to make whipped ricotta crostinis
Once you learn how easy whipped ricotta appetizers are to make, you’ll realize that they absolutely must become a staple in your party snack rotation:
Step 1: Pop all the ingredients for the whipped ricotta into a food processor.
Step 2: Process the ingredients until super smooth!
Step 3: Spread on some crostini.
Step 4: Drizzle with honey and top with tyme leaves.
How do you whip ricotta without a food processor?
If you don’t own a food processor, you can whip the ricotta cheese using a handheld or standing mixer instead. A whisk also works but it takes a little more effort.
Can you add more to a whipped ricotta appetizer?
The whipped ricotta on a crostini is meant to be loaded with lots of fresh toppings. Try any of these tasty suggestions for your next party:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic
- Mushrooms and herbs
- Arugula and shaved parmesan
- Edible flowers
- Roasted squash or beets
- Fig jam
- Sliced pears
- Crispy prosciutto
- Homemade pesto
- Cranberry sauce
- Lemon or orange zest
- Sliced radishes
Make-ahead tips
Make the crostini’s up to 1 week ahead of time. Just keep them in a sealed container and store them in a cool dark place at room temperature.
You can also make the whipped ricotta up to 3 days in advance. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
🎉 It's time to cook! 🎉
Alright, friend! It's your turn to make this delish recipe for your next get-together.
When you do, please leave a comment below so we can hear what you think!
Recipe
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Equipment
Ingredients
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 small clove garlic grated or crushed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oiil
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Freshly Cracked Pepper to taste
Assembly
- thyme leaves
- 32 pieces crostini
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Combine all whipped ricotta ingredients into a food processor. Process on high until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before assembling.
- To assemble, evenly divide the whipped ricotta onto each crostini, about ½ tablespoon each. Top with thyme leaves, drizzle with honey, and serve!
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