Name: Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Baguette, sliced; Olive oil for brushing; 1 Clove garlic, smashed and peeled; Fresh mint, torn; Flaky salt (such as Maldon); 1 Cup ricotta cheese; 1 Tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; 1 Teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 Teaspoon kosher salt; Pinch of pepper; 1 Pound sugar snap peas; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 40 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten up your snack game with something fresh, vibrant, and downright delightful, let me introduce you to the Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe. This small but mighty appetizer brings together the creamy dream of ricotta, the crisp snap of fresh peas, and the fragrant zing of lemon and herbs, all piled atop golden, garlicky crostini. It’s a dish that’s as simple as it is stunning, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on any day that deserves a little celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a long golden brown baguette with a slightly cracked crust placed diagonally on a white marbled surface. To its left, there is a whole lemon and two lemon wedges in bright yellow. Above the lemon, a yellow netted bag holds fresh green sugar snap peas, with some peas spilling out. At the bottom right, a small white bowl holds coarse sea salt flakes. Near the bottom center, thin green chives are placed in a neat bunch extending toward the top of the baguette. Next to the chives, a small white bowl filled with creamy white ricotta cheese sits close to the baguette. Fresh green mint leaves are arranged at the top right, adding color and freshness to the display. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, combining simple flavors and textures that make this dish shine. From the crunchy baguette to the fresh mint and sugar snap peas, each component is essential in creating that irresistible balance.

Baguette (sliced): Provides a crisp and sturdy base, perfect for holding the creamy and crunchy toppings.

Olive oil (for brushing): Adds a rich, fruity layer that helps the bread toast to a golden perfection.
Clove garlic (smashed and peeled): Infuses each crostini with a subtle, aromatic punch of flavor.
Fresh mint (torn): Offers a refreshing note that lifts the entire dish with its sweet herbaceousness.

Flaky salt (such as Maldon): Sprinkled on top for a delicate crunch and bursts of salty goodness.
Ricotta (1 cup): Creamy, mild, and luscious, it’s the perfect spread that balances the sharper flavors.
Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a gentle oniony brightness without overpowering the ricotta.

Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Brings a zesty lift that complements both the ricotta and peas beautifully.
Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors in the ricotta mixture just right.
Pepper (pinch): Adds a subtle hint of spice to elevate the creamy spread.

Sugar snap peas (1 pound): The star of the dish, delivering a vibrant green color and a crisp, sweet bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for peas): Lightly dresses the peas to keep them glossy and flavorful.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the peas with a fresh citrus zing.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Season the peas just perfectly to balance their natural sweetness.

How to Make Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe

The image shows a bunch of fresh green sugar snap peas in a yellow net bag resting on a white marbled surface. The sugar snap peas have a smooth texture and a bright green color, tightly packed inside the net with some peas spilling slightly out. The yellow net creates a crisscross pattern over the peas, adding a layer of visual texture. The photo is bright and clear, highlighting the freshness and color of the peas. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Toast the Baguette

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Slice your baguette evenly and give each slice a generous brush of olive oil. Pop them onto a baking sheet and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until they turn that perfect golden hue with a satisfying crunch. Once slightly cooled, rub each slice with a smashed garlic clove for a subtle hint of savory garlic – this little step adds so much character to the base.

Step 2: Whip Up the Ricotta Mixture

While the bread bakes, grab a bowl and mix together the ricotta, lemon zest, chopped chives, a pinch of kosher salt, and a crack of fresh pepper. Give it a taste and adjust as needed — this creamy, zesty spread is where the magic starts to build. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the peas.

Step 3: Blanch and Prep the Sugar Snap Peas

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Toss in the sugar snap peas and boil for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and begin to soften just a bit. Quickly scoop them into the ice bath to stop the cooking, preserving their snap and color. Drain and lay them on paper towels. Reserve about 10 to 15 whole peas to split lengthwise for garnish, then roughly chop the rest.

Step 4: Dress the Peas

In a large bowl, toss the chopped peas with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing enhances their sweetness and adds a refreshing zing that plays beautifully against the creamy ricotta.

Step 5: Assemble Your Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe

Now the fun part. Spread a generous layer of your ricotta mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of those dressed chopped peas, then finish by garnishing with a split sugar snap pea, a few torn mint leaves, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Each bite is packed with texture and layers of flavor that will have you coming back for more.

Step 6: Enjoy and Share the Joke

Don’t forget to smile and say the name out loud – the “ricotta pea kidding me” joke is half the fun! This dish is as playful as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with friends and family who appreciate a clever pun and a fresh appetizer.

How to Serve Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are key to leveling up this recipe. Torn mint leaves add a burst of cooling herbaceousness, flaky salt brings texture and pops of saltiness, and those split snap peas provide a delightful crunch. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a dash of chili flakes for a sweet-spicy twist that won’t go unnoticed.

Side Dishes

Pair these crostini with light, fresh sides that complement their bright personality. A crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, chilled cucumber slices with dill, or a bowl of marinated olives all play wonderfully alongside. These all keep things refreshing and balanced for a lovely snack spread or appetizer course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange your Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe on a large wooden board, interspersed with small bowls of extra mint, lemon wedges, and even a little jar of honey. You can also serve the ricotta spread and dressed peas separately for a build-your-own-crostini station—guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store the ricotta spread and dressed peas in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted baguette slices in a dry container or bag to maintain their crunch. Assemble right before serving again to enjoy that perfect texture.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. Toasted bread tends to get soggy when thawed, and the fresh peas lose their crispness. Save this recipe for whenever you want a vibrant, fresh treat to shine on your table!

Reheating

If you want to re-toast leftover baguette slices, a quick 5-minute refresh in a hot oven or toaster oven does wonders. Avoid heating the ricotta or peas; just spoon them cold onto your warmed bread for the best flavor and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen snap peas for this recipe?

Fresh sugar snap peas are definitely preferred for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen peas that have been thawed and drained can work—though the texture will be softer and less crunchy.

Is ricotta the only cheese option?

Ricotta is ideal because of its creamy mildness that contrasts with the crunchy peas. However, you can experiment with cottage cheese or a smooth goat cheese if you want a tangier or slightly different flavor profile.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

You can easily make a vegan version by swapping the ricotta with a plant-based cheese spread or homemade cashew cream. Just be sure the crostini are brushed with olive oil rather than butter.

How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?

Toast the baguette slices well and add the ricotta and peas just before serving. This keeps the bread crisp and the textures deliciously distinct—no soggy bites here!

Can I prepare the ricotta mixture in advance?

Absolutely! The ricotta mixture can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the crostini for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve discovered this bright, crunchy, creamy delight, I can’t recommend enough that you try the Snap Pea Crostini: Ricotta Pea Kidding Me! Recipe as soon as possible. It’s a crowd-pleaser with personality, an easy recipe that looks stunning, and a fresh celebration of spring flavors. Bring it to your next gathering or enjoy as a special treat—you’re going to love every bite and the smiles that come with it.