Ingredients
Garlic Toasts
- 1 French baguette (regular or gluten-free), cut on the diagonal into ½-inch slices
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large garlic clove, halved
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 ½ cups fresh whole milk ricotta cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons whole milk, cream or half and half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Fresh herbs, honey, crushed red pepper, roasted cherry tomatoes, or any toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Toasts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toast in the oven until golden and crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Rub with Garlic: As soon as the toasts come out of the oven and while still hot, gently rub each slice with the cut side of the halved garlic clove. This infuses the toasts with a fresh garlic flavor.
- Whip the Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of milk, cream, or half and half. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture until light, airy, and smooth. Add more milk or cream if needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous dollop of whipped ricotta onto each garlic toast. Top with your choice of toppings such as fresh herbs, a drizzle of honey, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately while the toasts are still crisp.
Notes
- Use room temperature ricotta for best whipping results.
- Adjust the amount of cream or milk to get the desired creamy consistency.
- For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free baguette.
- Experiment with toppings to customize your crostini, such as lemon zest, pesto, or smoked paprika.
- Serve crostini fresh to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
