Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Roasted Tomatoes
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Bread and Garnish
- 6 slices country French bread
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (stems removed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Whipped Ricotta: Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat a toaster oven or conventional oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss with your hands to coat the tomatoes well. Roast for about 10 minutes or until the skins blister and tomatoes begin to pop. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Toast the Bread: Place the slices of country French bread on the same baking sheet and toast them in the oven until crisp and golden. Once toasted, rub the top of each slice with a garlic clove to infuse flavor.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spoon a few dollops of the whipped ricotta mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Top evenly with the roasted tomatoes. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over each crostini and season with extra ground black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and kosher salt if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh thyme leaves only, removing stems for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a tangier ricotta mixture, add a teaspoon of lemon zest before whipping.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve these crostini as an appetizer or light snack alongside a crisp salad or cured meats.
- Leftover whipped ricotta can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian