Description
A delightful appetizer combining creamy whipped ricotta, sweet roasted strawberries, spicy hot honey, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme on crispy crostini. Perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Roasted Strawberries:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- For the Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss strawberries with honey, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until softened and juicy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make hot honey: In a small saucepan, warm honey with red pepper flakes over low heat for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in apple cider vinegar, and let steep. Strain if desired.
- Make whipped ricotta: In a food processor, combine ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare crostini: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil. Toast at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- Assemble: Spread a generous amount of whipped ricotta on each crostini. Top with roasted strawberries, drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle with chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Hot honey can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For a milder version, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. Walnuts can be toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g