Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Glaze and Toasted Pine Nuts

Light and airy whipped ricotta spread on toasted baguette slices, drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts. A perfect appetizer to balance a rich pasta bake.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Calories

365 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£1.48/serving

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Breakfast•Dinner•Appetiser

Cuisine:

Italian

Main Ingredient:

Pasta

Mood:

Comfort Food•Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

1cupRicotta Cheese(Whole milk ricotta is preferred for a creamier texture.)

£2.00

2tablespoonsHeavy Cream(Optional, for extra creaminess.)

£0.30

0.5teaspoonLemon Zest(From about half a lemon.)

£0.10

0.3teaspoonSalt(Adjust to taste.)

0.1teaspoonBlack Pepper(Freshly ground.)

1smallBaguette(Sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.)

£1.00

2tablespoonsOlive Oil(For brushing the baguette slices.)

£0.25

0.3cupPine Nuts(Raw pine nuts.)

£1.75

2tablespoonsBalsamic Glaze(Store-bought or homemade.)

£0.50

Total Cost

£5.90

£1.48 per serving

Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream (if using), lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash the mixture until smooth and creamy. For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor.
3.
Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4.
Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
5.
While the baguette slices are toasting, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully as they burn easily.
6.
Once the baguette slices are toasted, let them cool slightly.
7.
Spread a generous amount of whipped ricotta on each toasted baguette slice.
8.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (120g)

365 kcal / 1527 kJ

Carbs

24g

9% of RDA

Fat

24g

34% of RDA

Protein

13g

26% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

1 g

3% of RDA

Sugar

5 g

6% of RDA

Sodium

280 mg

12% of RDA

Saturated Fat

9 g

45% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For the best flavor, let the whipped ricotta sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens.

You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

For a different flavor profile, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme.

This recipe can be prepped ahead of time. Whip the ricotta and toast the baguette slices ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Cooking Equipment

Oven

Small Bowl

Baking Sheet

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Main Course

Alfredo Marinara Pasta Bake

A comforting and flavorful pasta bake combining the richness of Alfredo sauce with the tanginess of marinara, all baked to bubbly perfection.

55 minutes

6 servings

Easy

"Pairs perfectly with this starter"

Dessert

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis

A light and refreshing Italian dessert that provides a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes like pasta bakes. The lemon basil infusion offers a bright, herbaceous flavor, while the strawberry coulis adds a touch of sweetness.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"This panna cotta is light and refreshing, providing a counterpoint to the richness of the pasta bake. The lemon basil infusion offers a bright, herbaceous flavor that cleanses the palate, while the strawberry coulis adds a touch of sweetness and complements the Italian flavors of the meal."

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Chef's Tips

For the best flavor, let the whipped ricotta sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens.

You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

For a different flavor profile, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme.

This recipe can be prepped ahead of time. Whip the ricotta and toast the baguette slices ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Glaze and Toasted Pine Nuts

Ingredients

Instructions