There's nothing quite like crostini that's topped with your favorite ingredients, and this whipped ricotta crostini is absolutely heavenly. Fresh, sweet figs, crunchy walnuts, salty Parma ham, and a drizzle of honey round out the ingredients, which is an incredible combination!
It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but takes just a few minutes to throw together. It's gorgeous on a charcuterie board and it will surely become your go-to!
Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and subtly salty. Quick and simple but impressive, and so damn tasty. Whipping the ricotta might sound a bit fussy, but it’s just a quick blend and it gives the ricotta a wonderfully creamy, fluffy texture.
Once you learn how to whip ricotta (or cottage cheese, or feta, or brie), you'll be doing it all the time. Our guides to the best whipped cheeses is the perfect place to start!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is the main character in this easy recipe. It's mild and creamy, especially when whipped to a fluffy, smooth texture. If you can’t find fresh ricotta, cottage cheese blended until smooth can step in as a substitute, though the flavor and texture won't be quite the same. You can also try this delicious whipped ricotta with honey and herbs for something a little different.
Figs: Fresh figs are where the sweetness comes from, especially in late summer and early fall when they’re at their prime. If fresh figs are out of season, dried figs soaked briefly in warm water or a little honey will work in a pinch (just chop them up nice and small). Personally, we try to wait until figs are in season because it really makes all the difference.
Toasted Walnuts: Walnuts bring a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with creamy ricotta and soft figs. Pecans or toasted almonds would be good alternatives.
Parma Ham: This salty, thinly sliced Italian ham adds a wonderful saltiness and flavor. The best substitute would be prosciutto, and I often use it if I can't find the parma ham. Here's another fantastic recipe that uses crostini with prosciutto.
Crostini: A good crusty baguette, sliced thinly and toasted is the perfect base for these whipped ricotta crostini. You could also use a rustic bread, but make sure it's not too thick so the flavors and textures stay balanced.
Greens: These are optional but do add them if you have some on hand. I usually use whatever I've got, but arugula tends to be my go-to. Just a few leaves on each crostini will do the trick.
Honey: You just need a tiny amount for each crostini, to be drizzled on just before serving.
Tips
Whip the ricotta until it's super smooth: Use an immersion blender or food processor until it's very smooth and creamy. This step turns it from chunky to almost velvety and helps it spread easily, too.
Toast the crostini just right: Don’t under-toast the bread—aim for golden and crispy so it can hold all the toppings without getting soggy. You want it to be golden brown, and it will crisp more as it cools.
Choose ripe but still-firm figs: Look for figs that give just a little when pressed but still hold their shape for the best texture and flavor.
Lightly toast the walnuts: If you take the time to toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes, it'll bring out their oils and intensify their flavor. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—it only takes a few minutes.
Layer intentionally: When assembling, spread the whipped ricotta first, then layer sliced figs, walnuts, and finally the Parma ham. This helps keep the ingredients in place so they're not sliding around or falling off the bread.
Recipe Variations
Swap the Figs: Try sliced pears or peaches for a different fruity sweetness that stands up well to the creamy ricotta and salty ham. Apricot jam would also work, similar to how we used it with this apricot and brie appetizer.
Skip the Nuts: Leave out the walnuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy fried shallots for crunch.
Add Balsamic Glaze: A final touch of balsamic glaze is delicious - just be sure to use a light hand so you don't overpower the other flavors.
Go Vegetarian: Use thinly sliced grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant instead of Parma ham.
Go Vegan: Try a whipped almond ricotta or cashew cream, and swap Parma ham for one of the veggies above.
Serve it with a dipping oil with garlic and herbs: Guests can try out a new flavor with a little drizzle!
What To Serve With Whipped Ricotta Crostini
On or alongside a charcuterie board: Obviously, that's our choice for serving! One of the easiest ways to fill up a larger board is by assembling a "bite" of your choice and including on your board. It will ultimately be a bit cheaper, too, since you won't need as many other meats, cheeses, and accoutrements.
With a Simple Green Salad: I love salads for dinner, but sometimes they're either not enough or just need that something extra. Same goes for a dinner party: a salad is an easy way to entertain, so serving something a little upscale alongside still makes the evening special. This is definitely a choice when the evening is on the casual side.
Olive Tapenade: Salty olives contrast perfectly with the sweet figs. If you're putting together just a few appetizers for friends (looking at you, book club) then this is a great choice. You can find it at your local grocer or try this green olive tapenade recipe.
Wine Pairings
Prosecco: Prosecco is light and bubbly which complements the creamy ricotta and sweet figs without overpowering them.
Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a nice contrast to the smooth ricotta and savory Parma ham.
Chardonnay: Chardonnay adds a touch of buttery richness that pairs well with the creaminess of the ricotta.
Rosé: A dry rosé’s subtle berry flavors make it a wonderful pairing for the mix of sweet, salty, and creamy on these whipped ricotta crostini.
FAQs
Can the whipped ricotta be made in advance?
Yes, you can whip the ricotta a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, but bring it back to room temperature before assembling for the best texture.
Can I use different types of bread for crostini?
Absolutely. A baguette works best, but any rustic bread like this one that's not too thick should work just fine.
How do I store leftover crostini?
Store the crostini separately—keep ricotta and toppings refrigerated, and briefly re-toast before serving again.
Can I freeze the whipped ricotta?
Freezing ricotta is not recommended as it changes the texture.
Are there gluten-free versions of crostini?
Yes, simply swap it for a gluten-free baguette - it will work just fine!
These whipped ricotta crostini are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer where a little effort goes a long way!
📖 Recipe
Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Figs and Parma Ham
These whipped ricotta crostini might be simple to make but the flavors are wonderfully complex.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced ½-inch thick
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 6-8 fresh figs, sliced (ripe but firm)
- 12 slices parma ham or prosciutto
- 1 cup loosely packed greens, such as arugula (optional)
- honey, for drizzling
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each side lightly with olive oil.
- Toast the baguette slices in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through until both sides are golden brown and crispy (they'll crisp more as they cool).
- Place the ricotta in a mixing bowl and, using an immersion blender, blend it until the texture becomes creamy and smooth, about 2-4 minutes (you can also use a food processor). Season it wll with salt.
- Spread the whipped ricotta evenly among the crostini. Add the greens (if using), sliced figs, walnuts, and the Parma ham. Drizzle with a tiny bit of honey, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 428Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 1884mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 5gSugar: 18gProtein: 47g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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