EASY RICOTTA CROSTINI WITH ROASTED GRAPES AND HONEY

Sweet and savory Ricotta Crostini with Roasted Grapes and Honey are the perfect easy bite sized appetizer. Containing just 5 ingredients, they're ready to go in minutes - and look and taste delicious.

You know that moment where you invite people over and then go completely blank on what food you could serve? That exact moment is when you need this easy Ricotta appetizer up your sleeve.

Crunchy crostini are spread with creamy ricotta cheese and then topped with roasted grapes and just a drizzle of honey.

The added bonus to making this appetizer is the grapes smell amazing as they roast! The cooking also really intensifies their aroma and flavor.

Why You Should Make These Ricotta & Grape Crostini

• These simple ricotta and grape canapes can be made and ready to enjoy in 30 minutes.

• They're a stylish starter for any dinner party, but can be easily doubled or trebled to serve a crowd as a party canapé.

• This great appetizer needs just 5 ingredients with just a touch of seasoning. So they couldn't be easier to pull together.

• Love crostini? Then why not try Steak Crostini with Horseradish, Tomato and Ricotta Crostini, Cranberry Goats Cheese Toasts or Burrata Toast with Hot Honey.

What is a Crostini?

Crostini, meaning little toasts, are a simple Italian appetizer or canape. Small slices of grilled or toasted bread are topped with meats, cheese, fruits or vegetables. Or most often, a combination of toppings. I love making these since they're so versatile and more importantly - everyone loves them.

What is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta is an Italian soft curd style cheese that was created in Italy to use up the whey byproduct in the cheese making process. It is made using only milk and is therefore lower in fat and lighter than either mascarpone or cream cheese, which are made using cream and milk.

What does Ricotta pair well with?

It's become a very fashionable ingredient and you can see it loads of sweet and savory recipes. Its super versatile and can be used at breakfast, dinner, in desserts and of course appetizers. You will often see it with lemon, chocolate, fruit, tomatoes, pasta, bread and not forgetting crackers!

What is the difference between a crostini and a bruschetta?

Bruschetta is also an Italian appetizer, where larger slices of bread, something like a focaccia or sourdough style of bread, is roasted or grilled, often over coals to give it a charred flavor. These rustic style toasts are then served topped with meats, cheese, vegetables, a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar.

Crostini are an altogether smaller and more dainty affair. The toasts are made with a smaller more compact bread, something like a white baguette. However, they are topped in much the same way as bruschetta.

Can you make this Crostini Recipe in advance?

Want to get ahead - no problem! You can make this in stages by making the toasts in advance and storing them in an airtight container. You can also roast the grapes in advance then assemble crostini when you need them.

Are crostini served hot or cold?

Crostini can be enjoyed both hot or cold. But don't put the toasts into the fridge as they can become soggy. These Roasted Grape Crostini are best served warm or at room temperature.

How to Make Roasted Grape Crostini:

Find the full printable recipe card below

Slice up a small baguette, brush with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile roast the grapes with olive oil and sea salt until they are just starting to burst.

Season the ricotta well with sea salt and spread on the cooled toasts.

Top with the roasted grapes and a drizzle of honey. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve.

Variations of Ricotta & Roasted Grape Crostini:

When it comes to Ricotta Crostini there are endless possibilities!

Make them whipped ricotta by whipping some Olive Oil and Malden Sea Salt into the mixture.

With a few simple ingredients you can mix things up - try adding some lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper or herbs into the cheese (fresh rosemary, fresh thyme leaves and parsley all work well.) Pine nuts or sunflower seeds add some nice crunch too.

If you don't have Ricotta, any soft cheese could be used as a substitute. Cream cheese and goat cheese are both delicious here too. Just make sure they're room temperature so they spread properly.

I have used a french baguette but you could also use focaccia or another crusty white bread to make the crostini. .

A drizzle of honey or maple syrup finishes these simple roasted grape and ricotta toasts. You could also add some extra virgin olive oil or a dash of balsamic vinegar.

Tips and Tricks

When making the crostini, take care and check them often as they are toasting. They should be golden brown in color. You don't want them under-toasted or burnt.

Allow the toasts to cool completely on a wire rack before you top them. This will help the toasts to crisp up and stop the crostini going soggy.

Be generous with your toppings, there's nothing worse than a stingy smear!

All ricotta is not made equal. Always buy fresh ricotta if you can and get the best you can afford. It really makes a difference when you're making such a simple dish.

Make sure you season the ricotta cheese with salt and taste it before spreading on the toasts. Proper seasoning makes all the difference.

Arrange the roasted grape and ricotta toasts out onto a large wooden board or serving platter. That way your guests can help themselves. I usually allow for 4-6 canapés per person.

How to Serve

These easy Ricotta Crostini are perfect served alone or with other appetizers at a gathering.

For more party appetizer ideas why not try my Easy Shrimp Appetizers with Dipping Sauces my Prosciutto and Burrata Salad or my Homemade Sausage Rolls. These can easily be doubled up to feed a crowd.

If you love serving dips these are some favorites: Easy Harissa Hummus, Baked Feta Cheese Dip and Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip.

Can you Freeze Crostini

You can make and freeze the toast portion of this appetizer.

First bake and completely cool the toasts on a rack and then store in an airtight container. They will freeze for up to 3 months.

Make sure you thoroughly defrost at room then 'refresh' the toasts in a 375ºF/170ºC oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

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Printable Recipe

This recipe was shared with the #cookblogshare community, this week kindly hosted by Karen at Lavenderandlovage.com