Crostini are Italian appetizers consisting of slices of grilled or toasted bread with toppings that can include cheeses, meats, veggies, or condiments. This crostini recipe is made in its simplest form. It is prepared by brushing decadent olive oil over top and by adding subtle garlic flavor prior to baking. Once cooled, the crostini rounds are topped with a sweet ricotta cheese spread, fresh herbs, a pinch of high-quality salt, and a little drizzle of fresh honey.
Here’s how to make the crostini:
Preheat oven to 425˚ F. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.Take one French baguette and cut it into 1/2” slices. Brush one side of the slices with Italian olive oil. Then rub the bread slices with one cut garlic clove to increase flavor. Place bread oil side up on foil. Bake in the oven for up to five minutes – just until golden, watching carefully not to burn. Remove from oven. Let bread cool. Top with sweet, whipped ricotta, (see recipe below) fresh herbs, and pink Himalayan salt.
Recipe for sweet, whipped ricotta:
Take one cup of whole milk ricotta cheese. Mix with 1 Tablespoon of honey, 1 Tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme, 1 clove garlic finely minced and ½ tsp. lemon zest. Place a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each crostini bread. Sprinkle with a pinch of pink Himalayan salt and some finely chopped fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, dill, or mint. Add a little extra drizzle of honey on top if desired. Serve immediately. Makes about 16 mini appetizers.
Make-ahead party tip: A few hours before your guests arrive – Bake and cool the bread and mix the cheese ahead of time. Place the bread in a sealed plastic bag to maintain freshness. Refrigerate ricotta cheese mixture. Simply assemble crostini before serving.