Name: Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 French or sourdough baguette, sliced 1/2 inch thick; 3 tbsp olive oil; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1.5 cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 3 tsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 3 tbsp roughly chopped toasted pistachios; 2 tbsp honey

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 25 reviews

If you are craving a snack or appetizer that feels both elegant and comforting, look no further than this Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe. It combines the creamy freshness of whipped ricotta, the nutty crunch of toasted pistachios, and the natural sweetness of honey on perfectly toasted bread. This delightful blend of textures and flavors comes together effortlessly, making it a favorite to share at gatherings or enjoy as a simple, satisfying treat any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a tray full of toasted bread slices arranged in neat rows on a brown baking tray. Each slice is golden brown with a slightly darker crust around the edges, showing a crunchy texture. The bread has many small holes, giving it an airy and light look. The toasted bread appears crisp and well-baked with uneven, natural variations in color, ranging from light golden to rich brown. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. From the crusty bread providing the base to the creamy ricotta and crunchy pistachios, every component is a star in its own way.

French or sourdough baguette: Choose a fresh baguette sliced 1/2 inch thick for the ideal crunchy crostini base.
Olive oil: Use good-quality olive oil to brush on the bread for crispiness and flavor.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every element without overpowering.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese whips up light and smooth, the star ingredient of the topping.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness to the ricotta and a subtle fruity note.
Fresh thyme: Finely chopped for a touch of herbal brightness that wakes up the ricotta.
Toasted pistachios: Roughly chopped to provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Honey: A drizzle of sweet, floral honey creates the perfect counterpoint to the savory and nutty elements.

How to Make Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crostini

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the 1/2 inch baguette slices evenly on a baking sheet to ensure they toast uniformly. Brushing each slice generously with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides sets the foundation for that crave-worthy crispness and flavor. Bake the slices for 10-12 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly, which helps maintain their crisp texture.

Step 2: Whip the Ricotta

While the crostini cool, it’s time to give your ricotta a light and creamy makeover. In a food processor, combine the whole milk ricotta, extra-virgin olive oil, finely chopped fresh thyme, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whip these ingredients together for about 1-2 minutes until airy and smooth. This step transforms the ricotta into a luscious spread that will elevate each bite of crostini. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning so every spoonful bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Crostini

Now comes the fun part! Gently spread a generous layer of the whipped ricotta onto each toasted bread slice. Sprinkle the roughly chopped toasted pistachios over the ricotta for that irresistible crunch, and finish by drizzling a generous amount of honey on top. Each crostini becomes a perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements, ready to delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe

A white rectangular plate with eight round slices of toasted bread, each topped with a thick layer of white cream and sprinkled with chopped green and brown pistachios. Above one slice, a woman's hand holds a honey dipper dripping golden honey onto the toast. A small jar of honey sits on the plate near the toasts. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture with a white cloth and small green herb sprigs nearby, and two clear glasses with light liquid are in the soft-focused background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair, consider sprinkling fresh thyme leaves on top. A light dusting of lemon zest can also brighten the flavors beautifully. If you love a bit of color and freshness, microgreens or edible flowers make a stunning garnish and add a delicate herbal touch.

Side Dishes

This Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, like a peppery arugula or a tangy beet salad. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and a glass of chilled white wine. The creamy crostini is a great balance to savory and salty sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these crostini on a rustic wooden board or a sleek marble platter for an eye-catching display. Layer them artfully with small bowls of extra honey, pistachios, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their bites. For a festive twist, arrange the crostini on a tiered serving tray to add height and elegance to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover ricotta crostini, store the toasted bread slices separately in an airtight container to keep them crisp. The whipped ricotta topping can be kept in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble just before serving to preserve the best texture.

Freezing

While the crostini are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sliced baguette before toasting. Simply wrap the slices in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw and toast directly in the oven. The ricotta topping is not recommended for freezing as it may lose its creamy texture.

Reheating

To revive stored crostini, pop the bread slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. Once reheated, add freshly whipped ricotta, pistachios, and honey for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! While pistachios add a unique nutty flavor and vibrant color, chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans also work wonderfully as a crunchy topping.

Is it possible to use a different cheese?

You could try mascarpone or cream cheese, but ricotta’s light texture and mild flavor make it ideal for balancing the honey and nuts in this recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe without a food processor?

Yes, you can whip the ricotta with a whisk or fork by vigorously stirring in the olive oil and thyme until smooth. It will require a bit more elbow grease but still delicious.

What kind of honey works best?

Choose a mild floral honey such as acacia or clover for a delicate sweetness that doesn’t overpower the savory notes. For a more robust flavor, try wildflower or orange blossom honey.

Can this dish be served warm?

The crostini taste best at room temperature to enjoy the full texture contrast between crunchy bread and cool ricotta. However, you can warm the crostini lightly before spreading the topping if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe is a delightful way to impress friends or treat yourself with minimal effort. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors is simply irresistible and perfect anytime you want an elegant snack or appetizer. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine.

Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need