Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini Recipe

Introduction

These Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini offer a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly savory flavors. Crispy baguette slices topped with warm caramelized apples and smooth ricotta make for an elegant appetizer or snack. They are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Honey, for drizzling
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the slices are golden and crispy.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, season the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
6. Step 6: Spread a generous layer of ricotta on each crostini slice. Top with the warm caramelized apples.
7. Step 7: Drizzle honey over the top for added sweetness.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately to enjoy the crostini while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast against the sweetness of the caramelized sugar.
• Swap ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer texture.
• For a crunchy element, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top before serving.
• If you prefer a vegan version, use plant-based butter and ricotta alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover caramelized apples and toasted baguette slices separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the apples in a skillet over low heat and toast the baguette slices briefly in the oven. Assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for the crostini?

Yes, other crusty breads like sourdough or rustic Italian bread work well as substitutes. Just slice them to about 1/2-inch thickness and toast similarly.

Is this recipe suitable for entertaining a crowd?

Absolutely. The crostini can be prepared in advance by caramelizing the apples and toasting the bread separately, then assembled quickly before serving for a hassle-free appetizer.

Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

These Caramelized Apple & Ricotta Crostini are a delightful appetizer combining crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy, lightly seasoned ricotta cheese and sweet, tender caramelized apples. Finished with a drizzle of honey and fragrant fresh herbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors in every bite.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 crostini 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Caramelized Apples

• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cheese & Toppings

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Honey, for drizzling
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
2. Prepare the Crostini: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Caramelize the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon onto the apples, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the apples become tender and caramelized, releasing a delicious sweetness.
5. Prepare the Ricotta: In a small bowl, season the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the seasoned ricotta cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of the warm caramelized apples.
7. Drizzle with Honey: Add a light drizzle of honey over the apple and ricotta topping to enhance the sweetness and add moisture.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary leaves over the crostini for an aromatic and colorful finish.
9. Serve Immediately: Serve these crostini while still warm to enjoy the contrast of crisp bread, creamy ricotta, and warm apples at their best.

Notes

• Choose tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
• Brushing the baguette slices with olive oil before baking ensures even browning and crispiness.
• You can substitute fresh herbs based on preference or omit for a simple sweet appetizer.
• For a vegan version, replace ricotta cheese with almond or cashew-based cheese alternatives and use vegan butter.
• Serve these crostini as an appetizer for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet-savory snack anytime.

Keywords: caramelized apple crostini, ricotta cheese appetizer, easy crostini recipe, fall appetizers, sweet and savory crostini