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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Honey & Garlic

    Oct 7, 2021(updated Jun 4, 2022)

    By Michelle Weiner

    This ​​Whipped Ricotta Crostini is the dreamiest and creamiest party appetizer ever! Full of garlicky flavors and topped with a drizzle of honey, this light and creamy snack is a playful toss-up between savory and sweet.
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    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour
    Jump to Recipe Leave a Comment
    Six pieces of crostini on a white plate topped with ricotta, honey and thyme leaves with a honey dipper on the plate.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    slate platter with a white bowl of honey and a honey wand on top of it and many crostini topped with whipped ricotta, honey and thyme.
    Photos by Michelle Boulé
    Jump to:
    • What is whipped ricotta?
    • What is crostini?
    • Creamy ricotta crostini ingredients
    • How to make whipped ricotta crostinis
    • Can you add more to a whipped ricotta appetizer?
    • Make-ahead tips
    • Recipe

    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!

    plate of brown crostini spread with whipped ricotta, honey, and thyme leaves

    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!

    Bowl of crostini, a small bowl of honey with a honey wand, small bowls of pepper, salt and olive oil, a bowl of ricotta, a clove of garlic and thyme springs on a white background.

    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.

    a light peach plate with four pieces of crostini topped with whipped ricotta, honey and thyme leaves.

    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:

    food processor with ricotta, olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper in it.

    Step 1: Pop all the ingredients for the whipped ricotta into a food processor.

    Food processor with whipped ricotta in it.

    Step 2: Process the ingredients until super smooth!

    Eight pieces of crostini on a grey plate in process of being topped with whipped ricotta.

    Step 3: Spread on some crostini.

    Grey plate with nine pieces of crostini topped with whipped ricotta, honey, and thyme leaves with a bowl of honey next to it.

    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
    a light peach plate with four pieces of crostini topped with whipped ricotta, honey and thyme leaves with a vase next to it.

    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 and star rating below so we can hear what you think! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Recipe

    Six pieces of crostini on a white plate topped with ricotta, honey and thyme leaves with a honey dipper on the plate.

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini

    This ​​Whipped Ricotta Crostini is the dreamiest and creamiest party appetizer ever! Full of garlicky flavors and topped with a drizzle of honey, this light and creamy snack is a playful toss-up between savory and sweet.
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    Author: Michelle Weiner
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cocktail party, easy recipe, party food
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Chill Time: 1 hour
    Makes: 8 servings

    Equipment

    food processor
    rasp grater
    bowls

    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!
    Did you make this recipe?Share a pic and tag @cupofzest and use #cupofzest so I can see it!
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    Hi, I'm Michelle and welcome to the party!

    After of working in the culinary world for over 10 years, I'm sharing the skills I've learned with you here at Cup of Zest. I'm here to help you invite your friends over more and stress less when cooking for them. Glad you're part of the crew!

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