Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

A light and creamy appetizer featuring whipped ricotta cheese spread on toasted baguette slices, drizzled with sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect as a refreshing starter before a heavier meal.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Calories

350

Level

Easy

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£1.39

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Breakfast•Dessert•Appetiser

Cuisine:

Italian

Mood:

Comfort Food•Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

1cupFresh Ricotta Cheese(Whole milk ricotta preferred, drained well)

£2.50

2tablespoonsHeavy Cream(Optional, for extra creaminess)

£0.30

0.5teaspoonLemon Zest(From about half a lemon)

£0.10

0.3teaspoonSalt(Or to taste)

0.3teaspoonBlack Pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)

£0.05

1loafBaguette(Sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds)

£1.20

2tablespoonsOlive Oil(For brushing the baguette slices)

£0.25

As neededdrizzleBalsamic Glaze(Store-bought or homemade)

£0.40

As neededfor garnishFresh Basil Leaves(Chopped, optional)

£0.75

Total Cost

£5.55

£1.39 per serving

The Method

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Brush baguette slices with olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
4
While the baguette slices are toasting, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream (if using), lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
5
Whisk vigorously until light and fluffy. You can also use a food processor for a smoother texture.
6
Spread the whipped ricotta evenly on each toasted baguette slice.
7
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using).
8
Serve immediately or at room temperature.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (120g)

350 kcal / 1464 kJ

Carbs

30g

12% of RDA

Fat

20g

29% of RDA

Protein

14g

28% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

2 g

7% of RDA

Sugar

5 g

6% of RDA

Sodium

350 mg

15% of RDA

Saturated Fat

11 g

55% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a smoother ricotta, press it through a fine-mesh sieve before whipping.

If you don't have heavy cream, you can add a tablespoon of milk or a little olive oil for extra creaminess.

The crostini can be made ahead of time. Store the toasted baguette slices and whipped ricotta separately, and assemble just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Substitute other toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, for variations.

Cooking Equipment

Oven

Baking Sheet

Mixing Bowl

Whisk

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Main Course

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

A rich and hearty Italian classic, perfect for a comforting family meal.

2 hours 50 minutes

6 servings

Medium

"Pairs perfectly with this starter"

Dessert

Limoncello Semifreddo with Almond Biscotti Crumble

A light and refreshing Italian dessert perfect after a hearty meal. The citrusy limoncello semifreddo is paired with a crunchy almond biscotti crumble for added texture and flavor.

30 minutes + 4 hours freezing